Using conventional linear drives made the ‘placing unit’ a bottleneck so the manufacturer of folding carton glueing machines faced the challenge of how to increase much further the output of their machines. In the process of manufacturing complex folding cartons from several basic cartons the placing unit is subject to significant wear which resulted in production being restricted.

Conventional linear drives were insufficient for the simultaneous feed of up to three cuts, as the movement was not dynamic enough. The currently available linear motor kits required a high level of engineering design, which the machine manufacturer found prohibitive. The solution was to furnish a ready to mount linear motor module with two parallel carriages and harmonised drive technology that simplified integration into the machine and subsequently increasing the achievable output considerably.

In addition the controller includes a visualisation in the package therefore the servo drives are optimally suited for linear motor technology making the system a guarantee for success. Special control algorithms for linear motors and jerk-limited acceleration helped optimise the response behaviour, which in turn increases the cycle rate. The expectations regarding machine output were exceeded thanks to the performance of the new system. The new machine is able to produce up to 10,000 cartons per hour. Furthermore as the linear motor has a non-lubricating bearing system, the new solution is also maintenance free.

The customer is delighted with the outcome, higher production, lest maintenance and of course reduced costs.

Micromech is Parkers motion partner and can offer a bespoke solution to meet all of your motion control needs, for more information contact Alan Spinks on 01376 333333 or alan@micromech.co.uk

‘Micromech Systems and Parker - forces in motion’