Ultrasonic sealing: coffee capsules and flexibles

Ultrasonic sealing technology is what Herrmann Ultrasonics is all about, and at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2019 two areas the firm highlighted were coffee capsules and longitudinal seals on bags and pouches.

Ultrasonic sealing lends itself to packaging of ground coffee capsules.
Ultrasonic sealing lends itself to packaging of ground coffee capsules.

Packaging ground coffee in capsules includes a number of production steps that make ultrasonic sealing technology an attractive choice, says Herrmann Ultrasonics. First, the sealing tools do not heat up, making ultrasonic technology gentle on the packaging material and easy on the product itself. Second, foil can be cut out and ultrasonically sealed onto coffee capsules in a single step at one workstation with the combination of ultrasonic sealing and a cutting unit for capsule lids. The single-step process reduces the overall footprint of the machinery.

Even if there is residual coffee in the sealing area, the ultrasonic technology still produces a tight and firm seal. The coffee is driven out of the sealing area before actual sealing occurs by mechanical ultrasonic vibrations. The whole process is accomplished in an average of 200 milliseconds, enabling an output of up to 1500 capsules/min.

Meanwhile, over on the flexible packaging side of the scene, Herrmann has completely reworked its module LSM Fin forcontinual longitudinal seals and chained bagson both vertical and horizontal f/f/s systems, making it compact, easy to integrate,andIP 65 washdown-rated.The longitudinal seal module LSM Fin delivers high sealing speeds thanks to its long exposure area and does not require synchronization with the film feed as would be the case with rotating solutions. When sealing at the fin, speeds of up to 120 m/min can be achieved. The anvil can be easily removed using a quick release system. Different contours are available and parallel seals are also possible. The sealing blade is easy to replace, while the parameter settings are retained.

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Editors report on distinguishing characteristics that define each new product and collected video demonstrating the equipment or materials as displayed at the show. This topical report, winnowed from nearly 300 PACK EXPO collective booth visits, represents a categorized, organized account of individual items that were selected based on whether they were deemed to be both new, and truly innovative, based on decades of combined editorial experience in experiencing and evaluating PACK EXPO products.
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