FAQ: Feeding Systems

Minimum and maximum speeds are determined by a number of variables:

1. The first place we start is printing technology e.g. TT we usually base the speed on a maximum of 20m/minute (approx. 350mm/sec) whereas thermal inkjet does not limit the speed.
2. Product orientation. This, in part, depends on the print technology used. For example, if you use a thermal inkjet with a single printhead height of 12.7mm, you may consider feeding the product a particular way.
3. The conveyor belt is normally set to run at 30m/minute though it can run at twice this. Example: based on the 30m/minute, feeding cartons wide edge leading, using thermal inkjet the throughput working is as follows:

1. Maximum carton width 8.5cm
2. Allow a minimum gap of half a carton width giving approx. 13cm
3. A 13cm product going down a 30m/min fast belt will feed at the rate of approx. 230/min (30 divided by 0.13). Even using twice the maximum product width gives 176/min or approx. 10,500/hour.
4. The printer generally determines minimum speed as the conveyor will run down to stop.

As can be seen there are variables to consider when working out throughput. We run customer samples and videos for review. This has the advantage of seeing the samples running or a system before any commitment is made.

Most certainly.

We can provide the necessary brackets and take care of all the integration so that you take delivery of a complete system. Ready to run. We can also integrate cameras onto our compliance systems, subject to them meeting the necessary specifications.

Yes.

We start by trying to feed the product in a position that means the photocell only sees the front and back edge with nothing in between. If this is not possible, we can use a “mask” which disables the photocell for a set distance back from the front edge until any voids or cut-outs have passed.

The shingling conveyor is an alternative collection device to the catcher. This means whilst the feeder runs continuously, the speed of the shingling conveyor adjusts to allow products to overlap with each other. Once they reach the ramp they pack together and are ready to be lifted by the operator. This ensures maximum throughput of the system.

When running at high speed, products come off the end of the conveyor at a high rate. There is the facility to pause feeding when the catcher is full, which gives the operator time to empty it.

We call this the stack counter, and it can be set to the number of products that fit comfortably into the catcher. When this number is reached the feed is interrupted and the run button flashes. To resume feeding all you must do is press this same button.

Certainly.

The conveyor is 750mm in length so there is enough space to fit both an inkjet printer and a labeller. If you wanted to fit a Thermal (TTO) printer, an extension to the conveyor might be required.  A common example of this application is to add a date to a food sleeve followed by a promotional label such as “New Recipe” or “Meal Deal.”

The quick answer:

Note – ‘marked’ covers both printing directly on the product and labelling.

1. Sizes, style and material of the product range to be fed and marked (a picture would be useful).
2. What are your throughput requirements?
3. Is the product currently marked, if so with what?
4. Details of the marking requirement – print area, and type of information to be printed.
5. Preferred technology or manufacturer for the marking e.g. other manufacturers used on site.

A more detailed answer:

1. Sizes, style and material of the product range to be fed and marked (a picture would be useful). .
2. Throughput requirements, annual throughput and average batch size.
3. Is the product currently marked, if so with what and why is an automatic feeding system being considered?
4. Details, including positioning of the marking requirement – print area, and type of information to be marked e.g. logos, barcodes and details of any variable information.
5. a) Is there any interfacing required between the marking system and external database?
6. b) Details of any inline scanning requirements.
7. c) Details of any inline reject requirements.
8. Preferred technology or manufacturer for the marking e.g. other manufacturers used on site.
9.  Project timescale.