Motion Control Innovations Revolutionizing Packaging Equipment

Motion Control Innovations Fueling the Next Wave of Packaging Equipment

Image Credits: Packnode

OEMs are planning to integrate more AI-fueled motion control, digital twins, and distributed drives as the company assesses the cost challenges to enhance efficiency and intelligence in packaging operations. As observed, the motion control market is projected to grow from $16 billion in 2024 to $23 billion by 2031. The motion control tech trends are gaining traction in packaging machinery.

The growth is fueled by AI-enabled adaptive systems and intelligent conveyance technology that embed automation in the performance. The distributed-driven technology unifies servo hardware with motors to discard the need for heavy control cabinets. The electric actuators can alleviate operational costs by 75% compared to pneumatics while offering self-diagnostics and potential efficiency.

The packaging equipment exemplifies the transformation brought by advanced motion control technology applications in situations where they are needed most. The major trends among most packaging OEMs have been noticed. In the last few years, the emerging implementation of machine learning and AI has significantly advanced adaptive motion control, which is used to adjust parameters. Following the product variation and real-time utilization of performance. The integration of robots and intelligent conveyance technology with machine-unified tools is emerging as a major opportunity in the motion control industry. Energy recovery systems have become fundamental for OEMs packaging.

The senior product manager for Siemens Sinamics drives, Craig Nelson, said, “According to me, the emerging standard bar of automation in packaging machine production involves the utilization of electric servo-axes replacing hydraulic and pneumatic devices to accelerate performance and efficiency.” The drive technology product manager at Beckhoff USA, Matt Prellwitz continued, “and then theres compact cabinets or no cabinets at all on packaging machines.”

Following this, Prellwitz noted the exponential use of distributed drive technology that combines stepper drive hardware or a servo with the motor for cabinet-free motion control purposes. He further added, “Beckhoff is seen as more interested in its one cable technology (OCT) to ease equipment for cleaner cable runs, smaller machine presence, and cost savings.”

The production machines business unit manager, Binu Thomas, said, “The implementation of physics-related digital twins is emerging to test the full process and machine line with the help of simulated code used in a virtual PLC, explained on an engineers tablet PC or laptop.”