Press release
Control Techniques
For immediate release
Contact: Katie OWEN
katie.owen@emerson.com
SERVO CONTROL IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY OF MIMI (TOSA GROUP) SHRINK
WRAPPING MACHINE
One of Italy’s leading manufacturers of packaging machinery, MIMI s.r.l., has
incorporated high accuracy servo-drives from Control Techniques for its latest
‘MITO’ shrink wrapper.
Based in Canelli in northern Italy, Mimi is part of the Tosa Group, famous for
making wine bottling machines. Its MITO automatic shrink wrapping machine is
designed as an end-of-line machine for the wrapping of different configurations and
pack sizes of bottles, cartons, cans or tubs and its key selling point is its flexibility.
The incorporation of highly accurate and synchronised Digitax ST servo drives into
three critical areas of the machine – speed of throughput, the cutting of the film and
control of the wrapping action – have resulted in an increase in throughput and
versatility to the process in this new machine.
Control Techniques Italy worked closely with MIMI to produce a machine that can
quickly and easily be set-up for different bundle / pack sizes and different
configurations and even different products. For example, it can be changed in
seconds from a format for wrapping 6 x 1.5 litre bottles of mineral water to 24 x 0.5
litre packs – at a throughput of up to 40 packs per minute. The machine can also
be supplied with a carton pad dispenser or with a tray-maker.
Bottles or other containers are fed into the machine by conveyor and marshaled by
a pneumatic separator into blocks of the specified number. At this point, a chain
driven by a brushless motor conveys the bundle into the wrapping area. The heatshrinkable plastic film is unwound under controlled tension from a roll; the film is cut
Control Techniques, Unit 79 Mochdre Industrial Estate, Newtown, SY16 4LE, UK
T: +44 (0) 1686 612000, F: +44 (0) 1686 612999
e-mail: controltechniques@emerson.com www.controltechniques.com
Press release
Control Techniques
from underneath into pre-determined lengths using a rotary cutter mechanism
driven by brushless motor. The cut edge is drawn forward and held precisely in
place by toothed suction belts – a bar lifts the leading edge of the film up, over and
behind the advancing bundle of products – and it moves into the shrink tunnel,
where it shrinks into a secure package, and on to the after-cooler. This wrapping
action is also controlled by brushless motor.
Each of these actions requires high precision, highly repeatable movements. The
advancing bundle of products must synchronise with the cutting stroke and the cut
film must meet the advancing bundle at exactly the right moment.
The trajectory described by the film when looped up and over the bar of the
wrapping section must be co-ordinated precisely with the speed of the bundle in
order to meet the film at the correct point. Each of these movements is critical to
the machine quality of the packaging, eliminating bubbles, swelling or creases and
also ensures the correct placement of the end-user’s logo and copy, so that the
finished pack can be merchandised correctly and attractively.
For the control of the three brushless motors in the MITO shrink wrapper, MIMI
engineers selected Digitax ST servo drives, which not only provide precision
control, but also allow fast and straightforward re-configuring of each of the
brushless motors, to accommodate different configurations of product. Each drive
incorporates an SM-Application module that provides PLC functionality at drive
level. For instance, the CAM-profiles required for different products are all stored in
the wrapper drive and changing product configuration is as simple as selecting a
different recipe on board the drive. All of the characteristics of each drive –
distances, axes, motion control and cam profiles are stored on board, reducing the
overall level of PLC control and giving the end user maximum versatility of control.
This also gives the machine designer flexibility in choosing the communication bus
to suit the client’s needs as the drives operate down-stream of the bus.
Control Techniques, Unit 79 Mochdre Industrial Estate, Newtown, SY16 4LE, UK
T: +44 (0) 1686 612000, F: +44 (0) 1686 612999
e-mail: controltechniques@emerson.com www.controltechniques.com
Press release
Control Techniques
The Digitax ST range encompasses four models, each with industry-leading
features, extremely compact in size and having full compatibility with Control
Techniques’ existing range of function and communication modules. It is optimised
for servo applications requiring high peak torque, exceptional dynamic response,
faster installation and start-up as well as ease of integration. Four product variants
make up the range– Base, Indexer, EZ Motion and Digitax ST Plus chosen for the
MITO shrink wrapper.
Digital ST will operate successfully with all makes and types of AC servomotors as
well as linear motors and with almost any type of feedback device. However it has
perfect partners in the Control Techniques range of servo motors including the
Unimotor fm and hd.
Unimotor fm is a high performance brushless AC servo motor range, fm’ stands for
flexible motor, designed to accommodate a wide range of applications. The motors
are available in seven frame sizes with various mounting arrangements and motor
lengths. Unimotor fm provides high-precision over an extended duration requiring
lower acceleration and deceleration rates. The motor is optimized for high stability
in precision profiling applications
Unimotor hd is Control Techniques’ high dynamic brushless AC servo motor range,
designed for high dynamic applications requiring hard accelerations and
decelerations. Unimotor hd is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications,
due to its extensive features whilst being exceptionally compact.
The MITO’s shrink tunnel is available in different sizes to suit the application and
the machine can be supplied with an in-feed gating system, a twin-film feed unit,
print centring unit, anti-stick bars and pneumatic discharge of the pack.
-ends875 words
Control Techniques, Unit 79 Mochdre Industrial Estate, Newtown, SY16 4LE, UK
T: +44 (0) 1686 612000, F: +44 (0) 1686 612999
e-mail: controltechniques@emerson.com www.controltechniques.com
Press release
Control Techniques
Notes to the Editor:
About Control Techniques
Control Techniques, an Emerson Industrial Automation company, is a world leader in the
design, production and marketing of electronic variable speed drives for the control of
electric motors. Our strategy is to concentrate on delivering drives and servo products
that enhance the productivity of our customer’s machines and processes.
We operate through a global network of Drive Centres and Application Centres that both
distribute product and add value by building our drive products into custom designed
systems and by offering the highest levels of customer service.
Our Control Techniques Drive Centres also provide us with invaluable feedback and
market intelligence so that we can further improve our products and service. This
customer focused strategy will enable us to continue to grow profitably.
Our competitive edge is based on our unique focus on drives, our strength in research
and development, our investment low-cost manufacturing and an effective worldwide
marketing strategy.
For the best in drives information visit our website: www.controltechniques.com
About Emerson Industrial Automation
Emerson Industrial Automation, a business of Emerson, is a global technology provider
that enables productivity, efficiency and quality gains for customers across a spectrum of
industries. Our products include alternators, electric motors and drives, electrical
distribution devices and mechanical power transmission, fluid automation and ultrasonic
joining solutions. Emerson brands include Appleton, ASCO, Branson Ultrasonics,
Browning, Control Techniques, Kop-Flex, Leroy-Somer, McGill, Morse, Numatics, OZ/Gedney, Rollway, SealMaster, and System Plast. For more information, visit
www.EmersonIndustrialAutomation.com.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology
and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and
consumer markets through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate
technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2009 were $20.9 billion. For more
information, visit www.Emerson.com.
For editorial information contact:
Katie Owen, Press Officer, Control Techniques Ltd, Drive Centre Marketing,
Ty Rheoli, Unit 79 Mochdre Industrial Estate, Newtown, Powys SY16 4LE
Tel: 01686 612900. Fax: 01686 612999. katie.owen@emerson.com
Control Techniques, Unit 79 Mochdre Industrial Estate, Newtown, SY16 4LE, UK
T: +44 (0) 1686 612000, F: +44 (0) 1686 612999
e-mail: controltechniques@emerson.com www.controltechniques.com