Bags of new features

Based on ABB's Ethernet Powerlink compatible motion control range, the new machine features all-servomotor architecture and a user interface developed from the operator's point of view. 

Modern plastic bag making machines often have two servomotor based axes – web feed and cut/seal – plus a mechanically linked third axis for 'picking off' the finished bags. The new machine, the BBM1100, is a joint development from Hartech Engineering and GPL Machinery and implements servo control on its third axis to provide programmable 'electronic cam' control of pick-off action. It allows users to finely adjust pick-off so that the machine can avoid sealing problems. 

The machine's three axes are powered by drives from ABB's three-phase MotiFlex family, linked to the company's BSM brushless servomotors. Control is provided by the ABB NextMove e100 machine controller with a touch-screen colour operator panel.

The Ethernet Powerlink interfaces of ABB's drives and machine controller – with their single network cable interface – provide a key benefit; they substantially reduce cabling to speed system building and lower hardware costs, and simplify subsequent machine commissioning as well.