The packaging machinery industry is trending towards high speed, high efficiency, and high flexibility. To adapt to rapidly changing market demands (e.g., shorter product lifecycles, diverse packaging formats), equipment must feature quick changeover capabilities and the ability to handle multiple products. This places core demands on the motion control system: 1) High Throughput: Motors must have extremely high dynamic response for frequent, rapid start-stops and speed changes, as seen in the feeding and sealing of a flow wrapper. 2) Precise Synchronization: Ensuring coordinated motion between multiple stations (e.g., film feeding, coding, labeling, cartoning) to implement electronic camming. 3) High Reliability: Adapting to 24/7 continuous operation, minimizing maintenance and downtime.
AKT Product Solution
AKT offers scalable and highly reliable drive solutions for packaging automation, with a strong focus on Brushless DC (BLDC) Servo Systems and (Closed-Loop) Hybrid Stepper Motors.
- High Dynamic & Synchronized Control Solution:
For high-speed, multi-axis coordinated applications like “flying shears” and “electronic camming,” our high-performance BLDC Servo System is the ideal choice. Our BLDC motors (e.g., 60mm, 80mm series) feature low rotor inertia and high overload capacity for extremely fast response. Paired with AKT’s networked drivers (supporting EtherCAT/CANopen), they achieve nanosecond-level precise synchronization between axes, perfectly replacing complex mechanical cams and vastly enhancing equipment flexibility. - Precision Positioning & Actuation Solution:
For most intermittent positioning tasks (e.g., label arm positioning, cap torque control, carton pushing), Hybrid Stepper Motors (NEMA 23, 34) offer unparalleled cost-effectiveness and reliability. Their high holding torque ensures precise positioning.
To counter the risk of step loss in high-speed labeling or heavy-load pushing, we strongly recommend our Closed-Loop Stepper Motor System. It retains the high torque advantage of a stepper while adding closed-loop servo characteristics via an encoder, ensuring absolute positioning reliability—an ideal upgrade from open-loop. - High Torque & Heavy Load Solution:
For vertical lifts, large conveyors, or auger fillers, a continuous and stable high torque output is required. Our integrated solution of high-power BLDC motors (e.g., 90mm, 110mm series) and high-torque planetary gearboxes (featuring high radial load capacity and wide ratio options) delivers robust power in a compact space. The high efficiency of the planetary gearbox is also superior to traditional worm gears.
Engineering & Customization Capabilities:
Packaging environments can be dusty or damp. AKT can provide high protection-rated motors (e.g., IP65), and can pre-install electromagnetic brakes (for power-off protection on vertical axes) and high-resolution encoders. Our driver product lines (Stepper/BLDC) cover all needs from pulse control to bus control, easily integrating with upstream PLCs.
Typical Application Equipment Examples
- Vertical/Horizontal Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS/HFFS):
The film pulling and sealing jaw mechanisms are the core of the machine. These stations demand high-speed, precise synchronization. Our BLDC servo motors, combined with the electronic camming function of our drivers, perfectly coordinate film pulling, sealing, and product dropping, ensuring consistent bag length and seal quality even at high speeds. - Automatic Labeling Machines:
Label feeding requires microsecond start/stop and positioning accuracy. Our high-response hybrid stepper motor or closed-loop stepper system ensures that each label is peeled and dispensed precisely at high speed. The bottle conveyor and rotary tables are driven by our BLDC motors for smooth, continuous motion. - Filling & Capping Machines:
Capping stations require precise torque control to ensure caps are tight but not damaged. Our hybrid stepper or BLDC motor, using the torque control mode of our driver, can apply the exact torque required for a perfect seal. Filling pumps (e.g., peristaltic) use our stepper motors or BLDC motors for precise volume control.
Summary
AKT provides a scalable motion control platform for the packaging industry. From cost-effective open-loop stepper motors for simple positioning, to closed-loop stepper systems for high-reliability, and BLDC servo systems for complex, high-speed synchronization, AKT’s product line covers all needs. Through our reliable drivers, planetary gearboxes, and deep customization capabilities, we help customers build faster, more flexible, and more reliable packaging equipment.