46 packaging, labelling & logistics
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vacuum system design. It is now possible to place cups can come in direct contact with food items in top
high-power vacuum directly at the point where suction is loading applications. With a wide temperature range of
required with a decentralised system. -60°C to 200°C, the cups easily and effectively handle
Traditional centralised vacuum systems typically dozens of products including bags of frozen food.
consist of one vacuum source providing vacuum to Bag opening suction cups need to be able to handle
multiple points-of-use at varying distances. Conversely, a differences in material thickness, whether a thin plastic
decentralised system locates vacuum pumps closer to the bag or thicker rubbery bag is being handled. For thin
points-of-use. By switching from a centralised to materials, suction cups like PIAB’s F15 provide a solution
decentralised system, line losses and inefficiencies can that prevents the bag from being pulled into the airflow
be greatly reduced. hole. This cup has cleats on the lip, allowing the air to
Designing the ultimate decentralised vacuum system flow into the complete lip area so that the entire lip is
is made possible by positioning vacuum power exactly working instead of just the part closest to the airflow
where it is needed. COAX is an improved design based hole. Suction power is not concentrated around the
on the multi-stage concept for creating vacuum with airflow hole, but rather over a larger area, resulting in
compressed air. It can be easily integrated into the body an even bag opening process. In the case of handling
of manufacturing machinery with multistage cartridges, thicker materials, the U15-3 makes a good choice. It
making maximum use of energy and enhancing grip by works differently from the F15 in that it prevents the bag
eliminating line losses and inefficiencies. from covering the airflow hole with a wide, enforced lip.
Equipping a vacuum pump with an air-saving cruise The BluePrint Automation Group focuses on
control option can further improve the system. This secondary packaging solutions for flexible and other
option automatically maintains a pre-set level of vacuum hard-to-handle packages. One of the challenges that the
to ensure a consistent and reliable vacuum level is company has recently faced has been in finding a reliable
provided at the suction point. solution for picking up plastic bags in some of its
Once a powerful decentralised system is in place, packaging applications. The company was interested in
choosing the right suction cups for the job is the next developing a solution that could securely grip plastic bags
step in successful bag handling. A suction cup for either of bread and load them into boxes for shipping. Standard
top loading or bag opening suction cups did not provide a strong grip on the material,
applications must be flexible resulting in dropped products and machine stoppages.
while providing strong, “The handling of
secure and quick grip. This plastic bags is a
means good sealing difficult packaging
properties and leak application that we
compensation, specialise in,” said R
equating to increased M Hoveling, R&D
efficiency and manager at BluePrint. “We need
production rates with to handle flexible material that is
fewer damaged constantly shifting and moving.”
products. BluePrint tested a new vacuum solution for the
For top loading handling of plastic bags with its HVP packaging
applications, a suction machine. This
Fig. 2. PIAB’s P6010 vacuum pump with Cruise Control (PCC)
cup with a long, stable solution combines
option.
bellow is ideal. The PIAB’s P6010 vacuum
sealing lip of the cup should be elongated and thin with pump with Cruise Control (PCC) option and BL40-3P
wide diameter for increased working area. This provides Polyurethane suction cup. Now a market leader in the
a flexible solution that reduces changeover as these cups handling of plastic bags, BluePrint hopes to continue
can handle a variety of bag sizes, shapes and dimensions. working with its natural vacuum partner.
Suction cups like PIAB’s BL40-3P and BL-4/BL-5 More distinctive and complicated packaging is bound
present excellent options. With its better sealing to be on the horizon. This presents an exciting
capabilities and stronger, more stable bellows, the BL40-3P opportunity for machine builders to be just as creative
also allows applications to run at higher speeds. The larger with their designs. Developing partnerships with the goal
inner neck diameter and specially designed high flow to not only meet but also exceed the challenges of new
fitting allow the high initial flow needed for a secure grip. package shapes, sizes and materials is a step in the right
The cup is made of DURAFLEX, a strong, durable and direction. Working together in preparation of the future
elastic material with excellent sealing capability. will allow machine builders and end-users to remain one
Featuring high initial flow, the BL-4 and BL-5 offer step ahead. p
quick gripping speed and are suitable for level
adjustments. Made of silicone material that complies PIAB Ltd is based in Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough,
with FDA standards, these new bag handling suction Leicestershire, UK. www.piab.co.uk
www.scientistlive.com
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