Sealing and Cutting

SMAC Moving Coil Actuators for Sealing and Cutting

Sealing

A heat sealer is a machine used to seal products, packaging, and other thermoplastic materials using heat. This can be with uniform thermoplastic monolayers or with materials having several layers, at least one being thermoplastic.

SMAC Advantages for Sealing:

• Consistent and even heat seals.
• Apply pressure (force) preserving the integrity of the seal.
• Performs the sealing task and provide analytical data (landing height, sealing deformation/melt time, final sealing height, etc.).
• Monitor the task was done correctly the first time with process control.
• Utilizes SMAC's patented Soft-Land to protect product and assure repeatable sealing.

What is a Soft-Land™?

The Soft-Land™ is a patented unique routine which allows the actuator rod or gripper jaw to land on the surface of a component with a low programmed force. It gives extremely accurate sensing of product location or dimensions. This is particularly useful for handling delicate or high value components.

The routine consists of a controlled low force approach in velocity mode, while the position error is constantly monitored. Once contact is made the position error builds up until a pre-programmed figure is reached - resulting in the rod maintaining position on the surface of the component.

• Gentle touch – as low as 10g
• Detect objects / obstructions
• Used in:
  • Sealing
  • Cutting
  • Labeling
  • Pick and place of delicate objects
  • Gauging of fragile or pliant materials
  • Switch / material testing
  • Many, many others

Cutting

Similar principles can be applied to cutting applications. 

• SMAC actuators apply consistent programmed cutting pressure (force at an ideal velocity).
• Verify that the task is performed correctly (landing height, cutting time, final height, etc.) with real-time feedback.
• Sense missing material, thickness tolerance or double stack issues.
• Sense dulling cutting tooling as force increases to move/cut to a certain distance.