Meat wrapping machines

Types of meat wrapping machines

The purpose of a meat wrapping machine is to package various meats for enhanced shelf life and showmanship. There are several types of meat wrapping machines, including vacuum sealers, flow pack machines, tray sealing machines, and shrink tunnel machines.

• Vacuum sealer for meat

A vacuum sealer for meat is a machine designed to remove air from a meat package to hinder the growth of microorganisms. The meat is usually put in a plastic bag, and the machine uses suction to pull out all the air from the bag before sealing it with a heat element. Vacuum meat sealers have a lifespan of several years, depending on the frequency of use and quality. They are mostly handheld or benchtop devices for home use but can also be found in tabletop or floor-standing designs for commercial use.

The advantages of using a meat vacuum-sealing machine include offering a longer shelf life for perishables, preventing freezer burn, limiting oxidation, and making for efficient storage. The bags are also easy to fit in the fridge.

• Flow Pack Wrap Machine for Meat

A flow pack wrap machine for meat is an automated machine that wraps meat products by forming flow packs. It is suitable for individual portions or multiple unit packaging. This machine wraps the product in a film, and it can be either horizontal or vertical depending on the product being packaged. The film is shaped around the product and sealed to create a bag with loose and tight areas, which is used commonly for fresh meat, processed meat, and seafood packaging. The machine comes with features to change the wrapping film's amount, temperature, speed, and tension as needed.

The machine has a film width of around 300 to 850 millimeters and can machine speed of around 30 to 300 meters per minute, depending on the specific model. It uses either BOPP+PE, BPA, or BOPP wrapping film, which is wound around the machine at a specific diameter and unwound at a tension suited for the meat product.

• Tray Sealing Machine for Meat

A meat tray sealing machine seals meat products in trays and films. It works by placing the meat on the tray, followed by putting a film on top of the meat. The film is then heated until it conforms to the meat shape and is cooled to a temperature where it can be removed with the meat take inside. The machine can be used for fresh produce, deli items, and seafood, and it prolongs the shelf life of the meat item compared to other packaging methods. It can be performed with breathable or non-breathable film lid changes and custom-sized trays as needed.

The machine usually features a digital control panel with push-button controls for the temperature, sealing time, and pressure of the unit. It has a maximum sealing area of 330 x 250 mm, and maximum product height of 90 mm. Most machines use a 60-64°C PVC film with a CPVC mask on the top ACM-6230D fridge-pool container.

• Shrink Tunnel Machine for Meat

A shrink tunnel machine for meat is used to shrink packaging around a meat item using heat. The meat is first packaged in a skin-tight film, and then heat is applied to shrink the film around the meat item. The meat shrink wrap machine comes in different conveyor belt lengths and tunnel sizes, and it is used frequently in grocery stores where the meat item has to be packaged for individual sale. Some machines are built with a forced air cooling system that cools the film after it has been shrunken, and this is important for improving production. The cooling system also helps to fast-track product output. Most shrink meat wrapping machines are made from stainless steel material for corrosion resistance, and they can package anything from pork and chicken to beef and seafood products.

The shrink tunnel machine usually has an entry and exit conveyor length of about 1,200 mm and has a suitable conveyor belt speed of about 5-10 m/min The machine can be operated with either an electric or gas heat source, and it usually has a high packing speed of around 8-12 cartons/min. It comes with an adjustable packing temperature range of 180-220℃.

Specifications and maintenance of meat wrapping machines

Specifications

• Supply voltage: The voltage is determined by the machine's design and purpose, which is usually between 110V and 240V.
• Power: Meat wrapping machines generally have low power, which is usually between 100W and 500W, depending on the size and functions.
• Packing speed: Meat wrapping machines usually have a certain number of packaging speeds to choose from. The speed is usually between 10 and 30 packages per minute, depending on the model and the operator's proficiency.
• Waist width: Meat wrapping machines usually have a waist width range to suit various sizes and types of food. The width is usually between 100mm and 300mm.
• Packing materials: Meat wrapping machines are suitable for various packing materials, such as plastic film, cling film, etc. The thickness of the film is usually between 10 and 30 microns.
• Machine size: The size of the meat wrapping machine is determined by its design and functionality. The dimensions usually include length, width, and height, which occupy a certain space on the countertop or the floor.
• Gross weight: Meat wrapping machines are available in different weights depending on the model and specification. The weight of the machine is usually between 10 and 50 kilograms.

Maintenance

• Clean: Regularly clean the surface, parts, and packing belt of the meat packing machine to remove residues, dust, etc. The cleaning liquid should be a neutral detergent and avoid abrasive cleaners to prevent damage to the machine.
• Lubrication: Regular lubrication of movable parts of meat packaging machines, such as hinges, slides, etc., keeps them flexible and smooth. The lubricating grease should comply with the relevant standards and be applicable to packing machines.
• Maintain electrical components: Regularly check the electrical parts of the meat wrapping machine, including wires, connectors, switches, etc. Ensure they are safe and reliable to use. Avoid moisture and dirt accumulation on electrical parts, and promptly clean and dry them as needed.
• Replace the wearing parts: Meat packaging machines usually have some wearing parts, such as packaging belts, cutters, etc. These parts need to be replaced regularly according to the use condition to ensure the quality and efficiency of packaging.
• Debug and maintain functions: Periodically debug and maintain the functions of the meat packaging machine, including adjusting the packaging speed, packaging tightness, etc. Ensure each function works correctly and reliably.

Meat wrapping machine scenarios

Meat packaging machines play a key role in helping a wide range of industries. The following sectors mainly use these machines.

• Meat processing plants

  As large-scale producers of meat products, meat processing plants are key users of meat-wrapping machines. These machines are used to wrap and package meat portions, cuts, sausages, and other processed meat products at high volumes for distribution.

• Butcher shops and delis

  Butcher shops and delicatessens often use meat-wrapping machines to package fresh meats, sandwiches, and other deli products. These machines help butchers and deli staff wrap meats neatly, maintain product freshness, and provide attractive packaging for customers.

• Food packaging companies

  Food packaging companies specialize in packaging solutions for various food products. They frequently use meat-wrapping machines as part of their packaging lines to package meat products for retail or commercial distribution. These companies may offer custom packaging services for different meat products.

• Supermarkets and grocery stores

  Supermarkets and grocery stores often have in-house meat departments that provide customers with freshly cut meats. Meat-wrapping machines are used in these departments to package beef, poultry, pork, and seafood counter products. The wrapped meats are then sold directly to consumers.

• Wholesale meat distributors

  Wholesale meat distributors supply meat products to retail supermarkets, restaurants, and foodservice establishments. They utilize meat-wrapping machines to package large quantities of meat products for distribution to their customers. Proper meat packaging ensures product quality and facilitates efficient distribution.

• Frozen food manufacturers

  Frozen food manufacturers produce and package a variety of frozen food products, including frozen meats. Meat-wrapping machines are used to package meat products, such as frozen chicken breasts, beef patties, and fish fillets, for frozen food brands. The products are then distributed to grocery stores and retailers.

• Restaurant and food service operations

  Restaurants, cafeterias, catering services, and other food service operations may have on-site meat processing and preparation. Meat-wrapping machines are used to package marinated meats, specialty cuts, and prepared meat dishes for in-house consumption or take-out services.

• Export meat companies

  Export meat companies that specialize in producing and packaging meat products for international markets heavily rely on meat-wrapping machines. These machines ensure compliance with export packaging standards, extend shelf life, and facilitate shipping and customs clearance procedures.

How to choose meat wrapping machines

Considering the following factors will help business buyers to select suitable meat packing machines for their needs.

• Packaging requirements

  Whether the machine can package different meat types should be the first consideration. Additionally, buyers should know if the machine can handle various meat shapes and sizes. The buyer should also consider if the machine can use the preferred packaging materials, such as plastic film or freezer paper.

• Production capacity

  A buyer's meat wrapping machine choice should depend on the required production rate. The buyer needs to evaluate the machine's maximum speed and throughput. Additionally, the machine's efficiency at handling different meat types is crucial. The exercise will help the buyer to match the machine's production capacity with business requirements.

• Machine features

  Many meat wrapping machines come with unique features. Some have adjustable packaging dimensions for customizing package sizes. Others have automated functions that enhance efficiency and reduce labor requirements. A buyer should select a machine with the proper features that suit his business operation.

• Machine compatibility

  Considering packaging machines that are compatible with different meat preservation techniques is important. The machine should work well with vacuum sealing, air exposure, and moisture control methods. Also, the subsequent handling processes should be seamless when the buyer selects a meat packing machine.

• Flow of production

  In a production line with multiple processing steps, meat wrapping machines shouldn't disrupt the workflow. The selected machine should integrate seamlessly with other production equipment such as meat grinders, slicers, and scales. Moreover, the wrapping machine should synchronize with food inspection and quality control stations.

• Budgets

  A buyer needs to consider the initial acquisition cost and ongoing operating expenses, including maintenance and energy consumption. Compare the costs of different machines in relation to their performance and features.

Meat wrapping machines FAQ

Q1: Can a meat wrapping machine handle different types of packaging materials?

A1: It depends on the design and specifications of the meat wrapping machine. Most modern meat wrapping machines are designed to accommodate various packaging materials, such as plastic film, vacuum-seal plastic, and butcher paper. However, it is essential to review the machine's specifications to ensure compatible packaging material.

Q2: Can a meat wrapping machine handle different shapes and sizes of meat products?

A2: Yes, meat wrapping machines can handle different shapes and sizes of meat products. The machines are equipped with adjustableparameters that allow them to accommodate variousmeat shapes and sizes. This feature is useful for businesses that deal with different types and shapes of meat products.

Q3: Can meat wrapping machines be used in high-volume production environments?

A3: Yes, meat wrapping machines are designed for high-volume production. Unlike manual wrapping, machines accelerate the wrapping process, increasing production efficiency. Several factors determine if a machine suitable for high volume includes, the speed, durability, and automation features.

Q4: Can a meat wrapping machine convert to a different type of packaging system?

A4: Yes, most modern meat wrapping machines can be converted to a different type of packaging system. This is done by installing or attaching the availableconversion kits or accessories. However, this may require professional assistance to ensure proper installation and functionality.