for possible defects. Then the tube is
opened up using compressed air under
the watchful eye of another camera.
Using a printed mark the TFS 80-8
precisely aligns the tubes. It ensures
that the tube remains in the correct
position during the work process and
keeps a stable shape when it is filled.
If the alignment is not right the printed
design may be askew or shifted when
the tube is closed later. So that each
tube is allocated to the correct product
batch the machine reads the code
again at the same station. This enables
customers to clearly see where a tube
delivery came from or on which day it
was filled.
If a production error occurs, i.e. a
predefined number of errors in a specific
period, the machine stops and the
operators look into the source of the
error. Reject tubes are clearly identified
and do not impair the overall quality of
the batch.
Neatly closed
The filling module distributes the
toothpaste inside the tube. A 3/2-way
directional control valve sucks in
the correct volume, redirects it and
discharges it. A plunger opens the filling
pipe, the toothpaste flows into the tube,
the filling pipe closes again and the
plunger cuts off the toothpaste. Each
filling point has a pair of scales that
supply data reliably to the machine
controls. Thus the precise amount of
toothpaste in each tube can be precisely
specified and the machine avoids
overfilling the tubes.
After it has been accurately filled the
open edge of the tube is heated with
hot air. The hot air must not come into
direct contact with the toothpaste or
have a negative thermal effect on the
aluminium separating layer because
otherwise the tube could leak. When
the material temperature reaches the
right range a press closes the tube
and embosses the tube seam. At the
After the tubes are filled
they are placed on the control scales and
transferred to the cartoning machine in the next work step.
Overall view of the TFS 80-8
with the internal machine transport system in
the foreground.