ThermoDrive™ sprocket-driven hygienic belting is an extruded homogeneous belting product from Mol Industries that meets stringent pathogen-fighting requirements for material surfaces. It has recently received certification from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF Standard 14159-3). ThermoDrive(tm) is a solution to ongoing problems of excessive wash-down methods, expensive product waste, and product contamination caused by modular belt conveying. The belts are designed to replace modular belting and run on existing modular conveyors.

Next Conveyor has introduced the 2005 Next Generation Sanitary Conveyors with an “open frame” design. The open frame design allows for reduced horizontal surfaces to minimize moisture accumulation, Silveron® antimicrobial components, and a modular construction for easy reconfiguration. The NexGen design eliminates rust, oxidation, and hidden cavities where contamination grows. Silveron, from Wastlake Plastics, incorporates a patented silver-based anti-microbial technology belonging to Milliken Chemical.

Dapec offers an 8-inch center cut-up Flexiline that allows for higher processing speeds of 150 birds or more per hour. With the shackles positioned 8 inches apart, the line is suitable for cutting fronts and leg quarters. Weighing, vision grading, and selective bypass can all be integrated into the 8-inch center lines.

Vector Packaging introduces its B-5 high-barrier flat-sheet film for horizontal form/fill/seal processing. The film is designed for high-volume cooked ham, turkey breast, and processed meat applications in all shapes and sizes. It provides balanced shrink for precise control, controlled cling to reduce purge and maximize yields, and strong seal strength over a wide temperature range to reduce breakage in stuff-and-cook applications.

The FCA 3463 automatic double-clipper from Poly-Clip System Corp. closes all plastic, fibrous, and collagen casings for chubs from 40 to 120 mm diameters. Rapid change of the clip size from 15 to 18 mm and the voiding distance from 30 to 36 mm is possible. The machine features a continuously variable conveyor belt speed, an operator panel with plain text display, and five speeds that are individually adjustable, depending on the product.

Treif introduces the new Twister dicer. This semi-automatic dicer, with its large processing chamber, is capable of producing more than 4,500 pounds of beef, poultry, or sausage cubes per hour. The “click and go” gridsets simplify product changeover, and the integrated outfeed conveyor automates removal of the cut product. For ease of use, it can be equipped with a lift-and-tilt infeed device. The Twister is ergonomically designed for simple operation and easy cleaning.

Introducing Carruthers Advant-Edge AE5000 Dicer. Features include: Engineered for food safety, easy to use and adjust cut sizes, and little maintenance. Continuous flow conveyor eliminates labor necessary for batch process slicer. Features include unequalled flexibility - cut from 3/32 inch (2mm) to more than 6 inches (152 mm) with one machine. Accurately strips, steaks, cubes, and dices the most delicate products as well as the toughest meats.

NuTEC Manufacturing offers an all-hydraulic, microprocessor controlled, multi-outlet forming machine that is easy to maneuver plant-wide. The NuTEC 745 combines accurate weight control, minimum leakage, and quick changeovers with mobility. The vane pump feed system gently moves product to the rotor and eliminates overworking, bridging, and backflow. The pump feeds directly to the mold plate cavity and can portion up to 5,000 pounds of product per hour.

Formax® Inc.’s Forma-Link® and Tender-Form® technologies can be used to form skinless sausage links and patties. Forma-Link skinless sausage is suitable for casual dining retaurants, QSRs, pre-cooked and case -ready sales and is recommended for breakfast sausage, Italian sausage and chorizo, among others. Tender-Form sausage patties can be served with breakfast sandwiches or as a side dish. The technology is compatible with Formax’s line of forming machines.