Bosch Packaging Technology debuts the SVC 4020, the first machine in the company’s new hygienic and flexible vertical packaging machine platform. SVC 4020 is ideal for fresh and frozen food packaged in pillow bags, while subsequent machines in the platform will be available with additional pack styles to handle a wide variety of free-flowing dry, wet, and frozen food products. Bosch designed the SVC with simplicity, versatility and cleanability in mind, focusing on hygienic design to help manufacturers meet diverse food handling regulations.
Composed of a stainless-steel frame, the SVC offers manufacturers a streamlined design for clutter-free workspaces, simplifying operations. Its electric cabinet has been incorporated within the machine frame to reduce the number and length of cords and cables. Quick and tool-less format changeovers reduce downtime. The SVC is easy to operate via an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) to reduce training time and improve productivity.
The SVC packages practically any free-flowing product and reacts quickly to changing end-user demands. Products can range from sensitive dry infant powders to nuts, confectionery products, mixed salads, cheese, protein, frozen food, as well as many other products. The platform technology accommodates multiple bag styles, including pillow, side gusseted, stand-up, corner seal and doy, with various reclose and easy-opening features in different sizes up to 400 millimeters. Manufacturers can also choose their desired sealing technology, including poly heat seal (PHS), heat seal (HS), and ultrasonic.
The SVC has been designed to simplify cleaning, as well as to offer a wide range of hygienic features to meet specific customer requirements. Its dry cleaning configuration allows for basic wiping when packaging most dry foods and powders. For wet cleaning, the SVC can be wiped down with simple cleaning agents. In case product-specific characteristics require more intense cleaning procedures with foam cleaning agents, the SVC is available in a washdown configuration. Additional hygienic features include sloped stainless-steel surfaces ensuring proper drainage and preventing food residue. The elimination of holes and slots as well as the reduced amount of cables further supports a hygienic environment. Options for increased hygiene levels also include upgraded components, such as stainless-steel film rollers and improved hygienic forming sets that offer higher protection.
The SVC’s film input is designed ergonomically, sloping at 45 degrees providing the operator optimum access and enhanced speed for threading and splicing in new film. There are fewer rollers compared to previous generations of packaging equipment, increasing bag-per-minute speeds. Total Preventive Maintenance (TPM) has been incorporated in the basic design philosophy, so producers are reassured that production will continuously run at its highest efficiency.
