More success stories from the most diverse applications which partners Micromech Systems and Parker has been supporting for food processing equipment and packaging machinery manufacturers.

Auger filler for powdery products

The use of auger fillers is for applications where precise dosing of powders and granules is preferred and essential. A machine manufacturer wishing to create new market potential in the area of semi-automated individual fillers faced the problem that a solution incorporating a servo driven dosing auger and separate PLC was far too expensive. They wanted both a cost-effective modular solution for semi-automated systems as well as for fully automated dosing modules requiring integration into filling and flow wrapping machines. They also demanded component reduction and a simple modular design.

Thanks to a servo drive solution tailor made for the application offering a completely integrated control system meeting the requirements of IEC 61131-3 and PLCopen, it was possible to eliminate external controllers and I/O modules and to reduce total system costs. Furthermore, the process focussed control integrated into the drive allowed for faster response times of the mechanical shut-off slide and thus delivers better precision. It was found that running at 80 strokes per minute with a spread reduced by 0.2 g resulted in more than 3300 kg of product being saved annually over a two shift operation. By connecting an operating panel to the servo drive the module could also be used as a standalone version. Control via I/O or fieldbus options allowed for integration into complex machine structures and thus this decentralised servo drive reduced costs and enhanced precision.

In automatic high performance filling systems the mechanical shut-off slide can be optionally replaced by a tubular plug and play linear motor actuator, which achieves more than 90 strokes per minute with high precision and maintenance free operation. Here again the servo drive provides the complete control technology, which results in additional savings.

This advanced is fulfilling the machine manufacturers desire to open new markets and also their existing customers are delighted with the outcome, much higher production and simple to use stylish machine.

Micromech is Parker’s 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 are forces in motion’