More Categories
An ‘off-the-shelf’ as opposed to proprietary controls solution brings multiple benefits to this maker of vf/f/s baggers.When packaging machinery OEM Kliklok-Woodman modernized its Compak II vertical bag maker with servo-driven as opposed to mechanically linked film advance, it selected an “off-the-shelf” controls package from Yaskawa.
“In the past we would have relied on a proprietary controls platform developed here in house,” explains Kliklok-Woodman vice president Ross Long. “But we’ve come to realize that we can get better motion control and higher machine reliability with the new-generation controls package from Yaskawa.” The servo-based Compak II became available in 2005.
The most space-efficient and economical in K-W’s range of bag makers, the Compak II has a top speed of 80 bags/min. Only one axis of motion is servo-driven: the film-draw carriage that reciprocates up and down to pull film through the machine. Closing and opening of the sealing jaw is pneumatically actuated.
The Yaskawa package consists of an MP-940 machine controller and a Sigma 2 servo motor plus servo drive. Two cables run from the drive to the motor: one for encoder feedback and one for power. The MP-940 governs both logic and motion.
“By making this a servo-driven axis of motion, we no longer need to make a mechanical adjustment to change to a new bag length setting,” says Long. “We do it at the touch-screen of the HMI panel.”
Long also points out that because servo control yields tighter tolerances, the downward stroke of the film-advance mechanism can be “profiled” at a slower speed than the return upward stroke. This produces less stress on the material, improves sealing dwell time, and produces a better overall package, says Long.
The move to a Yaskawa controls package on the Compak II follows a similar move by K-W on two other vertical baggers it manufactures. By standardizing on the same family of controllers and servos for all three baggers, K-W gains the advantages inherent in continuity of controls technology across a range of machines, including simplified programming. And because it’s an off-the-shelf automation solution rather than a proprietary one, spare parts and product support are easily accessed by K-W customers around the world, says Long. “Any Yaskawa distributor has whatever controls components our customers need,” he adds.
indicates an article that was submitted directly to this web site by the supplier, and was not handled by the PW editorial staff. Packaging World may share your contact information with our sponsors, as detailed in our Privacy Policy. Packaging World will not share your information with a sponsor whose content you have not reviewed.
