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How BestPack’s ATFXU & AS Machines Revolutionize Potato and Citrus Packaging

In the agricultural industry, especially for potatoes and citrus fruits, efficient and reliable packaging is crucial. BestPack’s ATFXU and AS machines offer automated solutions that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and maintain product quality. 

This article explores the advanced features and benefits of these machines, highlighting why they are the ideal choice for agricultural packaging needs.

The ATFXU Series: Precision and Versatility

The ATFXU series is not just another carton sealer; it’s a game-changer specifically engineered for the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on potato and citrus packaging. This machine incorporates a bottom belt drive system that excels in managing the substantial weight and unique demands of agricultural produce. 

Its specialization in sealing Half-Slotted Cartons (HSC) is a critical feature for potato and citrus packers, as these cartons are favored for their ability to accommodate bulky or irregularly shaped produce while providing adequate ventilation, which is essential for maintaining freshness and minimizing spoilage.

This series also stands out for its triple-station functionality, which includes lid lifting, flap folding, and sealing—each tailored to enhance efficiency and reliability in handling agricultural products. The lid lifting station prepares the carton by securely opening it to receive bulk produce, such as citrus fruits or potatoes, which often vary in size and shape. 

Following this, the flap folding mechanism precisely folds the carton flaps without damaging the produce inside, addressing a common issue where manual folding can bruise or harm sensitive produce like citrus fruits.

Finally, the sealing station applies a secure and consistent seal to the carton, ensuring that the products are well-protected during transportation and storage. This automated process minimizes the risk of product damage due to poor sealing—an important consideration when dealing with perishable goods.

Key Features:

  • Designed for HSC and High-Speed Applications: The ATFXU series is optimized for handling Half-Slotted Cartons (HSC), commonly used for bulky agricultural products like oranges, lemons, and potatoes, ensuring secure sealing at high speeds.
  • Four Station Sealing Solution: The machine includes an indexer station, an outer sleeve lifting station equipped with vibration to ensure product falls within the carton for effective lifting, a flap folding station, and a final sealing station. This comprehensive setup significantly reduces the need for manual intervention and enhances packaging reliability.
  • Operator-Free Operation: This feature underscores the automation level of the ATFXU series, enabling continuous operation without manual handling, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs.
  • Built-in Safety Gates and Heavy Duty Maintenance-Free Air Cylinder: These features ensure operator safety and reduce the maintenance overhead, enhancing the machine’s durability and reliability in demanding agricultural environments.
  • Seals Up to 38 Cartons per Minute: Depending on carton size and machine settings, this rate highlights the machine’s capacity to maintain high productivity levels, essential during peak agricultural seasons.
  • Customization Options: The ATFXU is available with optional features such as stainless steel construction, additional safety features, customized widths & heights, and even built-in infeed/exit conveyors, allowing for a tailored solution based on specific operational needs.
  • Innovative Features for Effective Handling: The machine incorporates rear minor flap side kickers for automating the folding process, CNC cut and welded frames for enhanced durability, high-speed top and bottom belt drive systems for stability, lid lifting guide rails, and an innovative lifting station to ensure separate sealing of the lid and bottom of HSC cartons.

These enhancements and features make the ATFXU series an indispensable tool for potato and citrus packers, offering a high degree of automation, safety, and efficiency tailored to the unique demands of the agriculture industry.

The AS Series: High-Speed Efficiency

Designed for operations requiring high throughput, the AS series is a fully automatic carton sealer that exemplifies precision and speed. 

Capable of sealing up to 57 cartons per minute, this series is built with a solid four-column support structure and dual motor side belt drive, ensuring consistent and reliable performance across a wide range of carton sizes and types. 

This makes it an ideal solution for businesses that demand high efficiency and dependability in their sealing operations.

Innovative Sealing Technology

The AS series is distinguished by BestPack’s exclusive pop-out pressure-sensitive tape heads, which incorporate patented tab adjustment and a noise reduction arm. 

These features not only enhance the sealing process but also contribute to a quieter, more efficient operation, allowing for seamless integration into diverse production environments.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Data Advantage System (DAS): A standout feature, the DAS provides real-time monitoring and advanced analytics, enabling operators to optimize performance and minimize downtime. This system transforms data into actionable insights, greatly enhancing productivity and operational intelligence.
  • Carton Size Versatility: With the ability to accommodate carton dimensions ranging from 8.0″ to 27.5″ in length, 6.0″ to 20.0″ in width, and 5.5″ to 20.0″ in height, the AS series is versatile enough to handle a diverse array of uniform packaging needs.
  • Conveyor Control and Jam Detection: These features ensure smooth carton entry and exit while preventing and quickly rectifying jams, thus maintaining continuous workflow and reducing potential delays.
  • Top and Bottom Sealing Efficiency: Equipped with adjustable bed height and side compression units, the AS series provides secure top and bottom sealing, which is critical for the safe transportation of goods.
  • Optional Food-Grade Construction: For industries requiring stringent hygiene standards, such as food and pharmaceuticals, the AS series offers an optional food-grade 304 stainless steel construction.
  • Safety and Accessibility: Enhanced safety options, including sealing area gates and safety relays, protect operators, while accessible technical support via QR code ensures that help is readily available when needed.

Cost Savings and Maintenance Efficiency

BestPack’s machines are engineered not only to meet the demands of the agricultural industry but also to drive significant cost savings and maintenance efficiencies. The robust construction of these machines O and advanced engineering to ensure long-term reliability and durability. This is crucial in agricultural settings, where equipment downtime can lead to significant disruptions in the supply chain, potentially affecting crop cycles and market timings.

Reduced Maintenance Needs

Each component of BestPack’s machines is designed for ease of access and simplicity of service. Regular maintenance routines are streamlined, requiring less time and fewer resources, which translates to lower labor costs and reduced need for specialized technical support. The machines feature user-friendly interfaces for quick diagnostics and troubleshooting, enabling on-site operators to perform regular upkeep without the need for extended downtimes.


Advanced Sealing Technology

The precision of BestPack’s sealing technology plays a pivotal role in minimizing product loss. By ensuring that each carton is securely sealed, the machines significantly reduce the risk of damage during transport or storage. This precise sealing mechanism is particularly beneficial for agricultural produce, which often requires stringent conditions to maintain quality and integrity. Proper sealing protects against environmental factors such as moisture and pests, which can compromise the quality of the contents.

Energy Efficiency and Operational Costs

BestPack’s machines are also designed with energy efficiency in mind. By consuming less power and optimizing performance, these machines help agricultural businesses keep their operational costs low. The energy-efficient design does not compromise on speed or quality, ensuring that high-volume packaging needs are met with the least possible expenditure on energy.

Long-Term Cost Benefits

Investing in BestPack’s machinery can lead to significant long-term cost benefits. By reducing the frequency of repairs and the severity of maintenance issues, the total cost of ownership is lowered. Furthermore, the machines’ ability to handle various carton sizes with minimal adjustments allows businesses to adapt to different packaging needs without additional investment in new equipment.

The BPA Program: Comprehensive Support

BestPack’s BPA (BestPack Packaging Advantage) Program provides a comprehensive package of perks, including special promotions, preventative maintenance programs, extended warranties, and most recently free subscription access to our Data Advantage System. 

Members of this program are eligible to receive vouchers (when tape or quick shrink is purchased) that are redeemable for essential parts and tape heads, helping to manage maintenance costs effectively. This program ensures that machines operate at peak efficiency, minimizing downtime and extending the equipment’s lifespan.

Financial Incentives: Section 179 Tax Deduction

Investing in BestPack’s machines offers significant financial advantages, especially under the Section 179 deduction for 2024. Businesses can deduct up to $1,220,000 of the purchase price of qualifying equipment, with a spending cap of $3,050,000. 

This tax benefit reduces the net cost of acquiring new equipment, making it easier for businesses to invest in advanced packaging solutions. For more information on how you can leverage Section 179, check out our detailed post on the subject!

 

Why Choose BestPack? Comprehensive Solutions and Support

BestPack has over 30 years of experience in the packaging industry, establishing its authority with a commitment to quality, innovation, and customization. With more than 120 models of carton sealers, BestPack caters to a broad range of industry needs, from small businesses to large enterprises. 

The versatility of BestPack’s proprietary tape heads, which can handle various adhesive types including the exclusive high-tack BG tape, ensures that customers receive a tailored sealing solution that enhances operational efficiency and reliability.

The BPA Program: Extending BestPack’s Commitment to Customer Support

An integral part of choosing BestPack is its BPA (BestPack Packaging Advantage) Program, which embodies the company’s dedication to supporting its customers beyond the sale. This program offers a comprehensive package of perks, including special promotions, preventative maintenance programs, extended warranties and most recently free subscription access to our Data Advantage System. 

Members benefit from vouchers redeemable for essential parts and tape heads with each shrink and tape purchase (vouchers vary based on purchases), effectively managing maintenance costs and ensuring that machines operate at peak efficiency. This proactive support minimizes downtime and extends the equipment’s lifespan, directly contributing to smoother operations.

Financial Incentives: Leveraging the Section 179 Tax Deduction

Furthermore, investing in BestPack’s machines comes with significant financial incentives, particularly through the Section 179 tax deduction. For the year 2024, businesses can deduct up to $1,220,000 of the purchase price of qualifying equipment, with a spending cap of $3,050,000. 

This substantial tax benefit significantly reduces the net cost of acquiring new equipment, facilitating easier and more affordable investments in advanced packaging solutions. For more information on how you can leverage Section 179, check out our detailed post on the subject!

Conclusion

Investing in BestPack’s ATFXU and AS machines is a strategic decision for agricultural businesses focused on maintaining product quality and reducing operational costs. With the support of the BPA Program and the financial benefits of Section 179, these machines represent a smart investment in the future of agricultural packaging. 

BestPack’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that their solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each customer, providing a reliable partner in the journey toward automated agricultural packaging.

If you’re on the fence about whether BestPack is a good fit for your needs, simply get in touch right now!

 

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