Twist wrapping machines, as core equipment at the end of confectionery, chocolate, and meat product processing lines, are seeing their design speeds evolve, potentially increasing from 300 bags/minute to 600 bags/minute.
This increased speed presents challenges for OEM manufacturers and end-user factories: higher empty bag rates, cutting errors, high-frequency noise, and mechanical wear all arise. Hansheng Automation, leveraging its accumulated expertise in packaging machinery component solutions, will explore how to address these issues using high-precision components such as cam indexers and gears.
Example models of Twist Wrapping Machines
To ensure greater accuracy, we have compiled the technical specifications of four representative models currently available in the domestic market, as follows.
YW-S800 High-Speed Multifunctional Double Twist Packaging Machine
| Parameter Item | Detailed Specifications |
|---|---|
| Packaging Type | Double Twist |
| Packaging Speed | 50–600 bags/min |
| Applicable Scope | Candy, Beef Cubes, Dried Fruit |
| Key Features | Frequency Conversion Speed Regulation, Computer Photoelectric Tracking, High-precision Wheel Intermittent Indexing and Cam Drive |
| Power / Voltage | 2.5kW / 380V |
| Dimensions / Weight | 1950×1090×1475mm / 1080kg |
JH-Y650 High-Speed Fully Automatic Single Twist Packaging Machine
| Parameter Item | Detailed Specifications |
|---|---|
| Packaging Type | Single Twist |
| Packaging Speed | 100~350 pieces/min |
| Applicable Scope | Irregular-shaped candies (cylindrical, spherical, etc.), Chocolate |
| Key Features | Servo motor paper feeding, Imported high-precision wheel intermittent indexing, Stepless speed variation |
| Power / Voltage | 2.5kW / 380V |
| Dimensions / Weight | 2320×1447×1800mm / 2000kg |
Haitel BM-S800 Double Twist Candy Packaging Machine
| Parameter Item | Detailed Specifications |
|---|---|
| Packaging Type | Double Twist |
| Production Capacity | 200~550 pieces/min |
| Applicable Scope | Hard Candy, White Rabbit Milk Candy, Toffee |
| Key Features | Equipped with candy arranging disc for automatic feeding, photoelectric tracking, near 99% packaging rate |
| Power / Voltage | 3kW / 380V |
| Dimensions / Weight | 1700×918×1475mm / 1200kg |
GSNJ-Ⅱ High-speed twisting machine (meat products)
| Parameter Item | Detailed Specifications |
|---|---|
| Packaging Type | Casing Twisting (Protein / Nylon Casing) |
| Conveying Speed | 70 m/min |
| Applicable Scope | Post-processing stage of sausage filling line |
| Key Features | Twister automatic flipping, fully computer-controlled PLC system |
| Power / Voltage | 4kW / 380V |
| Dimensions / Weight | 1350×550×1250mm / 410kg |
Technical pain points and solutions for high-speed equipment
Based on our extensive practical experience and feedback from customers in the packaging machinery industry regarding their equipment issues, Hansheng Automation has compiled an analysis of three key technical pain points for you.
1.Empty Packages and Inaccurate Positioning
A slight time difference in the coordination between the feeding tray and the twisting clamp causes the candy to not accurately enter the paper film, resulting in empty packages. This is due to insufficient static and dynamic accuracy of the core Cam Indexer. Ordinary dividers have an error of approximately ±60 arcseconds, which accumulates during high-speed operation.
Engineering Recommendations
To resolve the issues of empty packages and inaccurate positioning, the first step is to find a high-precision Cam Indexer supplier. Positioning accuracy needs to reach ±30 arcsec, or even ±15 arcsec. This level of accuracy ensures that each intermittent movement of the machine stops at the theoretical position. Secondly, you need to systematically analyze whether other factors, such as paper film tension control, the response speed of the photoelectric tracking system, and feeding tray vibration, are affecting the machine.
2.Inaccurate Film Cutting Length
Sometimes, servo-driven paper feeders experience color film pattern misalignment. The main cause is usually excessive backlash in the gearbox connected to the servo motor.
Engineering Recommendations
If a planetary gearbox is used, discard the standard P2 grade (≤3 arc min) and use a P1 grade (≤2 arc min) or ultra-precision P0 grade (≤1 arc min). If a harmonic drive is used, select a harmonic drive with a backlash ≤10 arc sec. Similarly, consider the machining accuracy and wear of the paper feed rollers, as well as the tensile deformation of the film material.
3.High Noise and Short Gear Lifespan
During operation, the equipment generates significant noise (whistling sound), and gears wear out quickly. This usually indicates low gear precision; for example, gears machined using traditional hobbing processes only achieve ISO 7-8 precision and have high surface roughness. This is one of the reasons for high noise levels.
Engineering Recommendation
Find a reliable high-precision gear supplier. For this type of packaging equipment, ISO Level 5 gears can significantly reduce noise and extend the service life of the transmission system.
FAQ
Q: Why does my packaging machine vibrate so much when the speed exceeds 400 packages/minute?
A: The vibration is caused by insufficient rigidity of the structural components. High-end models typically use large cast bases instead of simple welded parts. We recommend finding a supplier with lost foam casting capabilities and large-scale CNC machining capabilities (such as 3800mm travel). An integrated base can effectively absorb the resonance generated during high-speed operation.
Q: How can I solve the problem of food contact parts (such as the candy pusher) in the twisting machine sticking to the material?
A: Surface finish of the material is key. Ordinary grinding is not enough. We recommend ultra-mirror polishing of the stainless steel contact parts, the surface roughness is controlled to Ra ≤ 0.2μm. A mirror-smooth surface significantly reduces the coefficient of friction, physically preventing sugar particles from sticking.
Q: Is the "backlash" of the planetary gearbox really that important for packaging machines?
A: Yes. In servo control systems, backlash directly determines the "rigidity" of the system. If the backlash is too large, there will be a delay when the servo motor switches between forward and reverse rotation, resulting in inconsistent paper lengths. Using a P1 grade (≤ 2 arc min) gearbox is standard for high-performance packaging machines.
References
ISO 1328-1:2013
Norton, R. L. (2009). Cam Design and Manufacturing Handbook (2nd Edition). Industrial Press.
Henry, J. (2012). Packaging Machinery Handbook: The Complete Guide to Automated Packaging Machinery. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.