SCIENCE

With the GLM-E Retail – a combination of packaging machine, scales and pricing tool – retailers can independently process fresh food even in small preparation spaces and thus flexibly respond to variations in demand.
A new 3D applicator makes it possible to apply up to two labels at any desired position of the packaging surface. As the user controls both the packaging machine and the pricing tool via the same touch screen terminal, a higher degree of data consistency and reliability is ensured.

"Bizerba will launch the system in North America during the year. After its successful test installation in a supermarket in North Rhine-Westphalia, the response in Europe is currently being tested“, says Tudor Andronic, Director Global Retail Solutions of Bizerba. Should this turn out to be positive, the system could also be used in preparation spaces in European supermarkets and hypermarkets in the future. Furthermore, as Andronic argues, "the solution is in particular predestined for use in food retailers with smaller preparation spaces as the device combines several functionalities but requires only one space“.
The new 3D applicator
Staff can cut precise portions of meat, sausages and cheese using the fully automatic cutting machine A400. The planar filling of the cutting machine can thus be configured for the most common packaging sizes. The product to be cut can then be placed in a dish and positioned on the GLM-E Retail conveyor belt.
After weighing, the product is packed in stretch film and then given up to two labels in a fully automated process. The 3D applicator contains the labels and applies them to every desired position of the surface of the packaging. "This variable label positioning is a unique selling point and makes the construction particularly flexible“, continues Andronic.
Fewer roll changes – shorter downtimes – more efficient use of personnel
The – compared to many other providers – significantly larger diameter of the label rolls of up to 300 millimetres reduces the number of roll changes and thus the duration of downtimes. A significantly more efficient use of personnel results from these reduced downtimes and a performance of up to 35 packages per minute. Matching labels from the Bizerba label plant in Bochum guarantee an optimum service performance and a long life span of the thermo push buttons.