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Oyster processor was the first to benefit; system has proved to have broad application for shellfish, produce, other products
December 19, 2013. Norwalk, CT. PDC International Corporation, a world leader in tamper-evident shrink sleeve packaging, has introduced a shrink banding system with a customized tooling and product handling package that makes it practical and efficient for a broad range of applications.
The PDC Model 75C-E Shrink bander is high-volume shrink sleeve technology adapted for the sleeving of fresh and frozen oysters, an application that is particularly challenging due to the inconsistent dimensions of the product. Like other PDC systems, it uses PDC's patented proprietary technology that positively handles sleeving material through feeding, cutting and application with exceptional consistency.
The PDC Model 75 applies shrink sleeves at up to 400 cpm, depending on sleeve dimensions. Banding material diameters range from .375 to 3.5"; and band heights range from .625 to 9" for tamper evident banding or full height shrink sleeving.
For sleeving oysters at 200 pm, PDC mounted the Model 75C-E Shrink Sealer over a 30 ft. long conveyor with 180 fixtures, each fixture consisting of four stainless steel pins, mounted to stainless plates, which are attached to the continuous motion conveyor.
Due to the variability of oyster dimensions, the shrink sleeve is applied into the empty fixture, oysters are then loaded manually into the sleeve held in the fixture.
The banded oysters are then processed by an in-line, dual zone shrink tunnel, also manufactured by PDC. This combination radiant and convection hot air tunnel, the PDC RAD/KRC 24-72-56, was specifically engineered for this application. The tunnel is mounted on a Power Auto Lift Tunnel Stand that automatically raises the tunnel, allowing the orderly pausing of the system and preventing the product from overheating if stationary under the tunnel.
The 75C-E is a robust shrink sealer that is well-suited to the special requirements of packaging fresh and highly perishable foods, particularly those with irregular shapes or inconsistent sizes. It was engineered for continuous operation, and is made in the USA. It has a touchscreen operator interface, static eliminator, and a comprehensive sensors and verification package. As with all PDC systems, it is manufactured using readily available components to minimize lifetime costs and eliminate unscheduled downtime. Its cutting blades are robust and long-lived. PDC does not use spinning knives, which dull quickly.
PDC Shrink Sealers are built to UL standards, and are compatible with standard and sustainable films, including PVC, PET, PETG, OPS and PLA films in gauges as thin as 40 micron, (1.5 mil), depending on the line speed and cap configuration. Test processing can be arranged at the PDC Development Lab, which has the ability to run and evaluate a broad range of films for package development and prototyping.
For more information, contact Gary Tantimonico, (203) 853-1516 or [email protected]. PDC International Corporation, Norwalk, CT.
