Automatic inserter technology

tna has unveiled an automatic inserter, designed to place singular 3D objects into the company’s robag 3 vertical form, fill and seal packaging equipment, eliminating missed inserts and manual labour.

The operator selects a set-up program on the system’s existing touch keypad to run the robag 3 with inserters. The system is so accurate, it offers 0% missed inserts and reduces the number of multiple inserts at inserting speeds of 100 bpm, doubling manual speeds 40-50 bpm.

Inserts are fed into an 80 L hopper in a bulk or loose state where they are then vibrated on demand into the inserter’s rotary vibrating bowl. The inserter’s three mechanical arms use vacuum points to pick the individual inserts from the bowl.

The vacuum uses pressure to ensure it has successfully picked an insert. The bag maker signals when each insert is to be dropped down a chute and into a pocket on the indexing conveyor. The conveyor indexes on demand and feeds the device’s VFFS bagger through an opening on a specially designed former.

The inserter can be added to most existing robag rotary jaw machines on site. The inserter is not designed to handle 2D objects or to be a replacement for card or bandolier inserters.

Maximum insert thickness is 11 mm in any direction by 35 mm thick and it weighs no more than 25 g. Minimum insert thickness is 5 mm. All inserts must be presented in flexible packaging to allow vacuum pick up.