Platform for the food and beverage industry
Companies today want security, and this is especially true in sectors where hygiene plays a leading role. For many of these companies, reliability is a factor they like to invest in. Machine builder Scaldopack responds perfectly to these needs and resolutely opts for quality.
In the Kortrijk outskirts, machine builder Scaldopack is building a remarkable story. The specialist in filling and sealing machines for the beverage industry, among others, continues to grow strongly despite cutthroat competition from countries such as China and Italy. The recipe? The straightforward choice of quality components and the no-nonsense approach.
The recent development of the Smartfiller fits seamlessly into this philosophy. Festo components play a key role in the machine. But before we introduce this machine, let's let Managing Director Harald Saelens tell a little more about the company's activities: "We are active in the production of machines for pouch packaging. We develop and produce advanced machines for welding the spout into the pouches. The key factor in our approach is high-quality mechanical engineering, with advanced mechatronics forming the basis. This results in a high-quality and reliable machine that offers customers security."
"Most of the machines we develop are aimed at processing large quantities quickly and reliably, but we were sometimes asked by customers if we could also design small machines. For example, they want to use these in labs or to produce small batches. For the SME market, we also saw opportunities for a compact machine. We therefore also used our knowledge and technology for a smaller model. This became the Smartfiller, a machine with a small footprint that delivers the same quality as the larger machines we normally develop. With it, smaller ranges of vials, bottles and flasks can be processed for various industries and applications, such as cosmetics, technical products and food. So even the strict conditions that apply in retail are not a problem. Basically, the capacity is around 10 pieces per minute."
"To our satisfaction, sales are running like clockwork. We find that companies are using the machines more widely than what we had envisioned. For example, multinationals are using them to produce smaller series for marketing purposes. The market introduction of the machine was in February last year and in the meantime we have sold about thirty of them anyway."
"We made 2 versions of the machine. In a first model, the user can partially disassemble the machine himself to clean it. The second model goes a lot further in this, this version is equipped with an EHEDG certified Alfa Laval pump that manages the CIP (Clean In Place) circuit. We find that this high level of hygiene is music to the ears of customers operating in sectors where this is important."
This choice of quality is also reflected in the technical construction of the machine. In itself, the method of operation is relatively simple. In the reservoir, the liquid to be processed is deposited, with or without an external supply via a tank. At the bottom of this reservoir, a pneumatically controlled DFPD quartz stroke actuator takes care of dispensing each vial. Meanwhile, a level sensor provides monitoring of the tank fill level. Central to further operation is Festo's EPCC. This off-the-shelf component consists of a servo motor that moves the cylinder linearly via a ball screw. Harald Saelens comments, "We used to purchase these components separately, but for our total cost of ownership we calculated that it was better to switch to the integral EPCC solution."
"The pneumatics are controlled via a valve island with I/O link. The PUN-H piping and QS couplings are also from Festo, as is the MS air supply. This component ensures that the air is suitable for the valves. Interchangeable filling heads are used to spray the liquid into the vials. Then a gripper with 3 fingers screws the caps onto the vials. The filling heads can also be perfectly cleaned, either manually or via the CIP method. To start another product series, it is sufficient for the filling section to change the needle and the dosing head. To change packaging types, only the rail -in which the packaging and cap holder are fixed- has to be changed. It is also easy to switch to bottle filling. The heads are our own development and are customized according to the customer's needs."
"For our customers, quality is primordial. They not only want certainty about the quality of the machine, but also want to be helped back on track quickly if a problem arises. We want to meet these aspirations. For example, we can remotely check the status of the machine by reading the PLC. So the success of the machine starts with the choice of components.
We know that Festo is synonymous with quality and are very pleased with the service and support they provide. The company also has a global presence, which is still an advantage if you offer your machines globally. What is also a big advantage for us is customer recognition. If you present your machine and they notice that it is full of Festo material, you immediately have an edge. We also make full use of Festo components in our other machines."
Watch the smartfiller on Youtube here
For more information: www.festo.com/nl/nl
