Common Devices Used in Hardware Packaging Machines
Packaging machines are used to package products, serving to protect and beautify them. During the packaging process, items are typically fed into the machine using a feeding device, measured, and then filled into packaging containers for wrapping and sealing. Here are the common devices used in packaging machines:
1. Feeding Device
The feeding device's role is to deliver items stored in the hopper to the measuring device as required by the packaging process, which then forwards the items to other parts of the packaging machine. The feeding device typically includes a hopper, feed chute, feeder, anti-blocking device, sorting and orientation device, and a drive mechanism. Due to the varying physical and chemical properties, shapes, and packaging requirements of items, feeding devices come in different structures. They can be classified into gravity feeders, chain (belt) conveyors, screw conveyors, rotary plate conveyors, and vibrating feeders based on the driving method. Feeding devices should be simple, reliable, and suited to the material's characteristics, coordinating with subsequent packaging operations.
2. Measuring Device
To facilitate sales and usage and automate the packaging process, items need to be quantitatively measured before packaging. In packaging machines, measuring the items is a crucial step. Depending on the item's properties, shape, packaging specifications, sales, and usage habits, different measuring methods are chosen. For regular-shaped items like blocks, rods, or branches, counting is used. For loose granules, powders, liquids, and viscous materials, volume measurement is used. For sticky granules, powders, and irregularly shaped items, weight measurement is used.
3. Supply Device for Packaging Containers and Materials
Items and packaging containers or wrapping materials are delivered to the filling or wrapping stations by supply devices. The supply device varies based on the container and wrapping material's properties, shape, and state. For rigid or semi-rigid containers like cans, bottles, boxes, and crates, chain or roller conveyors are commonly used. For flexible packaging containers and materials like single sheets, roll paper, or roll film, belt conveyors, air supply devices, lift conveyors, and vacuum suction conveyors are used.
4. Filling and Dosing Device
The filling and dosing device discharges measured items and guides them into the packaging container. Different filling and dosing devices are used based on the item's properties. Common types include gravity filling, vacuum filling, pressurized filling, push filling, and robotic pick-and-place. In automatic packaging machines, the measuring device and filling device are often interconnected, and sometimes the measuring device also serves as the filling device.
5. Sealing Device
The sealing device seals filled packaging containers or wraps and seals packaged materials, ensuring the protection and aesthetic of the items. Sealing devices are classified into container sealing and wrapping sealing based on the packaging method. The choice of sealing process and material depends on the item's properties, container, and wrapping material. For instance, soap and perfumes require fragrance preservation, canned foods require freshness preservation, carbonated drinks require airtightness, glass containers must avoid hard impacts, paper packaging materials tear easily, and plastic packaging materials are prone to deformation. Therefore, the sealing process and materials should be selected based on specific packaging conditions, and the ideal sealing device should be chosen accordingly.
