Timed cams: automation redoes its make-up

Rexroth proposes its innovative Flexprofile function for axial control for machines with electronic cams not only on a position but also on a timed basis: ideal tools for responding to the problems of a complex production like that of cosmetics.

The cosmetics market is in an everlasting state of ferment. The products on sale are characterised by continuous innovations and new designs: new products are continually being put on the market, with new packaging, new ingredients, and containers in a wide range of shapes and materials. The aim is to attract the attention of the market, offering items that are both practical and appealing at one and the same time.

The automation world has to face this challenge and come up with solutions to meet ever-evolving needs; that means flexible, modular machines that can guarantee quick format changes.
For instance, the same machine must be able to produce different products, from mascara to lip gloss, from eye-liner to face powder, from nail polish to deodorant. Those products have to be packed in containers of different shapes and materials. There's a multitude of applications in this type of sector: filling, closing, sealing, packing in boxes, sleeving, labelling, printing, etc.
Let's focus on the filling process. This function involves inserting a dosing nozzle in a container; the nozzle has to rise as the container is gradually filled with the required amount of the product. In this example, the dosing operation is a “timed” process, regardless of the speed of the production line. To ensure optimum machine productivity, the filling operation is carried out while the container is moving.
The dosing requires two axes - one for inserting the nozzle in the container, and the other for following the moving container. The operation is part of a cycle using synchronised axes in an electronic cam, whose production speed may vary on the basis of numerous one-off or temporary factors.

Flexprofile. Rexroth offers the innovative Flexprofile function as the ideal tool for this situation. Flexprofile, in fact, controls the axes of a machine with segmented electronic cams, where each single tract can be defined in master degrees (the “traditional” solution) or in terms of time. Thanks to Flexprofile, Rexroth's MLC controller can automatically and dynamically calculate the electronic cam, adapting it to the machine cycle conditions. The user doesn't need to set the calculation and download of a new electronic cam for every machine cycle variation - it's all done by the software. For the user, this means more streamlined, simple and sure configuration and management of all the process phases.

MORE INFO
Packaging and Processing
Bosch Rexroth Italia
[email protected]
www.boschrexroth.com/packaging