UK-based thermoforming equipment specialist Ridat has secured its first contract in the United Arab Emirates, where it is supporting a major dates and confectionary specialist with technology to support a new packaging manufacturing facility.
Ridat has supplied Al Wathba Dates & Sweets with thermoforming and extrusion equipment as part of a turnkey solution which included supervision of installation and training.
Al Wathba Dates & Sweets, which is based in Abu Dhabi, was established in 2018 and supplies fresh selected dates and natural dates syrup. Its 24,000 sqm factory is dedicated to the sterilization, washing and packaging of dates, date paste processing and the manufacture of confectionary and luxury sweet products.
The company recently launched a new facility dedicated to the manufacture of thermoformed solutions for the packaging industry and engaged with Ridat to support it in this.
Ridat supplied Al Wathba Dates & Sweets with a Model 2420AFCS-P Automatic Thermoforming, Cut & Stack machine (also known as a three-stage thermoforming machine). This is the pressure forming version of Ridat’s AFCS range of thermoforming machines, which have been developed for the automatic processing of roll-fed material with three-pitch pre-heat vacuum forming, trimming and stacking.
The 2420AFCS-P is designed for high speed operation and improved forming definition. It has a maximum forming area of 600mm x 500mm, three pitch-heat stations, and moving top and bottom plates powered by servo drives.
The forming process is by air pressure, which enables improved definition of the formed components and the mould is water-cooled to prevent overheating – it is also fitted with a plug to assist in material distribution.
Material indexing on the 2420AFCS-P is via a duplex ‘spiky’ chain driven by a servo motor to ensure indexing accuracy.
The model’s trimming capability is supported by a powerful 60mt press, which enables greater flexibility in mould design. A stacking station then receives the trimmed components and after a predetermined amount is collected, the finished components are pushed out.
In addition, Ridat shipped a Model 65SE Sheet Extruder machine to the new facility. The extruder machine has a maximum screw diameter of 90mm and is powered by an AC motor regulated by an AC drive, and the motor and extruder gearbox are coupled by a V-belt.
Ridat will also supply a granulator, two chiller units and a compressor to Al Wathba Dates & Sweets, and will assist with the design and supply of six forming moulds for use by the company.
Ridat’s full solution for Al Wathba Dates & Sweets also included testing of equipment prior to dispatch, the supply of tools and jigs, advice on the factory layout and technical documentation.
Middlesex-based Ridat has more than 60 years of heritage in thermoforming equipment manufacturing and in supplying allied ancillaries, and it has more than 2500 installations across over 65 countries.
Dipak Sen Gupta, Director of Ridat, said: “We were delighted to support Dr Eihab Hassan, Production Director at Al Wathba Dates & Sweets, and his team – and to secure our first contract in the UAE.
“Our innovative technology can make a substantial difference to packaging operations by accelerating production and driving greater efficiency.
“On this project, we have combined our process engineering expertise and the supply of technology with the full range of Ridat’s services, ensuring that the integration of that equipment has been a smooth process for Al Wathba Dates & Sweets. It demonstrates our ability to offer a total solution to our customers.”
Ridat provides a one stop, single source of packaging plant, including manual, semi-automatic and automatic vacuum forming machines and related ancillaries such as blister sealers and roller presses. It offers more than 70 different products.
For more information on Ridat visit https://www.ridat.com/
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