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Tray from a T680 test run in our workshop

MAP vs VSP vs Seal-Only Tray Packaging

The Hybrid Pro T680 runs all three modes on one machine. They differ in what happens inside the pack before it is sealed, which changes the tooling, the speed and what has to be tested. Your product and how it is sold decide the mode.

Side by Side

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 MAPVSPSeal-Only
What happensVacuum, then gas filling with an O₂ / CO₂ / N₂ mix, then sealingThe top film is formed closely around the productLidding film sealed onto the tray; the atmosphere is unchanged
T680 machine maximum*20 cycles/min12 cycles/min25 cycles/min
Key figuresResidual O₂ below 0.5%; gas mixing ±2%Skin fit checked for each productHighest cycle rate of the three
Watch forJuice on the flange; a gas mix set for each productBones, shells and sharp edges piercing the film; product heightSauce on the flange; how the pack will be heated
TraysPlastic or paper-basedPlastic or paper-basedPlastic or paper-based

*Machine maximums with standard tooling, 4 trays per cycle. Actual output depends on product, tray, film, gas mixture and tooling. Each paper-based tray is tested with its lidding film and mode.

MAP

The air in the pack is drawn out and replaced with a gas mix before the lidding film is sealed. The T680 mixes O₂, CO₂ and N₂ with ±2% accuracy, and its reference for residual oxygen is below 0.5%.

Choose it when the product needs a modified atmosphere, as with fresh meat and seafood. The mix is set for your product in testing, not taken from one recipe.

Check in the test: the gas mix, residual O₂ measured on your pack, and seal quality with juice or water on the flange.

VSP

Vacuum skin packaging forms the top film closely around the product. Shape, height, edges and shells decide how well the skin forms.

Choose it when the product's shape and edges suit a skin film. VSP is checked for each product before it is chosen.

Check in the test: skin fit around edges and shells, punctures from bones or sharp edges, and output at up to 12 cycles/min.

Seal-Only

The lidding film is sealed onto the tray without changing the atmosphere inside. It is the fastest of the three modes on the T680, at up to 25 cycles/min.

Choose it when the product needs neither a gas mix nor a skin film, as with some ready meals.

Check in the test: seal quality with sauce or product on the flange, and how the pack behaves when it is heated.

How to Choose

  1. Start with the product: does it need a gas mix, a skin film or only a sealed lid? Shelf life depends on the product, gas mix, tray, film and storage, and has to be tested for your pack.
  2. Check the product's shape and height against the tray. Tall or sharp products change whether VSP fits.
  3. Pair the tray and lidding film with the mode. Not every paper-based tray suits every film or mode.
  4. Work out trays per minute from the tooling layout.
  5. Test your product, tray and film in the chosen mode before the configuration is fixed.
Trays per minute = Cycles per minute × Trays per cycle

With standard tooling at 4 trays per cycle, the MAP maximum of 20 cycles/min is a machine maximum of 80 trays/min. Changing mode means changing tooling and settings; a tooling change takes about 15–30 minutes.

Find the Right Mode

Send your product, tray and lidding film. We test them in MAP, VSP or seal-only before you order; the test is free, you cover sample shipping.

Request a Packaging Test

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  1. 01Product
  2. 02Package
  3. 03Output
  4. 04Line scope

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