In the competitive UK manufacturing landscape, selecting the right flow packer is a critical decision for maintaining throughput, reducing material waste, and ensuring product shelf-life. At Record Packaging Systems Ltd, we recognise that every production environment has unique demands—whether you are processing delicate confectionery or heavy-duty industrial components.
To help you navigate our range of horizontal flow pack machines, we have summarised our four primary technologies based on their sealing motion and film feed. Here is a technical breakdown to help you determine which flow packer is the right fit for your facility.
1. Inverted Box Motion Flow Pack Machine
Best For: Heavy, irregular, or bulky items requiring Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), such as fresh-cut produce.
This specialised flow packer is designed for difficult-to-handle products. By utilizing a bottom-film feed, the product is carried on top of the film rather than being pushed. The “Box Motion” refers to the square-shaped path the sealing jaws take, allowing for a longer dwell time.
- Key Advantage: A hybrid system that combines gentle handling with the high-strength, airtight seals necessary for premium-quality MAP applications.
- Production Speed: Medium.
2. Inverted Rotary Motion Flow Pack Machine
Best For: Delicate, soft, or sticky items like soft cakes, medical textiles, wraps, and tortillas.
Similar to the inverted box motion system, this flow pack machine uses a bottom-film feed. However, it utilizes rotary sealing jaws for continuous motion. This is the ideal choice for products that are prone to sticking to traditional stainless steel conveyors or those too fragile to be pushed.
- Key Advantage: Superior product stability; the item is carried directly on the film, not pushed along a deck.
- Production Speed: High.
3. Rotary Motion Flow Pack Machine
Best For: High-volume, uniform items such as biscuits, snacks, and hardware.
This is the workhorse of many UK high-speed lines. These flow packers use continuous high-speed rotary jaws to create seals at a rapid pace. This machine is designed for stability and consistency across demanding, high-throughput production cycles.
- Key Advantage: Maximum Speed. This is our fastest flow pack machine option for lines where volume is the primary KPI.
- Production Speed: Very High.
4. Box Motion Flow Pack Machine
Best For: Products requiring absolute airtight integrity, such as meat, cheese, and medical devices.
While rotary flow packers are built for speed, the Box Motion machine focuses on seal integrity. The reciprocating “Long Dwell” jaws stay in contact with the film for a longer period, ensuring a robust, hermetic seal essential for gas flushing.
- Key Advantage: Hermetic Integrity. It provides superior seal strength for MAP, ensuring maximum shelf life and product safety.
- Production Speed: Medium to High.
