Servo control benefits packaging machine

Bennett compiled reports: Off-the-shelf (off-the-shelf can be used without any modification) control scheme brings many advantages to the vertical forming/filling/sealing (vf/f/s) packaging machine compared to the unique control scheme. benefit.

When the packaging machine OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Kliklok-Woodman used a servo drive instead of mechanical propulsion, it modernized its Compak II vertical bag making machine. It selected a “off-the-box” from Yaskawa Yasukawa, Japan. "Shelf can be used without any modification"" control package.

"We used to rely on our own control platform developed at home," explains Ross Long, vice president of Kliklok-Woodman. "But we are gradually realizing that with Yaskawa's new generation of control packaging we can get better motion control and higher mechanical reliability."

In 2005, the servo-based Compak II was introduced. In the Kliklok-Woodman bag making machine, Compak II is the most space- and economically efficient, and the Compak II has a maximum speed of 80 bags/minute. Only one axis of motion is servo-driven: The film carriage reciprocates up and down to pull the film through the machine. Sealing clips are closed and opened pneumatically.

The Yaskawa package includes an MP-940 machine controller and a Sigma 2 servo motor and a servo drive. The two cables run from the drive to the motor: one is the encoder feedback line and the other is the power line. The MP-940 controls logic and motion.

"By creating such a servo-driven motion axis, we no longer need to mechanically adjust the settings of a new bag length," Long said. "We only need to change the settings on the touch screen on its HMI control panel."

And Long pointed out that because servo control produces a smaller error, the down stroke of the propulsion mechanism can be "described as" slower than the return speed of the up stroke. This puts less pressure on the raw materials, improves the retention time during sealing, and produces a better overall package, Long said.

The Compak II control pack turned to Yaskawa, which is already another improvement after the KW produced two other vertical packaging machines using similar servo controls. Using the same family of control and servo systems, three packers were standardized, and KW obtained the inherent advantages of continuous control technology for all machines in the range, including simplified design. Because this is an "off-the-shelf (without any modification)" automation program, rather than its own unique automation program.

KW's customers are easily supported worldwide by spare parts and products, Long said. "Any Yaskawa dealer has any control components required by our customers," he added.


Author: Lin Zhang Di