PDC International Corporation, a manufacturer of labelling and shrink banding machinery, has introduced the FC-400 Sanitary Design Shrink Bander for washdown food and dairy environments.

The system is designed for the precise application of tamper evident shrink bands to tapered and straight-wall canisters and tubs. The units are suitable for banding tubs typically used for spreads, ice cream, oatmeal, yoghurt, toppings, and dried fruit.

The device applies tamper evident bands 25 to 60 mm high and 63 to 172 mm in diameter. They are compatible with major commercial shrink sleeve films, such as PVC and PET (including freezer grade films).

Systems have a touch screen interface, static eliminator, and low-material sensor. Other standard features include full safety enclosure, heavy-duty mechanical construction, PLC control and servos, tool-less changeover, upstream photo-eyes, motorised material unwind, and material-out sensors. Various upgrade options are also available. 

Fully mechanical, the FC-400 performs without vacuum or pneumatic devices, or spinning knives. The shrinkbanders also meet all sanitary environment criteria, including requirements related to construction, access, clean ability, weldments, and hygiene. Sanitary construction features include zero penetration of hollow frame members, wash-down modes for cleaning, and stainless mesh guarding. 

PDC says its blades have an average service life of months or longer, which can be extended via re-sharpening.