We have worked with a variety of customers to install and integrate our auger filler into their production. Here is the case study of the customer in Philippines who is well-known for their shakes. We have installed VFFS machine and auger filler for filling and packaging the powdered shake products.

Product feature

As the powder mixture is adjusted to match the each flavor, the customer has many different kinds of powders. Every kinds of powder mixed in the blender is filled and packed in the factory and then delivered to the local shops. The shop staff open the bag of the powder once the drink order is made. What the packaging machine required for is the accurate filling without weight error and assured packaging quality such as no breakage of bags during transportation from the factory to the local shops.

Specification of filling machine

For deciding the machine specification, we always receive the powder sample from the customer. If there are several types of powder, we ask the customer for the most common powder as sample for deciding the auger screw type. Auger screw type is basically defined that long auger is used for non-free flow powder (fine powder) and short auger screw is used for free-flow powder (granule powder), though the necessary options is selected according to the powder property.

In this case, a short auger was selected as the granuled powder has a concern to be crushed. A dust collector mouth was also equipped on the machine for collecting the powder dust during the filling process, and it connected to the dust collecting device. For the other fine powdered products, a long auger was selected. A star-ring was mounted at the end of funnel to avoid the unexpected late-dropping after filling shot.

As the filling weight was 1 kg, packaging speed had to be maintained while the filling accuracy was required. Thanks to the equipped sub-hopper, the powder level was maintained that prevents the filling accuracy deviation.

There was a height limit with the installation space, we have decided to adopt the screw conveyor for the before-process.

Options for VFFS machine

For VFFS machine, seal strength was required for not breaking during transportation.

• Bag Spreading device

Filling 1 kg powder could deform the bag shape by its own weight and cause improper sealing.
Mounting a bag spreading device that holds the bag shape for executing proper sealing.

• Air discharge device

This is used to push the air out of bag before sealing, enables smooth loading to bigger sized bag or cardboard case and smooth case closing.

• Encoder

In this case the film was transparent without registration mark. Encoder controls the prescribed film length by calculating the feeding length.

The proposition of post process

Automatic line including post process can be also arranged by tam, such as the system consists of VFFS, accumulation of bags, loading to cardboard case or another VFFS (bag in bag). These turnkey systems will contribute the customer’s running cost as the labor fee has been increasing. Please feel free to contact us if you have an interest.

Factory Acceptance Test with customer

According to the request we offer filling test with using the machine in the laboratory, or executing factory acceptance test with the customer present before shipment.
It is intended for the purposes such as confirming the specification, checking the completed machine or providing advance operational training. It helps customers visualize the machine introduction and supports a smooth start-up at the site.

tam Contact to: tam-overseas@tam-tokyo.co.jp

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