Ice-creams are presented in many different ways and for this reason packaging options are constantly changing and adapting in accordance. However, ice-cream sticks and ice-cream cones are the most common types. Ice-cream sticks come individually in Plastic Tray and the machines require special characteristics, which means that it is usually the ice-cream producers who manufacture or adapt the machines for Food Tray them. Subsequently, the ice-cream box are packaged into cartons which are then case-packed for distribution.
In the case of loading into cartons, these are pre-formed in top loading machines, whether they be lock style or glued cartons and which are later closed with carton closing machines. In the case of ice-cream cones, subsequent to the freezing process, these are presented on trays with various units which are later packed into cartons. A conveyor belt takes the cones through the packaging stage where they are identified by the Pick & Place lines by means of cameras connected to an artificial vision system and high speed robots place them on the trays which have been loaded by a tray detester.
Given that the ice-creams packing are not wrapped during this phase of the process, the type of clean construction of these lines is especially important and are available with self-cleaning mechanisms, stainless steel and special treatments. Once the trays have been completed they are wrapped using machinery where an inert gas may be injected to preserve the product before they are boxed. The end loading machines form the cartons, place the trays and glue the cartons. Once the cartons have been formed, the case packing takes place, either horizontal or vertical, where the CP
series machinery is the most competitive option.