VARIOVAC Primus lettering on the side panel of the thermoforming packaging machine

Ideal packaging solution for every application.

For Food, Non-Food and Medical: with Rapid Air System and up to 20 cycles per minute.

Thermoforming packaging machines
Primus
Up to 20 cycles per minute
Film width 320 to 560 mm
Pack depth up to 135 mm
Packaging methods
OverviewVideoTechnical dataGalleryCompatible products
Overview
Powerful

with Rapid Air System.

The VARIOVAC Primus is ideal for food, non-food and medical applications. Its Rapid Air System forms and seals flexible and rigid films at up to 20 cycles per minute. A four-column lifting system and well-designed hygiene concept ensure stability and easy cleaning.

VARIOVAC Primus, a long stainless steel thermoforming packaging machine, side view
Video
The

Primus

in action
Technical data

Stability and easy cleaning for maximum efficiency.

Frame lengths: module lengths from 5 m to 12 m

Film widths: 320 to 560 mm

Index lengths: 100 to 700 mm

Pack depth: up to 135 mm

Film thickness: bottom film up to 550 µm

Packaging methods: Sealing, Vacuum, MAP, Skin, Steam, Shrink

Packaging output: up to 20 cycles/min

High-performance control system: IPC, swivelling 12.1" touchscreen

Cooling: integrated recooler with no water consumption

Compressed air: min. 6 bar; consumption depends on machine configuration and equipment

Power supply: 3 x 230 V N/PE | 3 x 400 V N/PE | 50/60 Hz

The

Primus

in pictures:
the ideal packaging solution for every application

Compatible products for maximum efficiency

Brochures and documents

Frequently asked questions

Which packaging machine is right for my requirements?

That depends on your product, packaging method, format, material, output and the production space available. For smaller, compact configurations, the Maximus RE or Optimus are good options; for higher output and more extensive equipment, the Primus or Primus MP. For pre-formed trays, VARIOVAC offers the semi-automatic Rotarius tray sealer and the fully automatic Linus tray sealer.

How do the Maximus RE, Optimus and Primus differ?

The Maximus RE is a compact machine for smaller-scale production, with a packaging output of up to six cycles per minute. The Optimus offers more film widths, formats and packaging methods at up to 13 cycles per minute. The Primus is designed for larger formats, more extensive lines and outputs of up to 20 cycles per minute.

Is a thermoforming packaging machine or a tray sealer better suited to my application?

A thermoforming packaging machine heats and forms the bottom film directly in the machine. This gives you great freedom in format, pack depth and packaging method. A tray sealer seals pre-formed trays with a top film and suits production concepts built around fixed tray formats and the product presentation that goes with them. Which solution fits better depends on your output, the range of formats and the packaging material.

Which machine suits particularly large or deep packs?

For pack depths of up to 135 mm and film widths of up to 560 mm, the Primus is the right choice. For anything beyond that, the Primus MP offers pack depths of up to 195 mm and considerably longer index lengths.

Can rigid and flexible films be run on the same machine?

VARIOVAC machines can be equipped to run both types of film on the same machine.

What packaging output can a VARIOVAC machine achieve?

Depending on the model, the Maximus RE achieves up to six cycles per minute, the Optimus up to 13 and the Primus up to 20. The Primus MP reaches up to 25 cycles per minute. The actual number of packs per minute results from the cycle rate and the format, and depends on the application.

Which types of film can VARIOVAC machines process?

VARIOVAC machines can process PE/PA, APET, PP and Tyvek, among others.

How quickly can formats be changed?

Quick-change systems for tool components and stored programmes considerably reduce the effort involved in recurring format changes. The actual changeover time depends on which tools, cutting systems, pack guides and films need to be swapped.

How is the actual packaging output for my application determined?

The real-world output is determined on the basis of the packaging method, format, evacuation and gas flushing times, and upstream and downstream processes.

Can a VARIOVAC thermoforming packaging machine combine several applications?

Yes. For example, vacuum, MAP and skin applications can be run on the same machine. Possible combinations are subject to a technical check.

Are VARIOVAC machines suitable for a fully automated process?

Yes, for example with automatic infeed or robotics.

Which utility connections are required?

Depending on the model, the machines need compressed air at a minimum of 6 bar and a suitable power supply. The Optimus, Primus and the MP models have integrated cooling concepts with no ongoing water consumption. Binding connection and consumption values are only available once the final specification is fixed.

Technical terms explained

Thermoforming packaging machine
Thermoforming packaging machines pack products fully automatically. The bottom film is unwound from the film mandrel and transported into the forming tool. The forming tool consists of an upper and a lower part, and this is where the bottom film is heated and formed. Forming is done either purely by vacuum (as on the VARIOVAC Maximus RE) or with compressed air (VARIOVAC Rapid Air System). The film with its formed cavities then moves into the loading area. Here the product (e.g. sausage or cheese) is placed in the cavities by hand or by robot. To prevent heavy packs from sagging, pack guide rails are available for the different formats. Next, the top film is laid over the filled cavity and sealed in the sealing tool. The sealing tool also consists of an upper and a lower part. For certain products, the top film has to be formed as well; this takes place in the top film forming station. Sealing the top film onto the bottom film creates a seal seam. From this point on, the products are protected from environmental influences and keep for longer, because the ambient air has been removed from the pack or replaced with protective gases using one of several methods. In the next step, the individual packs are separated (cross-cutting and longitudinal cutting). Various knives can do this: guillotine, punch, circular knife, rotary shear cutter or crush knife. Depending on the technology and packaging material used, the finished packs can be opened very easily or even resealed. Finally, the individual packs leave the machine on a discharge conveyor. From there, the packs can be transferred to a line converger (Variotrack), where they are conveyed individually.

Similar machines

What customers say about VARIOVAC

First-hand experience from customers who already produce with VARIOVAC machines.

Käsemanufaktur Müritz logo
Matthias Westerfeld
Managing Director, Käsemanufaktur Müritz GmbH
"With the people you get to know at VARIOVAC, you simply notice that they build the machines themselves, that it isn't just one product among many. They know how it works, and they also know what's wrong when it doesn't. [...] Today we can pack in half a day what we otherwise couldn't manage in a whole week. [...]"
Graefke Fleischwaren logo
Ben Harms
Graefke's Fleischwaren GmbH
"Working with VARIOVAC went well throughout. It always took place on an equal footing and was shaped by a real spirit of partnership. The joint product tests and the support throughout the process were particularly positive."
Representatives of Franz Ludowig Fleischerei among hanging salamis
Frank Ludowig
Managing Director, Franz Ludowig Fleischerei GmbH & Co. KG
"What really impresses me about VARIOVAC is being able to send service requests via WhatsApp. You get expert, competent answers there very quickly. You can even order a spare part within minutes."
Dahlhausen logo
Holger Linke
Executive Director, Dahlhausen Medizintechnik GmbH
"For many years, our work with VARIOVAC has been defined by reliability, professionalism and excellent service. We particularly value the fast, competent support and the reliable performance of maintenance and service work. We feel extremely well looked after at VARIOVAC and can recommend working with them without reservation."
Jucker Metzgerei Kollbrunn logo
Mirco Jucker
Gebr. Jucker Metzgerei AG
"We are very satisfied with our VARIOVAC Maximus thermoforming packaging machine. The machine proves itself in daily operation and has made our packaging processes significantly more efficient. The support and service from Neumeyer also won us over from the very start. An investment that has already paid off in our day-to-day work."
Willie Lötter
Processing Director, Eskort (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
"Our VARIOVAC thermoformers have delivered outstanding reliability, efficiency, and consistent packaging quality. Combined with the excellent technical support and after-sales service from USS Pactech, we have a solution we can truly rely on. Great equipment. Great support. Great partnership."
5 out of 5 stars
Globino
Meat processing, Ukraine
"Excellent equipment and outstanding personal service. The machine is reliable, efficient, and easy to use, but what truly stands out is the genuine care and personal attention we received. A great product from people who truly value their customers."
5 out of 5 stars
Myasnyj
Meat processing, Ukraine
"What we value most is not only the quality of the equipment, but the genuine human approach. The supplier is always responsible and willing to help. It feels great to work with people who truly care about their customers."
5 out of 5 stars
Meat Master
Meat processing, Ukraine
"The equipment is very high quality and professional, works quickly and reliably. It seals packages reliably, no issues."
5 out of 5 stars
Dahlhausen logo
Graefke Fleischwaren logo
Jucker Metzgerei Kollbrunn logo
Käsemanufaktur Müritz logo
Franz Ludowig Fleischerei logo

Time for the right solution.

Do you have questions about VARIOVAC or its packaging solutions, or would you like to talk in person? Your contact is happy to help, by phone, by email or on site in Zarrentin.

Tobias Ziegler, Sales Support at VARIOVAC

Tobias Ziegler

Sales Support

+49 38851 823-0
sales@variovac.de