MULTIVAC is expanding its product range in the new X-line machine generation. Following the introduction of the RX 4.0 thermoforming packaging machine, the new TX 710 tray sealer has just been released. The features of this latest development are a robust machine concept and an intelligent control system, which together provide the maximum flexibility, out-put and reliability. Digitalization is a fundamental component for MULTIVAC in the development of new products, and it is incorporated into all packaging solutions.

The TX 710 tray sealer, which is both versatile and compact, has the same features as the RX 4.0 and is suitable for packing a wide variety of products thanks to its many design possibilities. The spectrum of products that can ranges from fruit and vegetables through to meat, sausage, fish, poultry, and dairy products and right up to ready meals of all types.

The high output of the TX 710 is a result of the interaction between an intelligent machine control and a mechanical construction that is both robust and space-saving. The output with air packs is up to 25 cycles per minute, while with modified atmosphere packs it is up to 18 cycles/min and with MultiFresh packs up to 10 cycles/min. The machine's comprehensive sensor system is crucial for the rapid and precise process sequences with MAP and MultiFresh applications.

As part of the tray sealer's intelligent machine control, one of the functions of its multi sensor control is to determine the switching times of the various control circuits and compensate for these where required by triggering early starts of the subsequent processes. Another component of the intelligent machine control, the flow manager function, monitors the powerful servo drives and is able to overlay consecutive movements with great precision and process reliability. This ensures that the maximum cycle output and highest possible level of operating stability are always achieved.

The flow manager ensures that the time sequences for the entire packaging procedure, from the infeed to the discharge of the packs, are automatically synchronized with each other. This creates a dynamic process, which is very gentle on the product and provides an extremely even product flow. If the product flow deviates from the target value, it is automatically adjusted by the Flow Manager. Excessive vacuum times or a drop in the sealing pres-sure for example are automatically detected by the Multi Sensor Control, which initiates the appropriate measures or if necessary stops the machine. This ensures that pack quality is always maintained at the optimum level.

The new die concept, X-tools, is a further guarantee of a consistently high pack quality. Thanks to the even distribution of sealing forces over every tray, a uniform and reliable packaging result is always achieved. RFID technology is used to assist in a smooth and trouble-free die change, and this ensures that the TX 710 always has a high level of machine availability. The X-tools increase operating reliability and machine availability significantly, particularly where customers are running different tray formats and therefore have to perform many die changes.

The Multi-Touch machine control with its new HMI 3 user interface also makes a major contribution to the machine's high level of operating reliability and outstanding user communication.

MULTIVAC is a leading providers of packaging solutions for food products of all types, life science and healthcare products as well as industrial items. The MULTIVAC portfolio covers virtually all requirements of processors and producers in terms of pack design, output and resource efficiency. Further information can be found at: www.multivac.com.