Feature Packaging Machinery Industry Comment...
Benefits of fully integrated sensors
by Andrew Baker, Omron Electronics
ever increasing capability. However, often the end result is a very basic digital on/off signal. But so much more is possible by integrating the operation and configura- tion of sensors into the machine control platform. In addition, by utilising fieldbus technology, a wide range of possibilities are available with regard to sensor integration. In particular EtherCAT, Omron’s preferred fieldbus platform, provides high speed data transfer with long distance communications. However, the real benefit of EtherCAT is that it is not specific to sensors, allowing a machine to have a single fieldbus solution for I/O, drives, servos, actua- tors, pneumatics, vision systems and sensors. Integrating sensors through a fieldbus solution pro- vides many benefits, from reduced wiring during installa- tion, saving time and costs, through diagnostic informa- tion, which can be fed back to the control system. As well as the on/off status, measured values can also be transferred to the machine controller, providing more in-depth detection information. Also, most field- bus enabled sensors, like Omron’s new N-Smart range, also allow full configuration via the machine controller. If sensors need to be reconfigured during changeovers, this can be fully automated through the machine con- troller, eliminating the need for manual resetting of indi- vidual sensors, reducing changeover times and improv- ing machine efficiency. Sensor diagnostic information can also be fed back, providing preventative mainte- nance information, simplifying the process of identifying detection issues and reducing machine down-time. The level of sensor integration which is now pos- sible exceeds most people’s expectations, therefore I would strongly recommend investigating the technol- ogy so you can realise the real benefits integrated sensors provide.
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ensor technology and performance has advanced at an exponential pace during the last decade, with
Still making the grade P
Pacepacker Services’ Total Bag Control (TBC) bagging system has been installed at Great Yarmouth-based Pasta Foods for over ten years and continues to provide reliable, dust-free operation
roducing snack pellets and dry pasta, Pasta Foods supplies customers with tailor-made solutions from a portfolio that includes extruded pellets for snack manufacturing, dry pasta ingredients for the food processing industry, and Pasta Rapido - an instant dried pasta that can be rehydrated in two to five minutes. To develop its external business supplying semolina products to other food manufactur- ers, Pasta Foods first invested in the TBC and sack placer from Pacepacker Services in 2002 when it was used to bag product in 25kg paper sacks. Made using durum wheat, the wide variety of different semolina products for fresh pasta, snacks and other specialities has grown over the years and, drawing on the flexibility of the TBC, Pasta Foods has added 20kg, 16kg and 8kg bags to its range. Commenting on the Pacepacker technology, David Smith, mill manager at Pasta Foods, said, “Pacepacker’s system handles on average 1,000 to 1,500 bags per day depending on the size of the bags. Although the majority of bags are 16kg or 25kg in size, we also run both 20kg and 8kg bags in limited numbers on the same machine. The system is inherently flexible. We do not have to make adjustments to the actual machine, but just alter the height of the conveyor in order to accommodate the differ- ent pack sizes.”
The TBC installation includes a C Series Sack Placer, with a multi-pile sack magazine. Using a vacuum system, the sack placer auto- matically lifts individual bags from a stack and places them onto the sack clamp. Critically, in the dusty environment created by the packing of dry semolina products,
Pasta Foods opted for sack clamps featuring Pacepacker Services’ dedicated dust reduc- tion pads that help to alleviate any dust prob- lems in the packing plant area and ensure safe, dust-free sealing.
As the semolina is released from the weigher into the bag, the clamp holds the bag firm and a retracting plate at the bottom of the bag extends and agitates the bag to ensure even filling of the light, aerated product. Continuous support of the base of the bag is offered by the TBC conveyors that are height adjustable to suit the differing pack sizes. At no time does the system release its safe grip on the bag as it is conveyed in a synchro- nised motion (between the clamp and the end of the conveyor system) through the folding and sealing operation, and on to palletising. Smith concluded, “There has been no dete- rioration in the performance of the Pacepacker equipment, which has been very accurate and reliable. It has adapted as our business has adapted over the past ten years.”
Pacepacker
www.pacepacker.com T: 0371 811 544
Enter 207
Gearboxes for packaging, automation and robotics markets
smoothness of operation. The single piece housing (a monobloc design) offers stability and the inte- gral motor adapter caters for mounting any servo or stepper motor with its integral zero backlash clamp coupling. Sizes go from the smallest PE2 (55mm2 ) with torques up to 300Nm - all
) up to PE5 (145mm2
being available in single and two stage versions with ratios up to 100:1.
Omron
www.industrial.omron.co.uk T: 01908 258 253
22 Enter 206
TOBER is extending its scope of supply with the launch of its new ServoFit PE range of inline planetary gear units. The gear units are equipped with helical gear- ing, ensuring very low noise levels and high
S
Also available is the SMS PE-EZ planetary geared motor version. Its no-coupling integrated gear and motor construction results in a compact, quiet run- ning, weight saving automation drive. STOBER
www.stober.co.uk T: 01543 458 858
Enter 208 SEPTEMBER 2013 Automation
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