Bread loaf wrapping machine GIF

[Jon]

Bread loaf wrapping machine GIF.


https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...af_wrapper.gif

[Jon]

Forgot to mention. Interesting use of manipulating air in the manufacturing process here. First a bag is lifted from the top of stack by suction. Then, the bag is slightly inflated prior to the bread being inserted into it, but I'm not certain how. Is there an air nozzle somewhere here? Or is the bread loaf preceded by a volume of air that is directed into the bag by the vanes/funnels on both sides of the loaf?

[PJs]

If you look at 3 o'clock on the right side of the gif and follow the bread channel to the end you will see a small cylinder, (looks like there may be one on the other side too)...dual air pistols would make more sense for an operation like this. It has a clear air line tube attached to it (Hard to see). My guess is that's where the bag gets filled by air prior to loaf insertion. Likely it is triggered by a switch or mag sensor when the insertion funnel reaches its final height and tension on the wrapper and all timed with the loaf delivery.

Additionally those wrapper packs/stack may have some type of light bonding agent or maybe a perf row on the down side to help the funnel and air open them. The funnel arms don't have a bottom to them, only the delrin, HDPE or some sanitary material...T-Launch stand for the loaf to rise and end up in the back of the bag.

Personally I also like the bag sealer on the other side...it looks like some kind of magazine for those flat plastic ties they put on bread bags now. My guess is those scissor arms took some fingering to get the bag closed up just right for the tie to be installed...tricky stuff when you are cranking out hundreds/thousands a day or hour.

[Christophe Mineau]

For me , it looks like if there was a kind of tong at the bottom of the entry of the bag to make it open, prior to be lifted, it seems that we see a kind of shadow at the right hand of the left white mushroom, we don't see the bag beeing inflated when open.
And as says PJs, the closing scissor and guillotine are quite nice also !

Thanks Jon for the post, I am always curious with tricky machines !

[Toolmaker51]

A clamp 'finger' holds bag in place, a light puff of air inflates, some continue a second while product enters. Anything contacting food is stainless, plastic and anodized aluminum materials, though some hard chromed for wear. Not everything available that way, ie no stainless pillow blocks. Those are outboard, along with low carbon steel rectangular tubing chassis most machines are built on.
Before packaging will be slicing. Quite a variety there because bagels won't run in slicer for hot dog buns etc. The blades are thin sharp discs with out teeth. Most convey with belts, some are linked ala caterpillar tracks. Food safety being what it is, X-ray and magnetic detectors look for stuff and kick those out of stream, zip-ties have wire molded into them, careful distribution of carbon and stainless fasteners...In all, surprisingly sophisticated equipment at just as surprising cost.
https://lenexamc.com/automated-bagel-bagger/