Bosch brings processing and packaging solutions to IBA for the first time

Bosch Packaging Technology will present its latest solutions for the processing and packaging of bars and baked goods at IBA 2015. It will be the company's first appearance at the international trade fair. "With more than 90 years of experience supporting the confectionery industry and over 50 years in the biscuit market, we have a deep understanding of the market requirements and unique needs of manufacturers," explains Friedbert Klefenz, president of Bosch Packaging Technology. "Key trends include the demand for increasingly flexible processing and packaging technology and comprehensive modular solutions. IBA is the perfect platform for us to launch the Pack 301 LS, our latest development for the packaging of biscuits. With continued growth predicted for both of the mentioned markets for the years ahead, Bosch will continue to focus on developing new technologies to help bar and biscuit manufacturers capitalize on new opportunities."

Mid- and high-range biscuit automation solutions

Bosch's new Pack 301 LS (Length Slug) mid-range automation solution has been designed for the efficient and flexible flow wrapping of biscuits on edge. The modular design of the Pack 301 LS system forms the basis for scalable solutions and flexible layout configurations, enabling manufacturers to expand production capacity or increase the level of automation as needed. It also allows them to grow their lines from manual to fully automated feeding.

Another highly flexible solution for the biscuit industry is the innovative Two-in-One biscuit packaging system for high-range automation. It is the first system of its kind that can switch from slug to pile packs and vice versa in less than three minutes without changing parts. Pile packs of up to five biscuits, or a maximum height of 50 millimeters, are also possible. Additionally, the number of products per slug can be changed in under a minute. This enables biscuit manufacturers to cover different global market requirements quickly and flexibly. From distribution through primary to secondary packaging, the line is designed as a uniform, seamlessly integrated system.

Flexible roller former for increased productivity in bar processing

At IBA, Bosch will also show the flexible WRF 600 Flex roller former for the production of cereal, chocolate, protein and fruit bars. It optimizes or eliminates the trim when processing bar masses. As a result, less product is wasted, helping decrease production costs and contribute to a shorter return on investment (ROI) period. The smooth slab former offers a flexible working width and allows for an easy, stepless and tool-free adjustment for precise cutting to produce different sizes. Unlike other machines of its kind available in the market, Bosch's WRF 600 Flex enables width changes without production stoppages, maximizing uptime and output. This also allows for maximum product usage as the product is not wasted due to stoppages. In addition, manufacturers benefit from a hygienic design and easy tool-less cleaning.

Flexible infeed and fast format changes

Bosch also highlights solutions for secondary packaging. One example is the CFC 2012 cartoning machine, which was launched earlier this year. The machine was designed especially for the large-scale secondary packaging formats of the food industry with a width of up to 12 inches. Due to a wide range of infeed systems, the CFC 2012 can be adapted for many different products, such as bags with or without side gusseting, as well as stand-up bags with gable top. Even with the largest folded carton and product formats, the machine achieves an output of up to 200 products per minute. With the help of an insertion aid, the CFC 2012 achieves maximum efficiency and product safety, enabling biscuits in flow wraps to be safely packaged. The CUK series, which is used around the world for bag-in-box solutions, is ideal for smaller products.