Integrating Automation for Packaging Processes (Part 1)

Packaging is a constantly shifting environment. However, unlike the rest of production, packaging processes have been slow to uptake new technologies. Thankfully, with the rise of developments in technology, like sensors, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and motion control, flexibility of the packaging line is better than ever.

That said, integrating automation for packaging processes is not without its challenges. With the increasing need to be capable of running several programs for different products, how can plant managers get this right, without breaking the bank?

Motion Control for Packaging

Motion control has been used in the manufacturing industry for decades, but only recent developments have allowed it to be used in other areas of production, such as packaging. Take food manufacturing for example. Packaging multiple products together requires synchronizing the incoming product, collating and grouping it, before transferring the product to a cartoning machine.  All of this is expected at high throughput.

The efficiency of rapid changeover is one of the key advantages of motion control. Manufacturers have grown to expect to use a single appliance to package multiple products, therefore the ability to adjust the machine to package a different product in the minimum possible time is crucial.

Not only does motion control provide precision motion, but in the event of a fault, the system essentially acts as a braking mechanism, driving the machine to stop as quickly as possible. The feedback in motion control devices also evaluates the relationship between the actual value and wanted value, sending a signal to the drive for corrective action if needed.

Motion control is increasingly being used in processes that have been traditionally mechanical. For instance, tasks such as palletizing have long relied on pneumatic and hydraulics to operate. However, automated robotic palletizers provide much greater productivity, and accompanying motion control allows these powerful machines to synchronize seamlessly.  

In today’s demanding market, motion control can offer manufacturers this increase in productivity, without having to upgrade their whole factory floor. The addition of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) provide a noise-free and inexpensive method of motion control, controlling multiple setups and logic control on machinery, as well as giving the best possible transfer speed.

Source: Packagingstrategies