Boost intelligence of smart packaging machines with Mitsubishi Electric

Having to rapidly adjust to changing consumer demands and OEM requirements to incorporate the latest technology for machines in the packing industry will soon be a thing of the past.

Pak/iQ^TM is a comprehensive portfolio of packaging products which aims to solve the challenges of both customer segments, as well as improving performance and lowering the total cost of deploying smart packaging machines.

In this article, PIF spoke to Mitsubishi Electric Automation to find out more how Pak/iQ can improve the performance of machines used in the packing industry and what benefits it offers customers.

Pak/iQ by Mitsubishi Electric Automation

The foundation of Pak/iQ is Mitsubishi Electric’s iQ platform – a modular programmable automation controller that combines several automation disciplines into a single, simplified architecture. Designed to provide superior OEM productivity and machine performance, Mitsubishi Electric’s portfolio of products and value-add solutions include pre-configured diagnostic and maintenance screens, pre-configured operator screens and a pre-engineered application code library for faster designs. Pak/iQ is ideal for bottling, pillowing and wrapping machines to reduce unscheduled downtime and increase production.

“By offering a single solution to end users and OEMs in the packaging industry, we not only provide the latest technology and best-in-breed products, we offer the convenience of a single-source supplier, resulting in better inter-connectivity in the system configuration,” said Elaine Wang, product marketing engineer for servo and motion control, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. “For example, the vibration suppression capabilities of our servo amplifiers allow for faster production due to a reduction in unintentional movement in the mechanical components of the machine.”

“Pak/iQ will be particularly welcomed by our OEM customers who want to improve packaging machine innovation for their end-user customers,” said Lee Cheung, product marketing engineer for controller and visualisation, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. “OEMs will be able to reduce machine development time because of the seamless inter-connectivity of machine components and the ability to reuse existing engineering program code for variations of similar processes.”

List of Pak/iQ benefits

Highly integrated automation: controls and robotics coordinate seamlessly

Superior machine performance: high response, high accuracy and fully synchronised servo motion control maximise productivity

Reduced development time and improved production quality: validated function blocks, sample programs and HMI templates are available for most cut-and-seal applications

Easy setup and reliable tuning: machine learning algorithms allow quick and dynamic optimisation of the mechanical system

Secure remote access: allows real-time machine status check and operation from any location

Single software environment: user-friendly experience with fully integrated PLC and motion configuration, programming and diagnostics

If you are interested in improving smart packaging machines with Pak/iQ^TM , contact Mitsubishi Electric Automation today.