Repetitive Task. Obvious Savings. ⚙️
Sometimes, the benefit of automation is immediately visible.
This video was taken just after installation of an ALfeeder stepper-driven friction feeder, fitted to automatically place a non-adhesive base card at the infeed of a flow wrapper.
Taking a volt-free contact from the host machine, the ALfeeder delivers a precise single-shot drop of each card in sync with the wrapping process. It can also be configured to count and release a set batch quantity of cards where required.
Base cards like these are widely used beneath products such as bakery items — including crumpets, croissants and muffins — sandwiches, as shown here, and fresh produce such as tomatoes. This application also demonstrates the ability to handle a wide range of materials, from light paper sheets through to thicker boards. 📦
What is immediately clear in the video is how a straightforward automation step improves efficiency in a packing area where manual involvement would otherwise be higher than necessary.
The benefits are easy to see:
• reduced manual handling
• improved labour efficiency around the line
• better synchronisation with the wrapper
• less need for dedicated operator input at this stage
• a cleaner, more repeatable packing process
Mounted on an H-frame post with X/Y adjustment, this installation also offers flexibility, with the potential to be repositioned between machines where required.
Importantly, this type of solution is retrofittable to almost any flow wrapper machine, making it a practical upgrade for manufacturers and end users looking to improve efficiency without replacing existing equipment.
This is also a natural application for ALTech technology. The ALfeeder uses the same microprocessor control platform and advanced stepper motor algorithms as our label applicators, delivering the same level of precision, consistency and control — applied here to product feeding rather than label application.
If you are a flow wrapper manufacturer or operate a similar process that requires the automatic placement of a base card, backing card, or non-adhesive board insert, we would be delighted to help.
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