Packaging industry: Decentralised drive technology with controlled frequency inverters in end-of-line packaging

Packaging

Waunakee, WI 2023-10-04 5 min.

Drives with centrally controlled servo motors are commonly used for end-of-line packaging in the packaging industry. However, in applications with large inertia or long movement distances – for example palletising, stabilising or handling – they are usually not mandatory. Decentralised drive solutions, for example with controlled asynchronous motors, are an efficient and economical alternative in this context. Depending on the system type and application, cost benefits of up to 50% are possible.

In the packaging industry, conventional servo drives are used in the majority of cases, or more precisely, drive solutions with centrally controlled synchronous servo motors. The complex and expensive technology has its justification in primary and secondary packaging, as exact positioning and high dynamics are required. In many end-of-line packaging applications, however, synchronous servo drive systems are not absolutely necessary. Due to the high masses and high inertia, the process requirements there are less dynamic. Additionally, many servo functions such as synchronisation of several axes are rarely needed. Controlled asynchronous drive systems are often more efficient and significantly more economical – in particular if they are operated with decentralised frequency inverters.

Cost benefits of 50% in end-of-line packaging

Asynchronous drive systems are suitable for a wide range of applications in end-of-line packaging – be it handling, palletising or transport security. Due to their specific characteristics, they are an ideal solution for the specialised requirements in the last stage of packaging processes – heavy loads, high forces, long movement distances, slow movements, dynamic load changes – and represent an efficient and economical alternative to drives with centrally controlled synchronous servo motors. The use of decentralised frequency inverters with “closed-loop control” also results in enormous cost savings for the packaging industry. Depending on the system type and application, cost benefits of up to 50% are possible.

Asynchronous motors offer decisive advantages

Asynchronous motors achieve similar kinematic properties as synchronous servo motors and, due to their higher internal inertia, ensure better regulation and motion control than conventional servo solutions, which must be adjusted to the respective application via large gear ratios. Furthermore, they enable highest process stability in end-of-line packaging, reduce vibrations and the risk of damaging the load or packaging machine. Another advantage for the packaging industry: asynchronous motors are available everywhere in a wide range, are easy to maintain and can be combined with different types of gear units and frequency inverters.

Decentralised drive technology for the packaging industry

For users in the packaging industry, decentralisation of drive technology means faster commissioning and simplified maintenance and repair processes. They can be considerably reduced on the software side, for example, with factory pre-configurations. With a modular concept, the drive also remains maximally flexible, as changes to the system architecture can be made at any time without large structural modifications, and additional drives can be easily added later without changes to the control cabinet. As a result, this means: reduced costs, more efficiency and easy scalability and expandability.

Efficient and economic drive solutions for end-of-line packaging

Low procurement costs, constructive freedom in machine design, faster commissioning, simplified maintenance and repair processes: asynchronous motors with decentrally controlled frequency inverters and encoder feedback via absolute or incremental encoders enable highly economic and precise positioning applications and dynamic movement of large and heavy packaging units. This makes this technology a real alternative for application fields such as end-of-line packaging, where heavy loads and high forces are the norm. Depending on the system type and application, the savings can amount to up to 50%.

Advantages of decentrally controlled drive technology with frequency inverters in end-of-line packaging:

Cost benefits of up to 50%
More cost-effective and short-term service and repair options
Constructive freedom in machine design
High level of flexibility
Reduced machine footprint
Modularity: tailor-made and flexible drive solutions for a specific application

Packaging industry white paper download

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Strong partner with industry expertise

The manufacturers and operators of packaging machines and transport systems of all kinds need a strong partner with great expertise in drive technology and sound industry knowledge from the packaging industry. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS is this reliable partner.

In end-of-line packaging, drives with centrally controlled servo motors are often used. NORD offers an efficient alternative to this: Decentralised drive solutions with controlled asynchronous motors can achieve cost advantages of up to 50 %, depending on the type of system and application.

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