Analysis of The Degree of Automation of Transparent Film Three-Dimensional Packaging Machine

The degree of automation of the transparent film three-dimensional packaging machine is an important indicator to measure its performance and efficiency. A higher degree of automation can significantly improve production efficiency, reduce labor costs, and ensure packaging quality. The following is an analysis of its degree of automation from different dimensions:

First, the core functions are automatically realized

Automatic feeding and positioning

Most transparent film three-dimensional packaging machines are equipped with automatic feeding devices, such as vibrating discs and conveyor belts, which can orderly and continuously transport the items to be packaged to the packaging station without the need for manual placement one by one, greatly improving the feeding efficiency.

After loading, the equipment precisely detects the position of the items through sensors and positioning devices (such as proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, etc.), automatically adjusts the posture of the items, and ensures that they are in the correct packaging position, providing precise positioning for subsequent packaging actions and reducing manual intervention and positioning errors.

Automatic film supply and forming

The film is installed on the equipment in roll form, and the continuous and stable supply of the film is achieved through the automatic unwinding device. The unwinding device is usually equipped with a tension control system, which can automatically adjust the tension according to the film material and packaging requirements to ensure that the film remains flat and does not slack during the conveying process.

The forming process is fully automated. By using mechanisms such as molds, cylinders or motors, the flat film is precisely folded into a three-dimensional shape that matches the shape of the item according to the preset program. There is no need for manual forming, which improves the forming accuracy and efficiency.

Automatic wrapping and sealing

After the items enter the formed film, the equipment automatically completes the wrapping action. The pushing mechanism or mechanical hand accurately pushes the items into the film, and at the same time ensures that the film and the items are closely adhered through vacuum adsorption, mechanical pressing and other methods, without bubbles or wrinkles. The entire process is fast and precise.

The sealing process is also highly automated, using heat sealing or cold sealing technology. The sealing of the film edge is automatically completed through heating elements, glue application devices, etc. During the heat sealing process, parameters such as temperature, pressure and time can be precisely controlled to ensure a firm seal and good sealing performance. Cold sealing is achieved through automatic gluing and lamination.

Automatic cutting and output

After the sealing is completed, the cutting device starts automatically and precisely cuts the excess film according to the shape and size of the items, making the appearance of the packaged products neat. There are various cutting methods, such as blade cutting and laser cutting, all of which can be operated automatically.

The packaged finished products are conveyed to the discharge port of the equipment by automatic conveyor belts or mechanical hands, and then enter the subsequent packaging or storage process, achieving an automated closed loop of the entire packaging process.

Second, the application of intelligent control systems

Controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC)

As the "brain" of the equipment, PLC is responsible for coordinating and controlling the actions of various actuators. By writing programs, the automatic control of the packaging process can be achieved, including the sequential execution and parameter adjustment of links such as feeding, forming, wrapping, sealing and cutting.

The PLC also has the functions of fault diagnosis and alarm, which can monitor the operating status of the equipment in real time. When a fault occurs, it will promptly issue an alarm and display the fault code, facilitating maintenance personnel to quickly locate and solve the problem, and reducing downtime.

Human-machine interface (HMI) operation

Equipped with an intuitive and easy-to-operate human-machine interface, operators can set packaging parameters such as film length, heat sealing temperature, pressure, and speed through the touch screen without complex mechanical adjustments.

The HMI can also display the real-time operating status of the equipment and production data (such as packaging quantity, production speed, etc.), facilitating the monitoring and management of the production process by operators.

Sensors and feedback control

All kinds of sensors (such as photoelectric sensors, proximity switches, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) are widely used in equipment to monitor parameters such as the position of items, film tension, heat sealing temperature, and pressure in real time, and feed back the signals to the PLC.

The PLC automatically adjusts the operating parameters of the equipment based on the feedback signal to achieve closed-loop control and ensure the stability and consistency of packaging quality. For instance, when the tension of the film is detected to be too high or too low, the PLC will automatically adjust the tension of the unwinding device to keep the film tension within an appropriate range.

Third, the ability to integrate and network with other devices

Integrate with the equipment of the previous process

The transparent film three-dimensional packaging machine can be integrated with the production equipment of the previous process (such as filling machines, labeling machines, etc.) to achieve the automatic connection of the production line. Through signal interaction and coordinated control, items that are output from the previous process equipment can automatically and accurately enter the packaging machine for packaging, reducing manual handling and intermediate links, and improving production efficiency.

Networking and data management

Some advanced transparent film 3D packaging machines are equipped with networking functions and can interact with the production management systems of enterprises (such as MES, ERP, etc.) for data exchange. Through networking, enterprises can monitor the operation status of equipment and production data in real time, and achieve remote management and scheduling of the production process.

Meanwhile, the equipment can also store production data in the database, facilitating subsequent quality traceability, production statistics and analysis, and providing data support for the production decisions of enterprises.

Fourth, the advantages and challenges brought about by the improvement of automation levels

Advantage

Enhancing production efficiency: Automated operations significantly shorten the packaging cycle, reduce manual operation time, and increase production speed and output.

Reduce labor costs: By reducing human participation and the reliance on skilled workers, a significant amount of labor costs can be saved.

Ensuring packaging quality: Precise automated control and sensor monitoring guarantee the consistency and stability of packaging dimensions, sealing quality, etc., thereby enhancing the quality of product packaging.

Improving the working environment: It reduces the opportunities for manual direct contact with items and equipment, lowers the labor intensity, and improves the working environment.

Challenge

The equipment cost is relatively high: The research and development and manufacturing cost of highly automated transparent film three-dimensional packaging machines is relatively high, and the equipment price is relatively expensive, increasing the investment cost of enterprises.

High technical requirements: The installation, commissioning, maintenance and operation of the equipment require professional technicians, and have high demands on the technical level and personnel quality of the enterprise.

Limited flexibility: Highly automated equipment is usually designed and optimized for specific products or packaging specifications. When product specifications change significantly or packaging forms need to be frequently changed, the flexibility and adaptability of the equipment may be somewhat restricted.