Packaging Automation: Secure IP6K9K connections for high-speed tray sealers
The requirements for production plants in the food and beverage industry are high. It is crucial to avoid contaminations caused by residues of foodstuff on components, such as motors and connectors. This is achieved by regular high-pressure cleaning cycles and caustic cleaning chemicals. In order to make a plant resistant against these kind of cleanings, its components have to meet certain conditions.
To take advantage of the use of connectors in the food industry, Packaging Automation Ltd, a company that designs and builds highspeed tray sealers, relies on the Han® F+B connector made by HARTING.
Packaging Automation Ltd. (PA) provides packaging solutions for the food and beverage industry. The company established itself as a producer of packaging machines focusing on the design and production of high-speed tray sealers and pot fillers. The machines can be used to pack different kinds of foodstuffs.
In previous years, water ingress has been a problem with IP68 glands and connections. Ingress was caused by the use of harsh caustic chemicals as well as high-pressure cleaning machines in conjunction with high temperatures. The approval of the Han® F+B connector for use has solved this problem.
The use of the Han® F+B connector has further advantages. Standardisation on the lower part of the machine has now taken place. Inserts can easily be changed without having to resign the whole metal work, if a customers wants to change an option. Moreover, it enables PA to connect other components, such as suction devices, quickly and easily.
Han® F+B in action, configured as hood with angled bulkhead
mounted housing
Secure IP6K9K connections for high-speed tray sealers
Flexible connector system for customised and modular use
The Han® F+B connector features IP69K protection which makes it suitable for highpressure cleaning. An ECOLAB certification confirms its resistance to common cleaning chemicals.
In combination with the stainless steel that the machine is made of it becomes easy to clean and wash down any residues. The hood and housings can be equipped with a variety of inserts from the Han® 3 A series, including inserts for data, signals and power supply.
This feature makes the connector a flexible system that can be adapted to individual applications and facilitates the design of modular machines.
Factory hall and workforce of Packaging Automation Ltd. (PA)
Customer benefits at a glance:
Quick modification, maintenance and refitting
IP69K easy to clean hoods and housings for efficient
cleaningStraight and angled bulkhead mounted housings for
different applicationsCovers for hoods and housings to protect the contacts
when unmatedMany different inserts for data, signals and power
Cable to cable hood to retrofit and enhance existing
machines
Standardisation on the lower part of the machine has now taken place. We can easily change inserts without having to redesign the whole metal work, if one of our customers wants to change an option. Further we approached HARTING with the request for a brand new in-line cable to cable connection. This opens options for some variations of machines. The Han® F+B connector allows secure IP69K connections for extensions or the elimination of junction boxes down a production line.
Steve Woodhead
Electrical Engineer, Packaging Automation Ltd.