Linear axis cuts dairy downtime
A
RA Rodriguez product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jan 24, 2005
With its existing coding and marking system's frequent failures equating to a production loss of 18,000 milk pots per 15 minutes of downtime, a Scottish dairy knew it was time for an upgrade.
With its existing coding and marking system's frequent failures equating to a production loss of 18,000 milk pots per 15 minutes of downtime, a Scottish dairy knew it was time for an upgrade.
Inconsistent positioning and speed resulted from the friction between the system's piston and cylinder.
Inkflow was also disturbed by inefficient shock absorption at the end of each stroke.
Downtime for printer maintenance was becoming excessive and costly.
The chosen successor, based on a standard IEF Werner linear axis from RA Rodriguez, is responsible for positioning two inkjet print heads.
Both work in conjunction with a filling and sealing machine.
The one-shot milkpots are delivered to the filling and coding station in rows of 12 by a conveyor that indexes 100 times per minute, stopping for 0.3s per row to allow for filling and coding.
Throughput is therefore 1200 pots per minute, or 72k/h.
The stepper motor driven linear axis is controlled by an IEF Werner PA Control that positions the print heads over the 12-pot row; one print head passes over the first six pots, and second over the remaining 6.
At each print position the controller sends a signal to the initiate printing.
"High constant speed and consistent print quality were our prime requirements from this system and we are now achieving this 100%", explained the customer.
The free running linear axis with rolling element bearings combined with programmable acceleration and deceleration ensure uninterrupted ink flow in the print heads.
These features are complemented by the system's robust 8A stepper motor for high duty and long life.
In addition to ensuring optimum movement and positioning, the user-friendly IEF Werner control can easily be reprogrammed to accommodate a new print position in the event of a change of product, pack-size or artwork on the lid.
The linear axis is also designed for quick and easy disassembly for routine maintenance.
The system runs continuously on an 18-hour shift, efficiently applying 108,000 print strokes to 1.2 million single-shot milk pots per shift.
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