WeighPack Systems introduced the Swifty S-3600 Duplex last week, adding a higher-capacity premade pouch machine to its Swifty Bagger lineup.
The new system uses two independent pouch lanes to fill and seal up to 80 pouches per minute, depending on the product and application. Servo-driven motion control keeps the lanes synchronized throughout the packaging process.
WeighPack said it designed the machine for manufacturers looking to increase output without making the system more difficult to access, clean, or change over. The machine can be used for food, pet food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, chemical, household, and other products packaged in premade pouches.
“The Swifty S-3600 Duplex extends the Swifty Bagger portfolio with a higher-capacity platform for manufacturers looking to increase throughput while maintaining flexibility and ease of operation,” said Luis Pilonieta, sales director at WeighPack Systems, in a statement.
Dual-lane handling
Each pouch lane has its own pick-up, opening, filling, and sealing stations. A dual pouch magazine can hold up to four stacks, allowing the machine to run longer before an operator has to reload it.
Unlike rotary pouch machines, the S-3600 Duplex moves packages through a straight line. The layout gives operators access to the loading, opening, filling, sealing, and discharge areas.
REPORT | Food Packaging: A Flexible Future and the Shelf-Ready Revolution
The company said the open design also makes it easier to inspect, clean, maintain, and complete machine changeovers.
Heated sealing stations are followed by cooling stations to support consistent seals across laminated pouch materials.
Subscribe to the Packaging OEM newsletter
Get the latest news, trends, and technology updates delivered straight to your inbox and make smarter packaging decisions.
Supporting different pouch styles
The S-3600 Duplex can integrate with WeighPack’s PrimoCombi multi-head weighers, PrimoLinear net weighers, Star Auger fillers, and other dry filling equipment. This allows manufacturers to package solids, powders, granules, and other approved products on the same platform.
The machine supports three-side seal, four-side seal, stand-up, zipper, and quad pouches with terminating gussets.
Its frame and product contact components are made from 304 stainless steel. WeighPack also offers a low-pressure washdown option for the front end of the machine when additional cleaning is required in product-handling areas.
The control system includes an Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLC, an Allen-Bradley Kinetix servo platform, and a Schneider Electric 10-inch human-machine interface.
The rise of the flexible pouch
Flexible pouches are used across food, beverage, pet food, household products, and other applications.
The format comes in several forms, including stand-up, zipper, spouted, and flat-bottom pouches. Each one serves a different purpose. Some are designed to stand on a shelf, while others add features such as resealability or easier dispensing.
Compared with some rigid packaging formats, pouches can use less material, reduce package weight, and lower transportation costs.
RELATED | A deep dive into flexible packaging: evolving sustainability, consumer convenience drives growth
As more manufacturers adopt the format, their equipment must keep up. That means handling different pouch styles, materials, and product types across a range of packaging applications.
Premade pouch systems take a pouch that has already been formed, then fill and seal it on the line. WeighPack’s Swifty S-3600 Duplex supports several formats, including stand-up, zipper, and quad pouches with terminating gussets.
