FEATURE Packaging & Labelling
The challenges presented by sustainability in the packaging industry require flexible and powerful automation technology, writes Patricia Torres, Industry Marketing Manager Food and Commodities at Omron Europe
detection for fi lm compensation through motion control to ensure optimal unwinding of the roll. The Omron Packaging Library off ers a wide range of function blocks for fi lm processing in VFFS machines.
2. Film sealing Thinner fi lm materials off er lower costs and improved aesthetics. However, these materials are more sensitive to heat and susceptible to burn through when using traditional adhesives and sealing technologies. The actual sealing temperature must therefore be constantly and precisely controlled and automatically adjusted to avoid losing productivity or sealing defects that will enerate rejects and waste. Omron addresses this challenge with an AI-based temperature control algorithm synchronised with machine movement and sensor technology that can be placed closer to the sealing bar. Noise is compensated for by an automatic fi lter adjustment function.
3. Fuality control of packaging and label
Reclosable packaging or pouches with nozzles are increasingly replacing rigid plastic containers.
Flexible packaging with new elements such as resealable closures place diff erent demands on packaging integrity and quality testing. Thinner fi lms, bio-based materials, or those with a higher recycled content have a diff erent thermal, elongation and puncture resistance profi le. These diff erences
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can lead to irregularities in the shape and edges during forming and cutting. More sustainable materials such as non-laminated or monomaterials also change shape and can reduce the fi delity or performance of label printing. Reading, checking or verifying label information on packaging is diffi cult when the shape is inconsistent or the print quality changes. Omron addresses this with its High-Speed Inspection System: this simple and scaleable system is suitable for multiple lines and transparent integration with robotic systems. It off ers a multi-camera platform with a single controller for multiple-image capture at high speed to reliably detect potential defects. Advanced algorithms help to detect diffi cult-to-read characters, in variable light conditions and high speeds.
4. Nnew adhesives and glueing techniques
Eliminating tapes and minimising adhesives increases the recyclability of cartons. Removing the need for a silicone strip makes it 100% recyclable and biodegradable. To produce and seal cartons, companies are increasingly relying on a strategic and reduced application of adhesives. This requires a high level of precision and continuous quality control. With its automated visual inspection system, Omron supports accurate detection of glue patterns. The high resolution and brightness settings allow low-contrast defects to be detected, even in the toughest light conditions or with diffi cult to detect materials.
5. Multi-material handling Cardboard boxes made of recycled fi bers have higher porosity and are more fl exible. Using traditional machines or unpacking and repacking manually, the handling of boxes made of recycled cardboard without damaging them can be tricky. Traditional palletising solutions are complicated to adapt and program, they take up a lot of space and cannot be relocated to other parts of the plant when needed. It is therefore advisable to have an integrated cobot solution with dedicated grippers to safely handle a wide range of irregular shapes, porosity levels and delicate objects. Omron off ers a complete solution for sustainable packaging line automation that helps companies become more effi cient and greener, utilising their machines for new recyclable materials and ensuring product quality. Sysmac is an integrated automation platform that provides complete control and management of the automation plant. At the core of this platform, the Machine Controller series supports synchronous control of all machine devices and off ers advanced features such as motion, robotics and database connectivity. This multidisciplinary concept allows to simplify the solution architecture, reduce programming eff ort and optimise productivity.
https://industrial.omron.co.uk CONTACT:
Omron
Automation | July/August 2022
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