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BARCODING, LABELLING & PACKAGING
EFFECTIVE FILTRATION FOR TODAY’S FMCG MARKET
U
nscheduled downtime is the enemy of productivity, particularly when it comes to ever-faster FMCG production lines.
With some canning lines operating at 125,000 units per hour, the costs associated with unplanned stoppages can be significant, let alone the impact this can have on customer relations. Integral to the smooth functioning of these operations is barcode and batch marking, labelling and packaging, which form part of a holistic and automated process. Laser generated batch marking is vital for
food and beverage manufacturers, and this means ensuring that high quality results are maintained 24/7. Central to this process is keeping the laser head clear of any airborne contaminants as well as preventing airborne dust scattering the beam which can lead to product rejections. This requires the effective
capture and filtration of particulate via an extraction system capable of keeping pace with production output. Extraction technology, such as that designed and manufactured by BOFA, are vital in both maintaining a healthy workplace atmosphere and optimising performance of laser marking equipment. The reliance on speed and efficiency has also increased reliance on extraction system automation and the role that operational data can play in improving productivity. It is clear that the role of technology to filter airborne emissions is now even more important, because with faster processing comes a requirement for technical innovation and appropriate filter capacity to help keep production lines working at optimum quality. Before investing in any form of filtration
technology, manufacturers should refer to Safety Data Sheets to understand any potential risks associated with the materials being worked and the associated permitted workplace exposure levels, using this information to conduct an informed risk assessment. A well-designed filtration
system starts with a detailed assessment of the process and the points at which particulate capture is needed. For example, in a fast moving environment, particulate is known to ‘travel’ beyond the point of laser ablation and so this needs to be taken into account in the system geometry, airflow and a multi-stage filtration architecture. Such a set-up helps avoid the risk of contamination of products or components. At the same time, smarter control platforms are now providing operations managers with real- time system-wide monitoring and performance data and analytics, which can track filter condition and enable their exchange in step with routine maintenance to minimise the impact on production. For example, BOFA’s portable
AD Oracle iQ laser system incorporates the iQ intelligent operating system, which offers remote system monitoring, onboard data logs, a colour touchscreen user interface,
By Joshua Evans MEng (Hons) IChemE, BOFA applications engineer and head of BOFA Academy
smart navigation, enhanced alarms and remote system upgrades. This means that users can quickly review
filter status, extraction system temperature, percentage motor running and operating efficiency, and any visual alarms – thereby presenting a snapshot of true system pressure and percentage capacity utilisation. This data can help head-off potential issues before they have an impact on production and can also be used to inform system configuration to maximise filter life. The extended data log is particularly valuable
for high volume manufacturing because with increasing production line speeds, filter capacity is best measured through units of product rather than units of time. Interrogating these logs can provide the granular detail needed to establish optimal filter exchange patterns. All this is in support of the fundamental role
of filtration technology to contribute to a safe working environment while keeping expensive laser lenses free from the build-up of debris that could otherwise impact product quality and productivity.
BOFA International
www.bofainternational.com
8 SEPTEMBER 2023 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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