Benefits

In the primary packaging of chocolates and other goods, the materials are continuously fed from rolls and guided through numerous rollers. The ultra-compact UC-F77 ultrasonic sensor reliably measures the roll diameter and detects web breaks, even with difficult materials such as transparent film.

Placing primary products into packaging is the most critical part of the packaging process since machine downtimes can cause significant losses in product quantity and quality. The VIM3 vibration sensor, which comes with an optional IO-Link interface, makes it possible to efficiently monitor the condition of machine components.

Food trays need to be correctly positioned to ensure that the individual compartments are filled with the right components. The SmartRunner Matcher offers the ideal solution for this application: Mounted above the conveyor system, the laser profile sensor compares the tray’s height profile with a previously stored reference profile.

When different products are packaged on one production line, the machines often need to be retrofitted. Pepperl+Fuchs offers a complete portfolio of IO-Link infrastructure and sensor technology, allowing sensors and actuators to be configured during operation. In this way, costly plant downtimes are avoided.

Hygienic safety is a top priority in food packaging. In this environment, not only sensors and actuators, but also the associated connection technology must withstand aggressive cleaning processes. The M8 and M12 connectors in hygienic design meet the requirements of both the product contact and the splash zones.

From primary packaging to end-of-line, tracking products is essential to guarantee quality and safety. The VOS Ident vision sensor is ideally suited for this task: It reads up to 64 1-D or 2-D codes simultaneously—ensuring fast and reliable operation, for example when tracking serialized lots.

At various stages in the packaging process, code readers are used for identification tasks. The OPC120 stationary reader reliably reads 1-D or 2-D codes on product packaging—at high speeds of up to 10 m/s, even with highly reflective or curved surfaces.

Serial barcode scanners, which are often used in packaging processes, require efficient network integration solutions. The DeviceMaster® serial gateways enable easy integration into Ethernet-based fieldbus systems such as PROFINET or EtherNet/IP.

In modern packaging machines, the sensors often have IO-Link interfaces for transmitting various diagnostic data. In order to enable seamless communication between IO-Link devices and higher-level control systems, Pepperl+Fuchs offers IO-Link masters with OPC UA.

Many packaging machines, for example cartoners, run at high speed around the clock. To immediately detect faults such as carton jams, the VOC industrial event camera provides real-time video feedback. The camera allows event-driven video recording up to 60 seconds before and after a trigger signal. In this way, it enables simple and targeted remote diagnostics.

RFID technology makes it possible to efficiently control containers in conveyor systems. RFID tags in the containers integrate all the required information. In combination with compact RFID read/write devices mounted on the conveyor system, the next process step and the best conveyor route can be determined.