VACUUM PLATE - HOW IT WORKS

There is a main model of vacuum plate which is available in several options defined according to the :

• glass jar to be handled,
• customer’s preference,
• type of  vacuum head

Each jar plate can be drilled according to the palletization plan that is specific to the glass jar to be handled. Depending on the production, the glassmaker chooses the appropriate vacuum plate.

How vacuum plate works

When the palletizer is lowered, the foam from the vacuum plate is crushed on the upper part of the jars. The descent is controlled by the palletizer.

Then, through the hole in the vacuum plate, the vacuum head sucks the air inside the jars and thus grasps them by sussions (vacuum/vacuum is around -0.3 bar). The foam of the vacuum plate allows the jars to be picked up gently. It fits the shape of the jars perfectly. Thus there is no loss of vacuum. The natural rubber lining that covers the foam and comes into contact with the jar allows hygienic handling of these items intended to contain food products.

Then, in the same way as for bottles, the palletizer moves the glass jar layer to place it on the pallet. It stops the vacuum pumping and lets the air escape through an escape hatch. Thus the jars are deposited by gravity.

 

Jars plates varieties & dimensions

 

• Foam: We choose the foams according to the glass jar to be handled. The foams are of varying materials, hardness and thickness. The softer the foam is, the more it will conform to the shape of the jar and provide a better seal around its periphery.
• Natural rubber coating: Available in several thicknesses. As with foam, the thinner it is, the more it will adapt to the shape of the pot to be palletized.
• Support: most of the time, the support used is a wooden plate, but it is also possible to opt for a PVC plate, if hygiene conditions require it.
• Drilling: Simtech drills the vacuum plates according to your palletization plan. If you do not know them in advance, you can store the vacuum plates and drill them at the last moment.

Vacuum plate advantages

 

In contrast to gripper fingers, vacuum plates have a clear advantage: No adjustments when you change of production.

Simply replace a jar plate with another.

The vacuum plate is also an inexpensive solution.