Tilter Machines
MACHINE: Tilter PRODUCT HANDLED: Chewing Gum TYPICAL INDUSTRY: Food and DrinkLodematic Chews Over A Sticky Problem
A sticky problem has been resolved for a leading confectionery manufacturer by Clitheroe based , dedicated specialists in product handling solutions.
It was in emptying these drums that difficulty was experienced as the cumulative weight of the individual gum sticks causes them to compress and stick together. Lodematic was, therefore, asked to design a solution which would result in the sticks being dispensed from the drums in a steady flow.
As a result of detailed discussions with the manufacturer Lodematic not only designed and developed a drum tipping concept but also offered an improved process line layout which has resulted in significant savings in floor space.
A completely self-contained system designed to integrate into the process line, the Lodematic drum tipper unit incorporates a transfer roller track which matches that of the process line so that drums can be easily pushed onto a turntable in the machine. Once in-built sensors have indicated that it is in the correct position the drum is then lifted and clamped into a conical hood before being tilted automatically through 90 degrees.
The downstream conveyor where visual inspection takes place is then started. However, infra red sensors interlinked to the tipper unit will automatically stop the conveyor if the presence of an operator cannot be detected. Following start-up of a vibratory feeder (integral with the tipper), the drum is rotated on the turntable causing the mass of product to break up/separate and dispense in a ribbon feed via a chute which directs it into the feeder and onwards to the conveyor.
After emptying , the drum is automatically returned to its original loading position where the turntable continues to rotate until the drum is in the correct position for removal and thereafter ready to receive a new drum.
In line with its use in a food processing environment the Lodematic drum tipper has been built to hygiene standards and is therefore manufactured entirely in stainless steel, with the exception of the control cabinet.
It also features powered traverse enabling it to feed several conveyors as required. The stainless steel canopy at the dust and fume extraction point is demountable to allow access to the production area and removal for cleaning.
The guarding enclosure around the unit incorporates food quality non-shattering polycarbonate panels for improved vision and cleanliness.
The sophisticated PLC control system was designed and built in-house by Lodematic with facility to re-programme or fine-tune via computer link from Lodematic’s Clitheroe Site.
Complete turnkey projects are regularly undertaken by Lodematic, including conveyor loading/unloading systems; vibratory feeder systems, pallet exchange systems and combined compactor/shredder/crusher systems.
Design and manufacture of all Lodematic equipment is fully supported by installation commissioning and training.