Dienst Verpackungstechnik has developed a new horizontal cartoner for pizza. The model works with components from the MOVI-C modular automation system from SEW-Eurodrive.
24 March 2020
The HK P3 pizza cartoner processes up to 160 cartons per minute. In principle, up to four pizzas per box are possible on this system. (Image: Petra Born/SEW)
Dienst Verpackungstechnik has developed a new horizontal cartoner for pizza and pizza-like products. The model HK P3 with automatic product indexing works with components from the MOVI-C modular automation system from SEW-Eurodrive. This package can be used to realise single-axis or multi-axis applications based on standards.
„Probably 75 to 80 per cent of frozen pizzas worldwide are packaged on our machines,“ estimates Roland Kaluza, Head of Design at Dienst Verpackungstechnik in Hochheim am Main, Hesse. The company develops and builds packaging machines for the food and non-food sectors.
The internationally recognised integration partner for packaging lines is a process expert for side- and top-load, end-of-line and customised special solutions. With a Vertical integration of 95 per cent The systems are produced at the headquarters in Hochheim am Main and in the modern assembly plant in Hofheim am Taunus: with in-house CNC production, software development and 3D design.
Pizza bakers demand reliability
P3 stands for packaging performance and power - and pizza, of course. The Side-Load system is a Redesign of the service cartoning machines already established on the market. The pizza manufacturer demands strict machine reliability. After all, a baking line must not stand still.
Display
In addition, other important aspects set clear Boundary conditionsFormat customisation, maintenance-free, easy to clean, hygiene requirements. The HK P3 fulfils all these points. In addition to its reliability, the product-friendly handling, user-friendliness and extremely easy installation of this line should be emphasised.
„You can connect the machines and get started,“ promises the Head of Design. In practice, this means 160 quick-frozen, shrink-wrapped pizzas become per minute into the line at the belt dispenser. On the parallel belt, suction cups on the rotary feeder pick up the folding cartons from the magazine, set them down and erect them.
Linear modules push the pizza slices sideways into the flat boxes. This is followed by position checking, flap gluing, printing with production and best-before dates, barcode and imprint checking using vision sensors and, at the end of the line, carton output.
The cartons are gripped by suction cups on the rotary feeder and placed upright on the conveyor belt. (Image: Petra Born/SEW)
Processes harmonised and automated
These uncomplicated processes are due not least to the chosen Drive concept thanks to this. With components from the MOVI-C modular automation system from SEW-Eurodrive is the packaging line with a continuous drive shaft which is driven by an SEW servomotor. With the motion controllers in the standard and power performance classes and the MOVIDRIVE system and modular application inverters, the line is fully harmonised at all stations and ready for the packaging task.
The machine settings are reproducible thanks to the editable storage of all setting values. The HK P3 also scores with its clear user interface with self-explanatory display and visualisation of the function sequence.
Roland Kaluza, Design Manager at Dienst Verpackungstechnik GmbH (Image: Petra Born/SEW)
„With SEW, we have created a basis that Individuality with standardisation and reached a new level in our industry,“ emphasises Roland Kaluza.
Decision in favour of SEW-EURODRIVE
SEW-Eurodrive is also fully accepted as a supplier by the service customers. And he lists further advantages of the automation components: The modules are compact and save space. The workmanship of the products is flawless. They are continuously Improvements and modernisations incorporated. The state of the art is top.
„I can simply rely on SEW to always go one step further,“ explains the design manager. There were certainly other providers for the collaboration, even with automation modules. „But the sum of the advantages tipped the scales in favour of SEW,“ recalls Kaluza, explicitly mentioning the first-class delivery reliability. Frank Schnell, Sales Engineer Automation Technology at SEW-EURODRIVE, provided support in all project phases: „We have always found a good solution so far.“
Flexible components - perfect partnership
The cooperation with SEW-EURODRIVE will continue at Dienst Verpackungstechnik in the future. This is primarily because the MOVI-C package enables complex packaging processes to be realised on the basis of standards both as Single-axis applications (as with the HK P3) as well as Multi-axis applications can be realised. This gives the design manager the freedom and flexibility that special machine construction demands.
With the Movi-C package from SEW, single-axis or multi-axis applications can be realised on the basis of standards. (Image: Petra Born/SEW) [infotext icon] MOVI-C: Automation from a single source
With the four modules MOVISUITE engineering software, MOVI-C controller, MOVIDRIVE modular inverter and MOVIDRIVE system as well as drive technology components from SEW-EURODRIVE, users receive a complete and integrated drive system. Modular automation system, which you can customise to meet your specific requirements in terms of performance range, functionality and bus topology[/infotext].
