Evolution of Machine in Production Industry: From Pneumatic to Servo

In today’s rapidly advancing food processing and packaging industry, the shift from pneumatic to servo-driven machines has revolutionised efficiency, accuracy, and operational flexibility. At Sealpac UK, we work closely with our clients to understand their unique production needs, offering tailored stand alone or full line solutions that help integrate and maximise their operational potential.

Here’s an insight into the evolution from pneumatic systems to servo technology and the advantages of upgrading:

Pneumatic vs. Servo: Understanding the Differences through our Traysealer solutions

Sealpac’s A4 and A5 max series are perfect for smaller output production lines, employing pneumatic lifting and linear systems. These machines, although effective, rely heavily on pneumatic components but still boast an operator-friendly NavCom Interface and IMode control.

As production demands increase, our A6 and A7 max machines step in, offering medium-sized production solutions with servo-driven technology. These machines provide diverse operational flexibility with quieter operation, reduced wear and tear, and more consistent performance.

For the highest output demands, Sealpac’s A8 and A10 max solutions are equipped with advanced servo-driven systems, built for long-lasting performance and high-speed operation. These machines redefine what can be achieved in terms of both performance and reliability.

Why Upgrade to Servo Technology?

Transitioning to servo-driven systems offers significant advantages over pneumatic models. One of our successful projects involved upgrading a client’s traysealing machine from pneumatic to servo-driven technology. The client saw a cost saving of approximately £25,000 annually.

Here’s how:

• Material Efficiency: Servo-driven machines offer advanced precision, reducing film gauges. For example, where pneumatic systems might require up to 450mm of film, servo systems can reduce this to around 440mm, delivering a 3% material saving per tray. This small change led to substantial annual cost savings.

• Sustainability: Servo machines require significantly less air – up to 90% less than pneumatic systems – contributing to both cost efficiency and sustainability.
• Higher Output: These advanced machines also provide up to 50% faster output speeds, driving increased productivity without sacrificing quality.
• Cost Efficiency: Despite the advanced technology, servo-driven systems are highly cost-effective, offering lower operational expenses and increased output over time.
• Advanced Data Integration: With the integration of electrical components in servo machines, data collection becomes more streamlined. This includes easier fault detection, real-time operational insights, and better diagnostics, leading to reduced downtime and enhanced maintenance planning.

The Role of Pneumatic Solutions in Today’s Industry

Despite the dominant features and advantages of servo technology, pneumatic solutions are still highly relevant in many areas of the production industry. Certain functions, such as those in depositing machines, continue to rely on pneumatic technology. For instance, Sealpac UK's partner Leonhardt integrates electro-pneumatic systems in their depositing solutions, where pneumatic valves play a key role in the operation.

Although servo technology is increasingly taking over, pneumatic systems remain indispensable for some applications. However, as servo technology advances, there may come a time when these pneumatic features are fully replaced by servo alternatives.

Conclusion

As the food production industry continues to evolve, the move towards servo-driven technology is undeniable. However, pneumatic solutions still hold a valuable place for specific applications. At Sealpac UK, we provide a balanced approach, offering cutting-edge servo technology while recognising the continued importance of pneumatic systems where needed.

Learn how we can help upgrade your production lines

Offering you the best of both worlds with advanced servo solutions and flexible pneumatic applications Sealpac UK and partners are leading the technology advancements in this processing industry. To learn more about how we can help you, get a free consultation with us:

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By partnering with Sealpac UK and partners, it is not just an investment in the advancing and evolving state-of-art technology; it is also a step towards future-proofing your operations in an fast-paced digital world alongside excellent after-sales service!