The Model 75C-E Shrink bander has been adapted for the sleeving of fresh and frozen oysters, an application that is challenging because of the inconsistent dimensions of the product.
The system applies shrink sleeves at up to 400 cpm, depending on sleeve dimensions. Banding material diameters range from .375- to 3.5-in.; and band heights range from .625- to 9-in. 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 USA-made 75C-E is engineered for continuous operation. It has a touchscreen operator interface, static eliminator, and a comprehensive sensors and verification package. Its cutting blades are robust and long-lived. PDC does not use spinning knives, which can dull quickly. The system is built to UL standards, and is 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.
