On automatic packaging machines, even opening a small bag requires a precise movement.
Before filling, the package must be picked up, separated from the one below it, and correctly positioned at the opening station—all of which happens in a matter of seconds, continuously.
However, it is primarily the materials used in the packaging that make this operation so delicate. Plastic films, paper, and flexible packaging are thin and lightweight: they change shape when gripped, can stick together, or can be deformed by the suction. A crease, a seal, or a variation in thickness is enough to alter contact with the suction cup.
To meet these needs, Vuototecnica offers a series of suction cups designed for gripping plastic films, flow packs, and paper or plastic bags.
Their particularly thin lip conforms to surface variations and maintains a secure grip even when the bag material is not flat.
Inside these suction cups, small studs distribute the vacuum across the entire gripping surface.
This prevents thinner materials from being pulled toward the central hole and becoming deformed. The bag can be picked up more gently and transported to the next station.
However, it is during the opening process that these features become even more important. Two suction cups act on the opposite flaps of the package and, as they move apart, separate the surfaces. They must then keep the opening open long enough to insert the product, while continuing to accommodate the bag’s slight changes in shape.
For plastic or paper packages, Vuototecnica specifically recommends the Para compound, which offers good adhesion and gentle contact with the material.
The selection includes models with different diameters and various configurations. The choice depends on the package dimensions, the material, and the conditions of the automated cycle.
To identify the most suitable configuration, you can request the new catalogue and contact Vuototecnica’s engineers via the website www.vuototecnica.net.
