33 / 40
Issue 28
trends in automation
Synergies
30
–
31
Fast and precise:
the system for manufacturing
infusion bags produces up to 6,500 units per hour.
W
hen manufacturing bags for
medical fluids, extreme
precision and high
production speeds are of the
utmost importance. The systems
produced by Kiefel GmbH meet both
requirements. The company specialises in
developing and building systems for
thermoforming and joining polymer films
and is a global technology leader. Its
machines for manufacturing infusion bags
based on the contact welding method
produce up to 6,500 bags per hour, while
systems for making blood bags based on
the high frequency welding method
produce up to 2,500 units. Innovative
pneumatic components from Festo can be
found in all Kiefel machines. The
extremely compact one-way flow control
valves VFOF-LE-BAH with their three-in-one
function not only save on assembly time,
but also reduce installation space
requirements and make maintenance
easier.
Festo right down the line
The new one-way flow control valves not
only control the piston speed of cylinders,
but also allow an intermediate stop in a
predefined position. Parts can be held and
processed in this position and lowering in
the event of the compressed air being
disconnected briefly can be prevented. To
reduce potential risks as per the
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, a
manual exhaust function is used which
switches the drive to the energy-free state
if the compressed air supply has been
disconnected. Along with VFOF-LE-BAH, a
number of other Festo components ensure
efficient pneumatic processes in Kiefel
systems. These include service units for
compressed air preparation, valve
terminals, individual valves and cylinders.
The latter are used, for example, to move
the grippers for feeding the film and to
operate punching, embossing, printing
and welding equipment.
Saves installation space:
one-way
flow control valve VFOF-LE-BAH.