In today’s fast-paced supply chain, manufacturers and distributors need packaging solutions that are as adaptable as the products they protect.
On-demand packaging delivers just that – making it possible to create custom-sized boxes instantly to fit each order. Not only does this eliminate wasted space and excess materials, but can also reduce shipping costs through the reduction of packaging.
However, no on-demand packaging process would work without reliable, precision motors to drive the conveyors, rollers, cutting blades, sealing and folding mechanisms.
What is On-Demand Packaging?
On-demand packaging systems automatically measure, cut, fold, and seal custom cartons tailored to each product. There are many benefits to this process as it eliminates the need for void filling (see article here), reduces the requirement to store cartons within the warehouse and can improve your sustainability credentials.
In order to be effective the machines need to be able to adapt instantly and to switch from one product size to another without effecting the speed, accuracy or reliability of the process.
Motors for On-Demand Packaging
On-demand packaging equipment depends on a series of coordinated mechanisms, all powered by electric motors that must perform flawlessly. These include;
- Conveyor Belts and Rollers – These move products smoothly through the system, from one process to another.
- Cutting Blades – These deliver precise, repeatable cuts in corrugated material.
- Folding Mechanisms – These shape cartons to the right size and shape efficiently and without error.
- Sealing Systems – These apply tape or glue with accuracy at speed.
The Right Motor for the Job
It is important to assess the requirements for each aspect of the on-demand process and install the most appropriate motor to get maximum functionality and smooth, efficient operation.
Conveyor Belts and Rollers
AC induction or brushed DC motors are most suited for conveyor belts and rollers, due to their durability and continuous use. Brushed motors are also compact in design and work well where speed variability is a requirement.
AC induction motors don’t have the same precise speed controllers and therefore require extra equipment to counter this. Brushed motors, due to the brushes, also require more maintenance than other options.
Cutting Blades
Brushless DC motors (BLDC) are ideal for cutting blades as they provide the smooth, controlled motion and high torque at speed which is required for this machinery. They are highly efficient motors, and as they don’t have brushes they require less maintenance than brushed motors.
They can be a little more expensive initially, but due to the long service life they can work out more cost-effective going forward.
Folding Mechanisms
Either a brushed or brushless motor is suitable for folding mechanisms, as they both offer repeatable motion, moderate torque, and reliable operation. The brushless motor has more complex electronics than the brushed, but has a compact design and is low maintenance.
Sealing Systems
Brushless motors also work really well for sealing systems (see here for more information). Sealing requires precision and consistency in order to avoid waste as well as to prevent product damage. BLDC motors are particularly strong at maintaining accuracy under variable loads.
Whilst they may be more costly than brushed motors, BLDC motors have a long life with low downtime making them more cost-effective over time.
Partnering with Parvalux
Parvalux designs and manufactures all our motors for reliability, efficiency, and precision and we are confident that with our high quality motors and our decades of experience we can help make your on-demand packaging process a success. Whether you are designing a system from scratch or upgrading a current on-demand packaging system our team can help with off-the-shelf or bespoke designs.
We recognise that even with an extensive product range, a standard solution does not always meet the needs of a final product. With decades of experience developing custom drive solutions for our customers we can work with you to develop a custom solution and manufacture to the quantities required.
Our experienced team of expert design engineers are on-hand to design and prototype fully custom solutions, from scratch, to meet your exact specification. To find out more about our services and products please contact us!