Characterise the Influence of Forming Shoulder Geometry on Material Flow Through a VFFS

Description

This project aims to improve process efficiency and minimise the material usage in the vertical form-fill-seal operation. More specifically, the overarching scientific challenge is to obtain a fundamental understanding of machine-material interaction and the design rules necessary for the creation of form-fill-seal operations that minimise the consumption of packaging films. In the case of the vertical form-fill-seal operation there are two key areas to be investigated: material flow over the forming shoulder and the sealing of the material.

Objectives

· Investigate the influence of material properties on material flow through a VFFS and identify the critical material properties and values associated with a range of common and emerging materials

· Characterise the influence of forming shoulder geometry on material flow through a VFFS.

· Investigate the influence of material properties and process settings on the success of the sealing process and identify the critical material properties and values associated with a range of common and emerging material.

· Characterise the influence of sealing jaw geometry on the success of the sealing process.

· Form mathematical models relating material properties, process settings and tooling design (geometry) to successful material flow and sealing.

· Establish design rules for the creation of change parts, including the forming shoulder and the sealing jaws, based on the material properties.

· Disseminate the results (to industry) to encourage a reduction in the amount of material used and the use of more environmentally friendly packaging materials.