Mek Stans 07

Mek Stans 07 is a machine developed for Tetra Pak in Lund as a 10p candidate theses project at Halmstad University. The commission behind the project involved development of a machine that punches holes in packages for the inspection division at Tetra Pak. The task for the machine was to facilitate the process of making openings for testing in the company’s other equipment. Researches on different methods of cutting, types of automatization and possible designs were made. To implement the project a design and construction from the base where chosen. A construction based on a fully automatic design with conveyor belt powered by electric motors and a grip / centring system based on pneumatics. The packages are placed on a conveyor belt in the machine. After that a hole is punched and the packages are emptied of its contents, all done fully automatic. Finally it’s just to remove the punched and finished packages from the other belt. A lot of energy has been used to make the machine as automatic and easy operated as possible. A minimum of instructions are needed to operate and use the machine, it’s also built to be able to handle most of Tetra Pak’s different packages. A centring system that is able to handle all types of packages was one off all the smart solutions that were developed. By punching the packages from below, a number of problems were solved, for example the emptying and the problem with the flaps that is punched out gets caught inside the packages. However the greatest benefit was the waters weight, inside the packaging, that assisted the punching. By its mass it held the paper in the package flat while punching. Everything on the machine where constructed from the ground, both the mechanics and the electronics. The project has resulted in a complete and fully functional machine that will be used at the inspection division at Tetra Pak. Tetra Pak is also interested in building another equivalent machine that their sister company Tetra Recart can use. This shows that Tetra Pak is satisfied with the result.