Doboy Launches PLC for Band Sealer

The Doboy company of Bosch Packaging Technology has introduced a controls package with an Allen Bradley Micrologix PLC as an option with its CBS DM medical grade continuous band sealer.

The machine also features a new band break detection system. Operators are alerted and the machine shuts down if the Teflon sealing brand breaks. Band changes are performed in minutes without tools, and the entire sealing section can be quickly removed for service and replacement, says Ray Johnson, product manager, baggers and bag closing, Bosch Packaging Technology, Inc. (New Richmond, WI).

The CBS DM also features a wrinkle detection function, with an optical device mounted on the machine. Seal defect conditions are reported at the operator interface. The machine stops when the system detects faults that affect the integrity of the seal, Johnson says.

The PLC supports easier setting of seal parameters and improved diagnostics, as it manages recipe storage, data logging, and password protection. Machine performance values are denoted, stored, and retrieved through the interface.

“We have seen many of the larger medical device packagers moving to PLC-based systems simply because they have the ability to acquire data on the machine’s performance. Generally, customers are looking for reporting on fault conditions,” Johnson says.

Operators receive time-stamped reporting of out-of-parameter sealing events, that trigger a visual alarm signal or shut down the machine.

Heater bar temperatures are monitored with thermocouples embedded in the heater cartridges, and through external calibration ports.