Case Studies

Tortilla Chips

Cutting Die Control for Food Packaging

Posted in Food and Beverage, Manufacturing Automation and Intelligence

Summary

DMC developed the software and provided the electrical hardware for a die cutting machine used in the production of windowed bags for tortilla chips.

Die Cutting System

Die Cutting System

Linear Encoder

Linear Encoder

Solution

Conventional rotary die cutting systems require changing the die roller when switching to a different cut spacing. This is costly and time consuming. This system eliminates the need for mechanical die changes when a new window spacing is desired. The system is set up by entering the size and spacing of the windows to be cut into the paper bag material. The Acroloop 2000 controller makes all of the necessary calculations to generate the correct motion profile for perfect window generation. The cutting die follows an encoder wheel in contact with the paper. This allows the system to precisely follow the paper regardless of its speed. An optical sensor reads registration marks on the material and makes constant corrections to ensure that the windows are cut in each bag at the correct location.

Customer Benefits

  • Reduces changover time with quick and easy setup
  • Allows adjustment of cutting spacing without making any mechanical changes
  • Reduces the material wasted by providing auto registration
  • Flexible system can accommodate a wide range of cutting applications

Technologies

  • Acroloop® ACR2000 four-axis motion controller
  • Eason® 900 interface terminal
  • Yaskawa® Sigma II servo amplifier and motor