The packaging industry typically utilizes equipment involving rotary motion along several axes. This includes actions such as spooling, indexing, sealing, cutting, conveying and other automated machine functions that usually represent an axis of rotary motion. For accurate control, often a rotary encoder is the preferred sensor for motion feedback.
Many packaging machine functions are driven by servo or vector duty motors. These usually have their own encoders to provide closed loop feedback for the control system. Alternatively, the encoders are applied to a non-motor axis of motion. Both incremental and absolute encoders are widely used in packaging machinery.
The packaging industry also need sensors, too. The proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors are widely used in the production lines to counting the amount of the goods, help the user to get the accurate number.
The Packaging industry typically uses encoders and sensors for the following functions:
Web Tensioning - Flexible packaging form-fill-seal machines, labeling equipment
Cut-to-Length - Form-fill-seal machines, cartoning machinery
Registration Mark Timing - Case packing systems, label applicators, ink jet printing
Conveying - Filling systems, printing machinery, label applicators, carton handlers
Motor Feedback - Cartoning systems, automated filling equipment, conveyors