• Tight seals while sealing through the product
• Cold seal tools to increase up time
• Possible film savings

Bosch Packaging Technology introduces ultrasonic sealing technology for ver­tical form, fill, and seal machinery for use in food and confectionery packaging applications. Ultrasonic sealing is a method for joining thermoplastic materials together by emitting acoustic vibrations, creating a tight, strong seam for closures in doy style stand up pouches, gusseted and pillow bag packaging formats.

Bosch’s ultrasonic sealing technology is an alternative to heat sealing, and can process conventional heat sealed packages, such as those composed of poly­propylene and polyethylene film. With the ultrasonic process, the packaging film is sealed with heat from friction generated by an oscillating tool, elimi­nating the need for direct heat contact.

Typical heat sealing systems often require intensive cleaning as the product tends to melt and accumulate in the sealing zone. The ultrasonic process can seal film structures that have been contaminated by product minimizing stop­pages, reducing downtime. By removing the heating element in their sealing process, manufacturers can potentially reduce the thickness of the sealant layer of packaging film structures, reducing material costs. Removal of the heating element also enables “cold” packaging of sensitive products which is particularly useful in delicate confectionery, grated cheese, fresh produce and frozen food.

Bosch’s ultrasonic sealing technology is capable of web material speeds used on vertical form, fill and seal machines and offers possible sealing time reduc­tion. Seams can be immediately subjected to product load after joining, re­ducing processing times. Ultrasonic sealing can be more precisely calibrated than heat sealing. Operators are able to adjust oscillating frequency, ensuring a reproducible seal. Additionally, processing parameters can be saved and re­called and the joining process can be validated.

About Bosch Packaging Technology

Bosch Packaging Technology, based in Waiblingen (Germany), is one of the leading suppliers for holistic systems for packaging and process technology. In 15 countries worldwide the company develops, produces and distributes modules and systems for the pharmaceutical, confectionery, and cosmetics industries, as well as other food and non-food industries. In 2007, 4,460 asso­ciates achieved a turnover of approximately 650 million euros ($890 million).

Press photo: 1-PA-15177

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 272,000 associates generated sales of 46.1 billion euros in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 300 subsidiary and regional companies in over 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spends more than three billion euros each year for research and development, and in 2006 applied for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.”

The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.