Introduction
Paste filling machines are widely used in various industries like food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. They are designed to fill viscous or semi-viscous products like pastes, creams, gels, and lotions into containers like jars, bottles, tubes, or sachets. In this article, we will discuss how a paste filling machine works.
Overview of a Paste Filling Machine
A typical paste filling machine consists of a hopper, a filling system, and a control system. The hopper stores the product to be filled, and the filling system transfers the product from the hopper to the container. The control system regulates the filling speed, volume, and accuracy.
Filling System
The filling system of a paste filling machine consists of a piston and a cylinder. The piston is used to displace a certain amount of product from the hopper to the cylinder, and the cylinder transfers the product to the container.
Piston
The piston is a precision-made component that moves up and down inside the cylinder. It is made of stainless steel or food-grade plastic and is designed to withstand the pressures and forces exerted during the filling process.
Cylinder
The cylinder is a hollow tube or pipe that is connected to the hopper and the container. It has two openings, one for product input and the other for product output. When the piston moves down, it creates a vacuum in the cylinder that pulls the product from the hopper. When the piston moves up, it pushes the product out of the cylinder and into the container.
Control System
The control system of a paste filling machine regulates the filling speed, volume, and accuracy. It consists of a PLC (programmable logic controller), a HMI (human-machine interface), and sensors.
PLC
The PLC is the brain of the paste filling machine. It receives input signals from the sensors and sends output signals to control the filling process. It is programmed to control the filling speed, volume, and accuracy, as well as to monitor the filling process for errors or malfunctions.
HMI
The HMI is the interface between the operator and the machine. It displays the filling parameters, such as the volume, speed, and accuracy, and allows the operator to set and adjust these parameters as needed. It also displays any error messages or alerts that may occur during the filling process.
Sensors
The sensors are used to monitor the filling process and provide feedback to the PLC. There are several types of sensors used in a paste filling machine, including level sensors, proximity sensors, and pressure sensors.
Level Sensors
The level sensors are used to monitor the level of product in the hopper and the container. They send signals to the PLC when the level reaches a predetermined point, indicating that the hopper or the container needs to be refilled.
Proximity Sensors
The proximity sensors are used to detect the presence and position of the container on the filling platform. They send input signals to the PLC, which activates the filling process.
Pressure Sensors
The pressure sensors are used to monitor the pressure inside the hopper and the cylinder. They send signals to the PLC, which adjusts the filling speed and volume to maintain a consistent pressure during the filling process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a paste filling machine works by using a piston and a cylinder to transfer a certain amount of product from the hopper to the container. The filling speed, volume, and accuracy are controlled by a PLC, a HMI, and sensors. Paste filling machines are essential equipment in many industries and play a crucial role in ensuring product quality and efficiency.