In the face of rising costs, a growing shortage of personnel and an increased focus on sustainability, meat processing companies are on the search for production lines, which offer added value and also open up the potential for savings. The MULTIVAC Group will be showing at this year’s IFFA in Frankfurt, how sliced products can be processed efficiently and cost-effectively with line solutions in different output categories. Among the exhibits on display will be a high-output slicing line for processing raw ham products, as well as a very flexible slicing line, which was specially developed for standard diameter products.
High-output slicing line for raw ham products: Leading simplicity and connectivity within the sector
One of the highlights on the exhibition stand will be a high-output slicing line for raw ham products, which is designed for outstanding efficiency. A new function of MULTIVAC Line Control (MLC), so-called “Uninterrupted product change”, enables operators to change seamlessly between different items during running operation – without having to interrupt production or run the line empty. This enables downtime to be reduced by up to 95 percent. At the same time, resources are used more efficiently, since product loss as well as the consumption of film, labels and energy are all minimised. All the modules in the line are automatically adjusted to the new item – from slicing through to feeding product to packaging and labelling machines, and right up to quality inspection. This minimises manual intervention, while also reducing the risk of errors. The simple operation of the whole line via the central MULTIVAC Line Control makes the change process transparent and intuitive, even for unskilled personnel. This line solution ensures that maximum process reliability is achieved, while also providing a consistently high pack quality. Production orders can be transmitted directly to the line, so that operating errors are minimised still further.
The line is particularly sustainable, for example with regard to the packaging material used (recyclable mono films). Thanks to the “Consumption monitoring” feature, the consumption of compressed air, coolant, energy and packaging material is captured throughout the entire line, and this can be evaluated in real time. This means that creeping over-consumption of resources can be detected at an early stage. Whereas traditionally for the slicing of products there is a freezing process with a high level of energy use, the strength of MULTIVAC’s slicer technology is on show here: Thanks to an optimised slicing unit, it is possible to slice very precisely at higher product temperatures. By spraying tiny amounts of vegetable oil as a food release spray between the slices, using the MULTIVAC Sustainable Liquid Interleaver, it is possible to dispense completely with the usual interleaving films.
Flexible slicing line for standard diameter products: Increases efficiency, reduces costs
When it comes to slicing standard diameter products and packaging them in thermoformed packs, MULTIVAC will be presenting a very flexible and particularly efficient line, which is designed to meet the highest quality requirements. The slicer offers first-class slicing quality, even without blast freezing the crust – and therefore significant energy savings. One of the main features of the line is its industry-leading simplicity in terms of operation, cleaning and maintenance. Tailored technically to its core functions, this compact line solution for standard diameter products, such as salami or cooked sausage, delivers high output on a small footprint.