Every three years, the Interpack show in Düsseldorf is the perfect venue for packaging equipment OEMs to launch innovative new products, and Spanish-based ULMA Packaging is taking the opportunity to introduce new solutions.
One of these is the TFX, a new range of thermoforming machines for food packaging that combines efficiency improvements, compatibility with recyclable materials, and production monitoring on a single platform.
On the performance side, movement synchronization reportedly lifts productivity by up to 10%, while a redesigned vacuum system cuts cycle time by up to 20%. On a high-volume food line running multiple shifts, this is a major improvement.
Reducing changeover times is also addressed. Touchscreen-controlled tray-height adjustment, automatic film and label roll changeovers, and quick-release longitudinal cutting systems all aim to reduce downtime. The more interesting addition is an RFID verification system that automatically identifies molds and cutting tools against the selected format and recipe, reducing setup errors rather than just setup time.
The sustainability credentials center on two proprietary technologies: Better Form X, which enables thinner base films without sacrificing pack rigidity, and Better Seal X, which handles the sealing of recyclable and eco-friendly materials. Both are positioned as responses to the growing regulatory and customer pressure on packaging material reduction and recyclability.
On the digital side, centralized recipe management enables automatic adjustment of machine settings based on production orders, with monitoring tools tracking consumption of film, electricity, compressed air, and gas by shift or batch. Each production run generates a PDF report, a straightforward yet practical addition for manufacturers needing audit trails or benchmarking resource use.
Read more about the new ULMA TFX thermoformers here.
If you plan to attend Interpack, you’ll find ULMA at Hall 5, Stand 5C23
