Automated Food Interleaver

MFT Automated Food Interleaver

Washdown Interleaver System

Separating Stacks of Food Products

The MFT Automated Food Interleaver places sheets of paper, film, or foil under food products (underleaving), including burgers patties, deli meat, bacon, tortillas, cookies, pasta, and other food products. The sheets of material prevent the stacked food products from sticking together in their packaging. The Food Interleaver features a high-speed blade that cuts material precisely before it is delivered onto the conveyor belt, intersecting with the food product traveling on the conveyor. The Automated Food Interleaver can run two rolls of material for two lines of products and double the productivity. Compact and designed to integrate into existing production lines or new production lines seamlessly. Featuring a Washdown design, the MFT Automated Food Interleaver can be washed with harsh chemicals and water without compromising the internal components. It is ideal for sanitary environments, such as food packaging, where the equipment must be consistently and aggressively cleaned.

Hygienic Washdown Friction Feeder 600

Automated Food Interleaver

Our systems are highly customizable to match your application. Submit your current automation challenge and we’ll work with you to create a system that fits your specific needs.

PRODUCT VIDEO

Our Washdown and Hygienic Washdown line of equipment has tons of applications. See our food packaging equipment in action!

Want to see how your product feeds? Request a video demo and send us a sample of your product.

COMMON APPLICATIONS

Below are a few examples of common applications used with the Automated Food Interleaver. Our
machines all have a wide variety of applications, so please reach out if you have a question
regarding your specific application and we will find the right solution for you!

Interleaving Sausage Patties

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Cheese Slices

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Deli Meat

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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.

WANT A MORE EFFICIENT AUTOMATION PROCESS?

Talk with one of our automation equipment experts

Everything You Need to Know About Industry 5.0

by Shane

Since the beginning of humanity, humans have been adapting and innovating technology to create a better quality of life. From the steam engine to complex robotic assembly lines, humans have constantly pushed toward a more productive future. These technological advancements are marked in history as the Industrial Revolutions. The original industrial revolution refers to the time of momentous change from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy.

Since then, there have been three more “Industrial Revolutions” all with important technological advancements that launched humanity forward. Currently, there is debate on if we are in the midst of a Fifth Industrial Revolution. But to understand the Fifth Industrial Revolution also known as Industry 5.0, one must also understand the previous eras of development that heavily contributed to the creation of Industry 5.0.  

The Industrial Revolutions

The first industrial revolution refers to the era of change in the 1700s from an agricultural and handicraft economy and society into the industrial and machine manufacturing-dominated society we know today. The Industrial Revolution started in Britain with the invention of the steam-powered engine which propelled industries into unprecedented productivity levels as factories went from relying on hand production to machines. It also revolutionized transportation, from steamboats to steam-powered trains. People (and their ideas), animals, and products were able to move farther and faster than ever before. 

 

The Second Industrial Revolution was built on the engineering achievements of the First Industrial Revolution and many experts find an overlap of technology between the two eras. Mass production was in full swing with engineers and business owners looking for more innovative ways to make and sell as many products as possible. Technological advances such as electricity and the invention of the assembly line process skyrocketed factory efficiencies and productivity. The assembly line was the start of automation in manufacturing. Product prices dropped with the cost of labor, making more products, ranging from cars to clothing, more accessible to the average consumer. The Second Industrial Revolution ended with the beginning of  World War I in 1914.

The Third Industrial Revolution is also known as the Digital Revolution and refers to the shift from analog to digital electronics. In manufacturing, the Third Industrial Revolution introduced programming for machines that allowed the further automation of the process with less even human interaction. The invention of the Personal Computer and the Internet laid the groundwork for our strong connectivity between devices. Advancements in computers and machines also meant data collection and analysis that led to data-driven decisions to increase factory production productivity.

Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution encapsulates the most recent era of technological advancements in manufacturing. Building off of the developments of the Digital Revolution, Industry 4.0 strives for total automation through advanced engineering, robotics, connectivity, and data analytics. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed many slow Industry 4.0 adopters to upgrade their systems and processes as companies were forced to adapt to supply chain issues, worker shortages, and increased consumer demand. 

Many trends and new developments in Industry 4.0 contribute to the full automation of processes in a factory. Recent developments in robotics that made robots more accessible as they are cheaper to produce and to buy and integrate into production lines. Robots’ integrated sensors contribute to the increased accuracy and precision that allows more complex applications. The sensors are connected to a larger network that helps communicate and coordinate the rest of the automation system and technicians.

The productivity of an automation system is dependent on all the parts working together simultaneously and technicians who can stop a problem before it starts. Connecting all the moving parts of the system has never been easier. The Internet, bluetooth, cloud computing, and other wireless connections created a whole new level of connectivity, communication, and decentralized systems. Now, a network of machines, sensors, and other devices that communicate with computers over the internet creates an efficient automation system that technicians can observe and correct from anywhere. 

IoT is not only used for communication but also for data collection. The data collected and analyzed gives powerful insights into the production lines to identify bottlenecks and other hazards impeding a production line’s full potential. Big Data is transforming companies and supply chains. From consumer data to production data all are brought together for companies to make better data-driven decisions. As technology evolves and the types of data that can be collected expands companies and stakeholders can expect to be more confident in their decisions.

On the horizon: Industry 5.0

Engineers are forward thinkers looking for the next thing so it is no surprise that some experts argue that Industry 4.0 is starting to become a thing of the past and Industry 5.0 is starting to take shape. Much like the overlap between the first and second industrial revolutions, Industry 5.0 builds on Industry 4.0. While Industry 4.0 focused on creating the most efficient and productive automated manufacturing process, Industry 5.0 looks to add a human element back into the process. Industry 5.0 looks to merge the potential accuracy of full automation and the problem-solving skills and creativity of human workers. The emerging trends of Industry 5.0 include Machine Assisted human collaboration, artificial intelligence, and sustainability.

Machine-Assisted Human Collaboration – Cobots

Human touch or the human element of manufacturing is much more difficult to eliminate than once thought. According to the International Federation of Robotics, only 10% of jobs will be fully automated. It is more likely that robots will work alongside human workers, the Robots being known as cobots. Cobots are not designed to replace the human workforce but to take over dull, repetitive, and dangerous tasks. The number of cobot installs doubled from 2017 to 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic pushed companies to find ways to battle the worker shortage and social distancing measures. 

Artificial Intelligence 

The next Industry 5.0 evolution of data analytics is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Creating systems that combine human and machine intelligence. New advancements in Artificial Intelligence have been making headlines, from ChatGPT to Deepfakes, A.I. has become powerful enough to enter the mainstream. In manufacturing, A.I. is used to optimize and streamline production processes. Algorithms are able to analyze trends in data and forecast with higher accuracy. It was found that applying AI-driven forecasting to supply chain management reduced errors by 20%-50%. AI won’t completely replace humans in most functions as it still needs to be trained and often the analytical results still need human interpretation. AI is meant to help support humans, lessening human cognitive labor so humans can focus on more complex and creative problem-solving.

Sustainability

The conversation about climate change has led to more environmentally conscious consumers that are looking to support more sustainable companies. These companies are also becoming more aware of the finite nature of many resources and are looking for ways to make their company more sustainable in the long run. With governments, consumers, and now data pointing to the need for a more sustainable strategy, Industry 5.0 companies are taking responsibility and engaging in more sustainable practices to reduce or minimize their environmental damage. The goal is to be a net positive force in fighting climate change rather than stagnate or maintain the bare level of sustainability.

Your Industry 5.0 Partner

MFT Automation has over 25 years of experience in the Automation Industry as a leader in high-performance system solutions and integration. Our team features forward thinkers and innovators looking to help companies reach Industry 5.0. Our success is made possible by our engineering-oriented and customer-driven approach to finding the best automation solution for a customer’s application. With an expansive catalog of standard robust equipment that can easily be integrated into existing production lines or its own stand-alone solution. We focus on tailoring the solution to the application and not the other way around.

MFT Automation has an abundance of in-house resources that include Mechanical, Electrical, and Software engineers, and a machine shop with modern CNC and lathe machine tools. Our connections and partnerships allow for limitless opportunities and resources to create the perfect system. We work with customers from the first solution draft to integration to installation and training. Contact us with your latest labeling automation challenge, online or call us at 1-651-427-1255.

 

How to Automate your UPC Labeling and Tracking Process

by Shane

Keeping track of inventory is one of the top priorities of internal operations for any business. A common way stores and companies track inventory is with barcodes which can be scanned to identify the product and its price. With barcode labels, products can be tracked from production to the point of sale, or even to contact a customer if there is a major recall on the product. There are two major types of barcodes used in the world.

Universal Product Codes (UPC)

Universal Product Code (UPC) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to a product or item by the Global Standards Organization (GS1). The GS1 manages global barcode standards, as companies cannot create their own UPC numbers. UPCs are widely known as the primary way businesses track inventory. The basis for UPCs was created by a group of trade associations from the grocery industry to increase efficiency while stocking shelves and decreasing check-out times at their grocery stores. Now, each industry dictates its own requirements for the UPCs. Though not legally required, UPCs are usually necessary to sell through traditional retailers and online marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and more.

UPCs are made up of a country code number (the code for USA and Canada is zero (0)), a company number code, and a product number code. With these parameters, there are billions of UPCs in the world with each company having hundreds to thousands of UPCs in its inventory. Each product and its variations need its own unique UPC code. For example, for every t-shirt design, there are size variations from extra small to extra large, meaning a company needs five UPCs (one for each size) for just one t-shirt design.

International Article Numbers (EAN)

The rest of the world uses International Article Numbers (also known as European Article Numbers or EANs) to track their products. With the popularity of UPCs growing in other countries, EANs were created to increase the number of codes for the different European, Asian, and African countries. The GS1 organization also assigns the EANs to companies.  EANs have 13 digits and countries have specific codes while the USA and Canada’s country code is zero (0). Multinational companies can have both UPCs for their products sold in USA and Canada and EANs for products sold internationally.

Best UPC Practices

The main advantage of barcodes is their scannability, made for quick data capture and unobtrusiveness on the packaging. The barcode has to be readable otherwise it will not scan and important data tracking data can be lost. Let’s quickly cover some best practices and standards for your UPC labels:

 

To guarantee readability, UPCs must follow specific design standards. First, The area on the left and right side of the UPC barcode is required to be free of all printing. This area is known as the ”Quiet Zone”. Quiet zones are required on both ends to read the barcode from either direction to prepare the scanners for the barcode and tell the scanner when to stop.

 

The level of contrast between the background and barcode bars is important to maintain readability. In the same vein as contrast, the transparency of the package can cause problems. Transparent packaging, such as plastic bags or containers can be problematic as barcodes have trouble being read on the transparent material. It’s recommended that the background of the UPC on transparent packages be opaque white to increase the contrast with the dark bars.

 

The standard size of a UPC code is 1.469 inches wide by 1.02 inches high, including all the numbers on the bottom. The maximum recommended size, 200% of the standard size, is 2.938″ w x 2.04″ h. The minimum recommended size is 80% of the standard size or 1.175″ w x .816″ h.

 

The best location to place UPC barcodes on the product is anywhere that is easy to scan and find. Generally, UPCs are located on the bottom or backside of a product so the barcode doesn’t conflict with the packaging design. Though recent advancements in sensor and scanning technologies have boosted a new design trend of creatively incorporating the barcode into the packaging’s design. These vanity barcodes are still functional but they come in odd shapes and different colors and extraneous designs. But most companies stick to the standard design and many industries set their own specific standards for design and location.

 

Labeling

Large companies with mass-marketed products often integrate UPCs into the packaging design but small businesses might not have the resources. Labeling is a fast and cost-effective way to apply UPCs to your products. MFT Automation has a wide range of high-performance labelers for automating your UPC and barcode labeling process. From high-speed labelers to print and apply labelers, MFT Automation has a barcode labeler to fit your labeling needs. Compact and modular, our labelers are built to seamlessly integrate into existing production lines.

Impresso Series

MFT Automation’s Impresso Labeler is small and compact for maximum flexibility and can be easily integrated into existing production lines or exist as a piece of standalone equipment. The state-of-the-art, high-performance labeler features a 1000-watt brushless servo motor for efficient unwinding and rewinding and durable stainless steel shafts provide maximum life expectancy.

High-Speed Modular Series

Most companies have a high volume of products to label with barcodes and UPC labels. A high-speed barcode label applicator will help you keep up with demand. With independently powered, synchronized servo drive motors for unwind, rewind, and drive, the High Speed Modular (HSM) series can function at high speeds while maintaining accuracy and precision while placing labels. Flexible and compact, the HSM series can be easily integrated into existing systems or be a standalone piece of equipment without sacrificing space in your production lines.

Print and Apply Labeler

The MFT Print and Apply Labeler system prints and adheres labels to most flat surfaces from packaging, and cartons to folders, pouches, and more.  Print and apply labeling is a good technique for barcode labeling as it can print UPC and barcode labels on demand. The system has a modular design with the ability to use different print engines for the customization of print quality. Customization gives the option to match the printing engine to a customer’s existing print engine so there is no learning curve in maintenance for a new print engine, making it perfect for labeling applications.

Track and Trace System

Integrate one of our high-performance labelers into our innovative Track and Trace system. The Track & Trace system offers turnkey product handling for serialization coding/printing, and an inspection and rejects system providing a trackable data file. A powerful infrared sensor allows for accurate count using double-detect and overlap detection. This integrated manufacturing system is equipped with a highly adaptable software package that ensures flexible and precise controls.

MFT Automation

MFT Automation has been helping customers design, build, and integrate high-performance automation solutions for over 25 years. MFT Automation’s equipment, systems, and services are known for their flexibility, accuracy, and performance. Our success is made possible by our engineering-oriented and customer-driven approach to finding the best possible automation solution for customers’ applications.

With an abundance of in-house resources including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, and a machine shop with modern CNC and lathe machine tools, we work with customers from the first solution draft to installation and integration. Contact us with your latest automation challenge, online or call us at 1-651-427-1255.

Join us at PACK EXPO International 2022

by Shane

MFT Automation is excited to be exhibiting at PACK EXPO International 2022. Join us October 23-26, 2022 in Chicago, IL for one of the world’s largest packaging & processing tradeshows. You can find us at Booth #5410 in the North Hall.

Add us to your show planner: https://packexpo22.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=02002142

Use code 91W64 for FREE registration for the show or follow the link below!
https://pei22.nvytes.co/lp22/91W64.html

Keep up to date on the latest and greatest innovations in the packaging industry and network with experts, suppliers, and more at this year’s biggest packaging and processing show! PackExpo International brings together people from 40+ vertical markets making it easy to explore ideas from other industries and build relationships with new and different experts and peers.

At the Booth

Booklet to Web

Our web-tipping system effortlessly applies tip-on products to a web at high production speeds while providing years of reliable operation. Featuring our robust ip3 Friction Feeder and our high-performance IMPRESSO Labeler, the Booklet to Web System combines proven software with a powerful, robust 800-watt servo-motor, and using a zerØ backlash spider coupling into one comprehensive and productive system. See the system’s reliable accuracy in action during our live demonstrations at the show!

Impresso Labeler and Friction Feeder System

Our IMPRESSO Labeler and Friction Feeder System utilize an ip3 series friction feeder and our innovative IMPRESSO labeler in a compact configuration that allows the System to be highly mobile and have a cost-effective footprint. The Labeler and Friction Feeder System’s intuitive and easy-to-reach single-sided controls provide exceptionally efficient operation. Designed for long production runs, the IMPRESSO Labeler and Friction Feeder System provide years of uninterrupted and quality service.

Roll-to-Sheet Cutting System

The Roll-to-Sheet Cutting System incorporates a module-speed unwind web feeding to a driven discharge cutter system that is ideal for a variety of cutting and placing applications. The servo-driven roll unwind and driven discharges combine to make lightning-fast feeding and cutting. The system maintains consistent light web tension by signaling the unwind to release more product as the driven discharges move the web through the system. The speed and accurate placement and cutting of sheets, film, wrap, soaker pads, or other material is maximized via a fast and accurate shearing blade motion of the pneumatic guillotine cutter (320mm cutting area), and pneumatic air blast pad transfers. Set up and operation is easy, with roll capacities maximums reaching 22 inches (diameter) or 150 lbs.

Robotic Integration

We’re excited to be showcasing our knowledge in Automation Robotics. Partnering with Mitsubishi Electric, we have taken a deep dive into how to integrate robotics into our total system solutions. Our robotic capabilities range from simple pick-and-place applications to more complex packaging needs. Robotic integration brings many benefits to any packaging line and is the perfect piece to finish off a fully integrated system. Stop by our booth to see our automation and robotics knowledge in action with a live demo of a robotic arm!

About MFT Automation

MFT Automation is a privately held company that provides high-performance friction feeding and labeling solutions throughout the world. With state-of-the-art control technology and robust mechanics, our products feed more quickly and accurately to provide customers with a greater return on investment. All friction feeders, labelers, and accessories can easily be integrated with other machines to provide a total system solution for any application. With experience in industries such as pharmaceutical, food, packaging, printing, financial/security, and fulfillment, MFT Automation can help any sized business with production efficiency.

See the other tradeshows we’re attending: mftautomation.com/tradeshow

 

Robotics in the Food Packaging Industry

by Shane

The fast-paced food packaging industry works hard to keep up with the growing demands of consumers and recently has been trying to overcome the recent global events and concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased public interest in food safety with many consumers demanding transparency and pushing for more regulations and requirements for food packaging. This public outcry has incentivized companies to eliminate even more human contact from their food packaging production lines. To meet the growing food safety and output demands of consumers, the food packaging industry is once again turning towards more automation. Let’s explore some of the applications and trends in the food packaging industry.

 

MFT Automation is a proud Diamond Partner with Mitsubishi Electric Automation. We provide a robotic, end-of-arm tooling option for a wide variety of packaging solutions.

Food Packaging Trends of 2022

by Shane

The pandemic, resource and labor shortages, and more have noticeably altered the food packaging industry this past year. With some of the new trends being years in the making and others skyrocketing to the top with the recent circumstances, here are some of the top food packaging trends for 2022.