MFT Tray Former 500

TRAY FORMING PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Unique Solutions for Common Packaging Challenges

Smart Automation. Faster Changeovers. Better Results.
Meet the Next-Generation MFT Tray Former 500.

The MFT Tray Former 500 is designed to keep production lines running smoothly by combining speed, reliability, and efficiency in one compact system. Its thoughtful engineering reduces complexity on the floor, making it easier for operators to keep lines moving and costs down.

Whether used as a standalone solution or as part of a fully automated packaging line, the new MFT Tray Former delivers consistent results that scale with your business and increase ROI.

Request Product Data

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

timer-Icon-mft

Faster
Changeovers

Switch between products quickly with toolless dies and rams. No tools required and no downtime for cooling.

gears-icon-mft

Less Maintenance,
More Uptime

Drawer-style access to both the die holder and gluer keeps service simple and fast, so your line stays running.

arrows-icon-mft

Space-Saving
Design

A compact footprint allows the Tray Former to fit seamlessly into crowded production floors or existing lines.

sliders-icon-mft

Simpler
Operation

Straightforward controls and a simple design make the machine easy to learn, run, and maintain.

checkmark-icon-mft

Reliable, Long-Term
Performance

Built with a welded steel frame and servo-driven precision for consistent operation shift after shift.

SEE THE MFT TRAY FORMER 500 IN ACTION

The MFT Tray Former 500 Scales With Your Automation Needs

Integrate with MFT feeders, robotics, and conveyors for a complete packaging line. With advanced safety features and precise counting sensors, it ensures safe, repeatable, and accurate tray forming every time.

Robotic Integration

Robot square box_ Homepage
View Robotics Integration

Hygienic Equipment

hcp 2
View Hygienic Equipment

All Friction Feeders

250-ip3-HCP-XED-2_0__
View All Friction Feeders

Looking for spare parts?

Current customers get access to our online store, the Parts Portal, for convenient and fast online ordering of spare parts and accessories.

Register Today!

WANT A MORE EFFICIENT AUTOMATION PROCESS?

Talk with one of our automation equipment experts

GET IN TOUCH

Sustainability in Printing & Packaging: Meeting Market Demand Without Compromise

by MFT Automation

Sustainability has moved from a nice-to-have to a non-negotiable in today’s packaging industry. Brands are under growing pressure from consumers, regulators, and their own environmental commitments to reduce waste, lower emissions, and choose eco-friendly materials. The challenge? Meeting these sustainability goals without sacrificing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or quality. 

That’s where we aim to provide expert insights and resources for you: the modern manufacturer. We design automated packaging equipment and automatic label machines that support greener practices while keeping production running at peak performance.

Circular Manufacturing: Closing the Loop

At the heart of sustainable production is circular manufacturing–a model that keeps materials and products in use for as long as possible. Instead of the traditional “take, make, dispose” approach, circular systems aim to design out waste, extend equipment lifespan, and reuse materials wherever possible. MFT Automation supports circular manufacturing by:

  • Designing for Durability: We engineer machines to withstand long production cycles, reducing the frequency of replacement.
  • Refurbishing and Recertifying Equipment: Extending the life of our own machinery and helping you buy high-quality used systems at a lower cost.
  • Precision Automation: We manufacture automatic label application and feeding systems that minimize misprints, material waste, and downtime.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials

Switching to biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials is a key step toward sustainability. But these materials can behave differently than traditional substrates–making accuracy and control in production lines more important than ever. When you incorporate eco-friendly packaging components, you need a solution that offers maximum control and precision. MFT’s product labeling machines and feeding systems are engineered to:

  • Handle delicate, flexible, or thinner eco-materials without damage.
  • Apply labels with precision and consistently, reducing wasted product and rework.
  • Integrate seamlessly into existing lines so manufacturers can make sustainable changes without disrupting production.

The Role of Automation in Sustainability

Automation, by design, maximizes efficiency, consistency, and control–making it a powerful driver of sustainable production. Compared to traditional machinery, automated solutions deliver greater accountability, repeatability, and real-time data visibility. MFT systems are engineered with intuitive operator interfaces and advanced monitoring capabilities, providing insights into processes, software performance, bottlenecks, and errors. This combination of precision and intelligence supports you in meeting your production targets while advancing sustainability goals through:

  • Less Waste: Precision-driven systems cut down on misprints, over-labeling, and defective packaging.
  • Energy Efficiency: Modern automated packaging equipment often consumes less energy than older manual or semi-automatic systems.
  • Data Tracking: Integration with vision inspection and track-and-trace systems allows for better monitoring of materials and waste output–informing continuous improvements.

Meeting the Demand for Responsible Packaging

Consumer awareness around packaging waste is at an all-time high and regulations are increasing worldwide. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing opportunities to those prioritizing sustainable innovation. By combining automatic systems, refurbished equipment programs, and expertise in working with sustainable materials, MFT Automation helps you meet new environmental commitments without compromising quality or efficiency.

Looking to make your packaging operations more sustainable?

Let’s build a system that’s good for the planet and your bottom line. Contact MFT Automation to learn how our automated packaging equipment and product labeling machines can support your evolving sustainability goals.

Scalable Automation Systems: Future-Proofing Printing & Packaging Operations

by MFT Automation

Companies face increasing pressure across industries to meet higher production demands while staying compliant with changing regulations. Especially in the world of printing and packaging, manufacturers need automation solutions that don’t just work today but can evolve as their businesses do. That’s where scalable automation solutions come in: improving performance, expanding capabilities, and evolving solutions to meet new problems.

The Challenge: Scaling Without Disrupting Production

For businesses in printing and packaging, growth can be a double-edged sword. Expanding product lines, increasing order volumes, and complying with new regulations require more efficient processes. But introducing new automation technology can introduce new challenges:

  • How do we upgrade without causing downtime?
  • Will the new system integrate with our existing workflow?
  • Can the system adapt as our needs change?

Many companies struggle with rigid, one-size-fits-all automation that can’t keep up with their evolving requirements. MFT Automation specializes in solving these challenges with scalable, modular systems designed for flexibility and growth.

The Solution: Adaptable, High-Performance Automation

MFT Automation’s industrial labeling machines, automated feeders, and print-and-apply labelers are built to handle complex, high-speed packaging operations. Our systems help businesses:

1. Solve Complex Printing & Packaging Problems

Automation is most valuable when it directly addresses industry challenges. MFT Automation designs solutions for:

  • Labeling: From game pieces and scratch-off labels to security labels like RFID and UPC barcodes, our industrial label machines ensure precision and consistency at high speeds.
  • Cutting & Placing: Our industrial paper cutters and automated placement systems streamline sheet handling for currency, paper, and specialty materials.
  • Feeding & Folding: Whether it’s booklets, envelopes, or direct mail, our friction feeders and modular components keep production moving smoothly.

2. Scale & Adapt as Your Business Grows

Static automation solutions become bottlenecks over time. MFT’s highly customizable approach to these systems allows businesses to:

  • Customize solutions to perfectly fit your specific packaging and printing processes.
  • Add or upgrade components as regulations shift and product lines expand.
  • Integrate seamlessly with existing production lines for minimal disruption.

3. Build Reliability into Every Stage of Production

At MFT Automation, we understand that automation isn’t just about machines—it’s about maintaining reliable production and strong partnerships. Our systems are designed for durability, and our team works closely with clients to engineer custom solutions and provide long-term support. We know that people are at the core of production, that’s why we prioritize training, service, and support for every system we engineer.

Future-Proofing Printing & Packaging with Scalable Automation

As industry demands grow, automation needs to be more than just a tool—it must be a strategic advantage. With MFT Automation’s adaptable systems, businesses in the printing and packaging industry can scale efficiently, stay compliant, and ensure seamless operations for years to come.

Curious how flexible automation might help solve your production problems? Contact MFT Automation today to find out how we can help optimize your production line with scalable, high-performance technology.

Flexible Automation for Food Production: Meeting Industry Demands with Scalable Solutions

by MFT Automation

The food packaging industry requires your operation to adjust to rapidly evolving trends and regulations, which are often driven by shifting consumer preferences for convenience and sustainability. It is also imperative that your facilities ensure a consistently sanitary environment. To keep pace, it is important to embrace automation that enhances efficiency, meets strict sanitation standards, and adapts to ever-changing production needs. At MFT Automation, we specialize in flexible automation solutions designed to streamline food packaging and optimize your production processes.

Why Flexibility is Key in Food Packaging Automation

Food production presents unique challenges: from handling different packaging formats to maintaining hygiene and compliance. Our flexible automation systems allow you as a food manufacturer to:

  • Increase Efficiency – Automated equipment in our washdown and hygienic line reduces manual labor, speeds up processes, and enhances overall productivity.
  • Maintain Sanitation Standards – Equipment built with passivated stainless steel and FDA-approved contact surfaces ensures compliance with food safety regulations.
  • Adapt to Market Demands – As consumer preferences shift, automation must support new packaging types, sustainable initiatives, and materials like wax paper, cardboard, and biodegradable plastics.

Hygienic Washdown Friction Feeders: Solutions for High-Performance Food Packaging

Designed for food producers who require reliable, washdown-ready automation, our Hygienic Washdown Friction Feeders ensure seamless food packaging with:

  • Minimal Contamination Points – Reduces downtime with a design that minimizes the need for disassembly and reassembly.
  • Easy Cleaning & Maintenance – Built with 304 passivated stainless steel, offering superior resistance to moisture and corrosion.
  • Sanitary Compliance – FDA-approved contact surfaces including feed belts, stripper wheels and discharge belts, and IP-certified components allow you to meet industry regulations.

Whether utilizing flow wrapping machines for snack packaging or food production machines for frozen goods, MFT’s custom automation solutions provide the flexibility you need to stay competitive.

Future-Proof Your Food Production with MFT Automation

Your food industry operation demands scalable, hygienic, and efficient automation to keep up with rising production needs. MFT Automation’s custom food packaging machines empower manufacturers to increase output, maintain safety standards, and adapt to evolving industry trends.

Ready to optimize your food packaging process? Contact MFT Automation today to discover how our solutions can enhance your production line.

Automation Scalability: Creating Your Perfect Automation System

by MFT Automation

In today’s rapidly changing manufacturing environment, businesses demand efficiency, flexibility, and growth-ready solutions, all while keeping the quality of your product. The challenge? Finding automation systems that not only meet your current needs but also evolve alongside your business. At MFT Automation, we specialize in designing custom automation packaging systems that scale—so you’re always on the cutting edge of your industry. Read more

Robotics Trends in the Packaging Industry

by Shane

The future is now! What was once thought to be science fiction is now happening right in packaging production lines around the world. With an increase in consumer demands and tightening budgets, packaging companies have turned to automation to save money and increase productivity and efficiency.  Lights out manufacturing, the idea of a factory with little to no humans and therefore no need for lights, seems to be within reach with the advancements in robotics and automation. Read more to learn about 3 robotics trends in the packaging industry. 

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning have been hot topics these past years with the rise of public-facing applications such as ChatGPT and AI assistants like Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. In robotics, AI is commonly used to process and analyze data from the robots’ sensors to adapt performance and more in real-time.  Machine Learning (ML) refers to the algorithms that learn from robotic data to make predictions and decisions. As the algorithm is exposed to more data, it makes more data-driven decisions. In packaging, there are hundreds of applications for AI-powered robots, from simple pick-and-place robots to automated quality control. In Pick-and-place applications, AI technologies use vision sensors to gather information and train the robot’s algorithms to detect and classify objects as well as understand the robot’s environment better. Allowing the robots to make inferences and complete the task faster. The sky is the limit with AI robotics as they are connected through the Internet of Things (IoT) and can not only utilize its own data, but also the data from the entire production floor. 

Cobots

Collaborative Robots or Cobots simply refer to robots that work alongside humans. There’s a huge increase in productivity and efficiency when humans work alongside robots as the robots complete difficult or tedious tasks while humans do the more complex tasks. Commonly pick and place robots and other robotic arms. In the past, humans working alongside robots was a safety concern as they were bigger, heavier, and moved faster than any human worker, the risk was just too great. Robots were guarded by cages that took up space on already densely packed production floors. Now, new advancements in sensors, AI, and programming have made it possible for robots to work side by side with humans safely. AI allows Cobots to respond to and learn human movements, making them safer while working next to humans. Cobots also include autonomous guided carts and vehicles that move around the warehouse.  

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Guided Carts (AGCs)

Alternatives to conveyor belts, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) and Automated Guided Carts (AGC) are autonomous robots, usually mobile, guided by software predefined routes. They can be as large as a forklift or as small as a wagon, allowing for a wide range of applications.  With new advancements in safety and AI, AGVs and AGCs are becoming more prevalent in warehouses for transporting materials, packages, pallets, and more. The AGVs and AGCs work side by side with humans with special safety sensors and programs to avoid collisions. Optical sensors trained with AI quickly identify obstacles, such as human workers, boxes, machines, and more to alter the AGCs path and avoid collisions. Using RFID and sensors stationed around the warehouse makes the AGVs and AGCs easy for workers and technicians to locate them. The real-time location data can be used to extrapolate productivity and efficiency statistics for managers to make data driven decisions for the production process. 

Your Robotics Integrator MFT Automation

MFT Automation is a proud Mitsubishi Electric Automation Diamond Solutions Partner. We integrate robotics into a variety of systems for complete packaging automation solutions. Ranging from simple pick-and-place applications to more complex packaging applications, we manufacture, design, and integrate systems for flexible and semi-rigid packaging. Specializing in 6-axis robotic arms, we work directly with customers to fit the robot to their application. Robots are available in ISO3 clean room, IP20, IP65, food grade, and chemical resistant versions. Payloads range from 1 kg to 20 kg with 150 mm to 1000 mm reaches. Contact us about your automation challenge! Call 1-651-427-1264 or contact us online.