Use of additive technologies to increase effectiveness of design and use of a vacuum gripping devices for flexible containers

Abstract

In an effort to increase efficiency of the process of handling of an air-penetrating flexible container during its’ filling with free-flowing materials a devise has been designed for automatic gripping, opening, holding and sealing of flexible container, containing vacuum gripping devise, pneumatic drive for its’ transfer and a control system based on programmable logical controller. Vacuum gripping device can be produced using the method of additive technologies. It has a modular structure, while each module contains random or structured vacuum chambers located on work surface area, connected to a system of internally branched channels with the source of vacuum. Large number of small vacuum chambers in place allows to minimize leakage of air though pores and openings on the surface of the mouth of weaved flexible container, which increases reliability of holding and reduces energy consumption during the process of handling air-penetrating packaging during its’ filling.