Modified Atmosphere Packaging Machine
The Modified Atmosphere Packaging Machine is a commercial MAP tray sealer designed for preformed tray packaging, with flexible modes for modified-atmosphere or vacuum-only sealing. It is suited to food processors that require controlled tray packaging across different products and packaging specifications.
MAP Tray Sealer for Commercial Food Packaging
The MAP Tray Sealer is designed for preformed-tray packaging and supports both modified-atmosphere packaging and vacuum-only sealing. In MAP mode, air is evacuated from the tray, the selected protective gas is introduced, and compatible lidding film is heat-sealed to create a controlled internal atmosphere.
When gas flushing is not required, the Modified Atmosphere Packaging Machine can complete vacuum extraction followed directly by tray sealing. Both packaging modes are carried out within the same tray-based system, allowing the machine to accommodate different packaging processes without changing to a separate machine.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | XCF-490 | XCF-420 | MAP-400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Top Film Width | 490 mm | 420 mm | 400 mm |
| Effective Chamber Size | 640 × 490 mm | 540 × 420 mm | 500 × 400 mm |
| Gas Replacement Accuracy | 99–99.5% | 99–99.5% | 99–99.5% |
| Packaging Cycles | 2–3 cycles/min | 2–3 cycles/min | 2–3 cycles/min |
| Vacuum Pump Capacity | 100 m³/h | 100 m³/h | 100 m³/h |
| Compressed Air Pressure | 0.6–0.8 MPa | 0.6–0.8 MPa | 0.6–0.8 MPa |
| Air Consumption | 0.7 m³/h | 0.7 m³/h | 0.7 m³/h |
| Total Power | 3.5 kW | 3.5 kW | 3.5 kW |
| Overall Dimensions | 1250 × 1250 × 1530 mm | 1150 × 1190 × 1530 mm | 1200 × 1200 × 1400 mm |
| Weight | 450 kg | 360 kg | 260 kg |
| Compressed Air Supply | External air compressor required; customer-supplied | ||
Key Advantages of the Modified Atmosphere Packaging Machine
Adjustable N₂, O₂ and CO₂ Gas Mixing
The gas system supports nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide with adjustable mixing ratios and flow rates, enabling the package atmosphere to be set for different products and MAP process requirements.
Touchscreen Packaging Control
The touchscreen interface centralizes key operating settings, including vacuum, gas mixing, and sealing parameters, giving operators straightforward control over the complete packaging cycle.
Automatic Lidding Film Cutting
The machine automatically cuts the lidding film during each packaging cycle, eliminating separate manual trimming and producing a clean, consistent finish around the sealed tray.
Changeable Molds for Different Tray Sizes
Custom mold sets can be made for different tray or container dimensions. Changing the mold allows the same machine to handle multiple package sizes and formats within its working range.
MAP and Vacuum-Only Sealing Modes
The machine supports both modified-atmosphere packaging with gas flushing and vacuum-only tray sealing without gas injection, allowing different packaging processes to be handled on the same system.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging Applications
The Modified Atmosphere Packaging Machine is designed for tray-packed foods that require a controlled gas atmosphere before film sealing. Typical applications include fresh meat, poultry, seafood, fresh produce, prepared foods, and other chilled products packed for retail, foodservice, or commercial distribution.
Fresh Meat and Poultry Tray Packs
Suitable for portioned beef, pork, lamb, chicken, duck, and similar fresh protein products packed in modified-atmosphere trays for chilled handling, display, and distribution.
Seafood Tray Packaging
Used for fish portions, shrimp, shellfish, and other seafood products that require gas-flushed tray packaging with secure lidding film for commercial storage and retail presentation.
Fresh Produce Packaging
Suitable for vegetables, mushrooms, fruit, and other fresh produce packed in sealed trays where a controlled package atmosphere is part of the required packaging format.
Prepared and Ready-to-Cook Foods
Designed for prepared meals, marinated products, ready-to-cook ingredients, and other portioned foods requiring sealed tray packaging with controlled atmosphere conditions for retail or foodservice use.
FAQ About Modified Atmosphere Packaging Machine
What is the difference between modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum packaging?
Vacuum packaging removes air and usually seals the product inside a flexible pouch. Modified atmosphere packaging uses a preformed tray, removes the air, introduces a selected gas mixture, and seals the tray with lidding film. The two methods differ in package format and how the internal atmosphere is managed.
What is the difference between modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum skin packaging?
Modified atmosphere packaging maintains a controlled gas atmosphere inside a sealed tray with headspace around the product. Vacuum skin packaging removes air and draws a heated film closely around the product surface, sealing it to a tray or rigid backing board.
What gases can be used with the MAP tray sealer?
The machine supports nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide for modified atmosphere packaging. The required gas combination depends on the product, packaging objective, storage conditions, and the target atmosphere inside the sealed tray.
How should the gas mixture be selected for different food products?
Gas composition should be selected according to the food type, product characteristics, storage temperature, packaging material, and required packaging performance. The gas ratio should be validated for the specific product rather than applying one standard mixture to all foods.
Can different tray sizes be packaged on the same machine?
Yes. Different tray formats can be handled by changing the corresponding mold set, provided the tray dimensions remain within the machine’s working range. Custom molds can be produced for different tray sizes and package formats.
What should be considered when matching trays and lidding film?
Tray material, sealing flange, film structure, sealing temperature, and dimensional compatibility should all be considered. Proper tray-and-film matching is important for achieving a reliable and consistent seal during MAP packaging.
When should I choose MAP tray sealing instead of thermoforming packaging?
MAP tray sealing is well suited to products packed in preformed trays that require a controlled gas atmosphere. Thermoforming packaging is generally a better fit when the package must be formed from rollstock and a higher level of continuous automation is required.
Does the Modified Atmosphere Packaging Machine require an air compressor?
Yes. The machine requires an external compressed-air supply for operation. The buyer should provide a suitable air compressor on site according to the machine’s air-pressure and airflow requirements.
Related Vacuum Packaging Equipment
Consider vacuum skin packaging when close-contact film presentation and firm product positioning are more important than maintaining headspace with a modified atmosphere. The film conforms closely to the product on a tray or rigid backing board.
A suitable option for operations that require rollstock packaging and a higher level of automation, with package forming, loading, vacuum sealing, and cutting integrated into a continuous process.
A flexible alternative for products packed in preformed vacuum pouches, particularly when tray packaging, gas flushing, and dedicated tray molds are not required.
A higher-throughput option for preformed vacuum pouches, using repeated batch loading and sealing rather than tray-based modified atmosphere packaging.