Packaging automation plays a crucial role in the protection of goods during transit – from pharmaceuticals, to consumables to electronic components. Void filling machines are key to the packaging automation process as not only do they cushion fragile items or stabilize loads but they can also help to reduce packaging waste.
As demand for faster, smarter and more space-efficient systems expands so too does the need for high-performance motor solutions which can keep up, ensuring your business is ahead of the competition.
Void Filling Machines – What are they?
Void filling machines are automated systems which fill the empty spaces within a box with packing material – this can be in the form of paper, air cushions or Styrofoam peanuts. This packaging:
- Reduces movement within the box during transit
- Reduces the risk of damage to the product
- Makes unboxing for the recipient easier
- Streamlines the packaging process to meet increased demand
- Accommodating compact footprints, especially when designing for legacy packaging lines with limited space flexibility.
- Ensuring precise torque control to guarantee accurate dispensing as well as preventing jams and overfeeding.
- Providing durable operation for high-duty cycles.
- Offering low-maintenance motors to reduce the amount of down time and line stoppages.
- Ensuring our motors are easy to integrate into existing packaging systems with the use of configurable motor and gearbox options.
- High torque within a compact design
- Precise speed control and repeatability
- Suitability for low-voltage applications
- Customizable mounting options for flexible integration
- Robust and reliable operation for continuous operation
- Compact but powerful design
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Suitability for applications needing consistent power delivery over longer cycles
Motor Types of Void Filling Machines
Knowing which motor to choose depends on the nature of the application and its specific requirements.
Brushed DC Motors – these are ideal for simpler systems where cost-efficiency and speed control are priorities. These can be less efficient under heavy duty cycles and require more maintenance due to the brushes and moving parts. DC motors are most suited for basic or semi-automated void filling systems with intermittent operation.
Brushless DC Motors – these motors are more efficient, and durable compared to their brushed counterparts, as they eliminate brushes and commutators. This reduces maintenance needs and allows for longer operational life, making them well-suited for continuous or high-throughput void filling systems. They provide excellent torque control and higher efficiency at variable speeds, which is especially important in applications that require frequent start-stop cycles or handling different packaging materials. Brushless DC motors also operate with less electrical noise and greater reliability, making them ideal for modern automated packaging lines where precision and uptime are critical.
AC Motors – these motors are better suited in more industrial settings with advanced, high-speed packaging lines. Synchronous AC motors can offer high torque at low speeds and have excellent speed and position control.
When choosing the most suitable motor for a void filling machine you need to consider the operational requirements. For example, pulling paper from a roll, driving rollers without slippage and starting and stopping frequently under load all require a motor which delivers high torque at low speeds. The packing type can also dictate whether a medium or high torque is required (paper vs air cushions for example), and variable box sizes will need to have a motor providing variable speed control.
Partnering with Parvalux
With our experience, and our understanding of our clients and their challenges working with Parvalux can ensure your packaging automation design is a success. Our engineers will work closely with you and can customize solutions to meet exact application requirements, as well as provide 3D models and technical drawings for rapid prototyping.
Whether you’re scaling a new void filling machine or optimising an existing design, Parvalux can help you create a smarter, leaner system, so visit the product pages or speak with a member of the team today.