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The Multivac F 286 thermoform packaging machine was developed in response to current demand in the market for snack packs, such as those for beef jerky, small sausages, or cheese snacks. Packs can be made from plastic film or metalized materials. However, aluminum packs are generally preferred for these snack products, since they offer a longer shelf life due in part to their protection against UV light.
“Due to the worldwide demand for healthy snacks, we are expecting great interest in this model globally. The F 286 is aimed particularly at smaller and medium-sized businesses, which want to get into thermoform packaging for the first time, or to pack smaller batch sizes more greater flexibly,” explains Dominik Eberhard, team leader for product management (thermoforming packaging machines) at Multivac. “The machine is also designed for processors, who package their products today in film pouches on rotating filling and sealing machines. By moving to thermoformed packs, they can avoid high pouch costs, as well as increasing their labor efficiency.”
The F 286 was designed to produce thermoformed packs with a forming depth of up to 20 mm. With the optional upper web forming of 10 mm, replacing existing, symmetrically produced pouch packs is possible. Thanks to its loading area of up to 3,000 mm, which can be extended flexibly, it is possible to achieve high pack outputs, even with limited available floor space for packaging equipment. To further accommodate specific packaging requirements, the unloading area can be extended to integrate printing solutions or other equipment components, such as an inkjet printer or additional cutting unit.
The F 286 achieves a high output with up to 240 packs per min. Very high and uniform sealing forces, combined with a high-performance forming station, ensure that excellent pack results are achieved even with aluminum packs.
The machine is constructed in the Multivac hygienic design, and it offers easy access for cleaning and maintenance. Various equipment options enable the machine to be designed to the customer’s individual requirements as regards output capability and the required printing or labeling process.
“All in all, we see the F 286 as a very efficient extension to our product range. It is an ideal solution for smaller and medium-sized businesses, particularly in those areas where pouches and small aluminum packs are being used today,” says Dominik Eberhard. “Aluminum is also an outstanding material when it comes to shelf life, enabling food waste through spoilage to be reduced significantly.”
