High-performance processing and attractive packaging of sliced products.

The Weber slicer weSLICE 9500 was presented as the slicer in this line concept – the flagship when it comes to precisely slicing demanding products in the highest quality and with the highest performance. The Weber slicer weSLICE 9500 is a high-performance machine and sets standards with regards to quality and performance. This uncompromising slicing quality and performance is achieved using Weber DirectDrive technology. Thanks to the direct drive of all components of the carrier unit, the product is fed precisely, so that in addition to perfectly cut, visually appealing slices, the highest portion weight accuracy is achieved while providing maximum protection of the product at the same time. And, the vario technology of the weSLICE 9500, which enables track-independent carriage, contributes to this unique performance while ensuring the highest possible portioning accuracy at the same time. When the Weber vacuum gripper technology is used, the product yield is increased even further, as remaining end pieces are reduced by more than half. The result: production with almost 100% weight-accurate portions with very low give-away. Thanks to the comprehensive line integration, the slicer can optimize the line speed for a smooth portion transport or automatically regulate the speed of subsequent components upwards. The line is therefore able to optimize itself, which leads to an overall increase in quality and fewer manual adjustments.

Another technical equipment highlight within the Weber thermoformer packaging machine is the Weber quick change system SmartChange: an innovative solution for changing the tools of the forming station and the lower forming tools. The system is available exclusively for the Weber wePACK 7000 and is characterized by tool protection, efficiency and user friendliness. Thanks to SmartChange, having to cut the bottom web film is a thing of the past and eliminates film loss during the tool changing process. Forming tools can be changed almost without any additional hand tools and in a matter of seconds: The tools are unlocked automatically with the push of a button, the side cladding of the wePACK 7000 is easily removed thanks to quick release locks, and a manually guided swiveling lever makes it easier to swivel tools out into the changing position. Once the tool change is completed, the operator can immediately see if the tool is in the proper position. During the development of the SmartChange system, Weber put special emphasis on safety and ergonomics. The system prohibits the machine from starting if the tools are not correctly in place or properly locked, which ensures great safety in the changeover process. All tasks can be carried out in an ergonomically agreeable body position and work height, without requiring any work within the machine frame.

At the IFFA, Weber presented a new, innovative film insertion for the first time that allows a fresh bottom film to be easily and ergonomically threaded in. When the chain clamp of the packaging machine is opened, the new film can be easily threaded in, clamped and precisely positioned at the end of the old film. The almost seamless placement eliminates the need for a gluing table to connect the two films with adhesive strips. This not only saves money but also enables film change faster, reducing downtime and improving ergonomics. As an additional plus regarding efficiency and sustainability, the film transition is tracked during the packaging process so that affected packages are not filled with product and are ejected from the process. Plus, the new Weber film insertion delivers with a comprehensive hygiene concept. The newly designed infeed drum can be dismantled without tools and washed completely inside.