Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 34 2021 | Page 12

FPC Series Suction Cup

Portrait of a Specialist

The universal suction cup for all types of Flow Pack packaging . FPC stands for FlowPack Cup : COVAL ’ s suction cup is fully dedicated to handling FlowPack packaging . A real technological breakthrough for a constantly evolving packaging method .
FLOWPACK NOW HAS ITS VERY OWN SUCTION CUP
FlowPack packaging provides many advantages :
• Direct food contact
• Large visible area to show the products
• Great number of applications in various industries : fresh fruits and vegetables , food processing industry , cosmetics , laboratories , and more
• High production rates and low cost
However , when it comes to vacuum handling , flexibility is an absolute 12 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk challenge , since it implies a high risk of leakage and potentially poor product gripping or the need to compensate with high power . COVAL has taken up this challenge with the FPC series suction cup . It is specifically designed ultra-flexible packaging and will “ stick to the product ” regardless of shape or material . As a result , it is able to handle very high production rates . To achieve this , COVAL has worked with packaging machine manufacturers , taking into consideration their constraints and submitting its designs to real-life tests .
The FPC Series is based on three major innovations :
1 . Thin and wavy flower-shaped lips that perfectly mold to the packaging , whatever the shape .
2 . Internal cleats that allow for optimized vacuum while preventing any crushing and also strengthen the hold on the product being handled .
3 . Fittings featuring a lateral vacuum distributor that prevent any loss in efficiency when the product is held .
4 . Materials : Food-grade silicone and plastic insert meets FDA and CE standards .
WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE ?
A Comprehensive Range
• Available in two sizes : Round , Ø60 mm – Elliptical , 120 x 100 mm
• Materials : Blue silicone suction cups , plastic fittings FPC suction cups are compatible with FDA food standards ( FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 .) and meet the European regulation ( EC ) 1935 / 2004 .
• Two levels of flexibility : 35 and 50 Shore