With many industries embracing the latest technology trends found
in the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0, it can be easy to
overlook some of the simpler and more cost-effective solutions. For
packaging and labeling, maintaining precision and product positioning
is extremely important for high-quality results and does not necessarily
require the latest in servomotor design.
The inevitable march of progress brings with it many innovations
and solutions that save time and energy. However, adopting new
technology at face value may not always be the most cost-effective
solution. One good example is the introduction of servomotors and
variable speed drives into assembly and packaging lines; while certain
applications will benefit, others are better suited to a simpler approach.
Keep it simple
Wrap spring clutches and brakes offer a simple and effective
means of providing accurate, non-accumulative error indexing and
positioning. Furthermore, for their physical size, wrap spring clutches
can transmit considerable amounts of static torque.
The most common applications involve multiple starts and stops
within a single revolution: such as printing presses, postage machines,
conveyors and packaging machines. Operating continuously, these
machines rely on the product position being exactly the same, week
after week, without the need for compensating actions or adjustments.
By working closely with a manufacturer, it is possible to
determine the most suitable dimensions and configuration for the
wrap spring clutch, thus creating a solution that will deliver not only
accuracy and repeatability, but also reliability and lower running costs.
However, they are not a panacea, and each application should be
carefully assessed to ensure the most-effective operation.
Think it through
Solenoid-activated wrap spring clutches are
much simpler to repair or replace, and the
process can be completed with minimal
downtime.
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users can
all benefit from making the most appropriate choices when it comes
to building and installing a new commercial processing machine.
The initial costs of technology using the latest innovations are much
higher and will directly affect the price point of the new equipment.
In contrast, given the right operational parameters, a more simplistic
approach can deliver significant cost savings as well as a far less
complicated maintenance routine.
In addition, once the machine has been installed, the customer
will be responsible for carrying out any repairs. Repairs to servo
motors and their drive systems require highly skilled maintenance
staff, and replacement parts can be quite costly. In contrast, solenoidactivated
wrap spring clutches are much simpler to repair or replace,
and the process can be completed with minimal downtime. In
these circumstances, the maintenance costs associated with simple
technology are a fraction of those attributed to the latest drives and their
associated controls.
Assessing the application
Industries such as packaging and labeling are
cost-conscious and as such require the equipment
that they use to be cost-effective and reliable with
minimal running costs.
Processing systems that have a high cycle rate, above 10 per
minute for instance, will satisfy the first step of the assessment process.
From this point, it is necessary to analyze the load inertias and speeds
as well as identifying potential sources of friction that will affect cycle
rates and repeatability.
At this stage, OEMs and end users can benefit from the expert
advice that is available from Warner Electric, which is part of the
Altra Industrial Motion Corporation. From individual components to
complete processing lines, Warner’s technical support team can offer
experienced advice on the best solution in terms of reliability and cost
effectiveness.
Industries such as packaging and labeling are cost-conscious and,
as such, require the equipment that they use to be cost-effective and
reliable with minimal running costs. By assessing each component
within a process, it is possible to determine the most suitable design
and integrate it into the finished product.