Increase Packaging Machine Flexibility with Electric Actuators

Several trends are driving increased demand for electric actuators for providing linear motion control in packaging machines.  While pneumatics-driven actuation has historically served this function, the industry is transitioning away from that approach in order to realize greater flexibility, cleaner operation, less noise, and reduced costs.

Simply put, electric linear actuators that utilize lead screws are becoming the preferred linear actuation solution in packaging machines because they provide a leaner, cleaner, more flexible approach.  Manufacturers of packaged products are demanding the ability to handle different types and sizes of bags, bottles, and containers.  They want to be able to accommodate dimensional variations in packaging without needing a new machine or absorbing the delays and costs associated with manual setup procedures.

Using lead screw-driven electric linear actuators in packaging systems provides the increased accuracy, precise repeatability, and innate adaptability that manufacturers of packaged goods need to boost productivity.

An electric linear actuator combines a lead screw with an electric motor to produce and control linear motion.  They are perfectly suited for packaging applications because both their force and stroke length can be precisely controlled—supporting fast operating speeds and smooth acceleration and deceleration.

In addition to these performance benefits, the minimal setup time, cleaner operation, and enhanced configurability afforded by lead screw-driven actuators enable packaging machine and equipment designers to meet and exceed changing customer requirements.  These actuators not only ensure the proper filling and sealing of packaging but also provide the range of adaptable options for supporting different applications without changeovers that drive increased productivity in packaging processes.

Types of Packaging Systems that Use Electric Actuators 

A variety of packaging systems can benefit from the use of lead screw-driven actuators for linear motion control applications because of the speed, control, precision, and reusability that they provide.  Common types of packaging systems that utilize these types of actuators include:

• Box/Carton-Packing Machines – While box-packaging applications can use some standard components, they also have special needs that require customized mechanical components.
• Filling Machines – Whether filling bottles, cups, or other types of containers, these systems use a series of nozzles that are driven by electric linear actuators, which when fully enclosed eliminate risk of contamination, both in the linear control mechanisms and during the filling process.
• Pick and Place Systems – These machines require multi-axis linear motion solutions, whether deployed for small or large components.  Matched with profile rail guides and an appropriately sized motor, lead screw-driven actuators can be configured to provide the stiffness that is critical for these applications.
• Labeling Systems – Whenever labels are affixed to product packaging, electric actuators are used to drive both the conveyor that transports the packages, which typically vary in size, and engage the label gun mechanism in response to a signal from an optical detection system.  Lead screws enable the precision and speed required to complete labeling while packages stay in motion.