投稿者: Sugita

What Is a Milling Plant?

A milling plant is a facility used to process grains and other raw materials into flour.

These plants mill wheat, corn, rice, and raw materials for pharmaceuticals into flour. They manage multiple processes, from pre-processing, such as removal of foreign material and sieving, to milling and product packaging.

Advanced automatic control systems are often implemented to achieve specific objectives, stabilize particle size and production volume, and reduce operator workload. Additionally, modern milling plants are designed to minimize emissions, ensure quality control, and consider hygiene and environmental impact.

Efficient and uniform crushing of raw materials is crucial in milling operations. Mills are equipped with conveyors, crushers, sifters, air classifiers, and other machinery to facilitate the smooth transfer of raw materials through each stage of processing, producing powders of the required size. The integration of multiple devices not only enhances production efficiency but also stabilizes the quality and hygienic conditions of the final product.

Applications of Milling Plants

Milling plants are used in the following applications:

1. Food

One primary application is the production of wheat flour and other cereal flour. Flour is used in bread, noodles, and confectionery, and the accuracy of the milling process significantly affects the final product. Therefore, plants equipped with high-performance milling and sieving machines are utilized. Process optimization, including fine particle size and temperature control, is employed to maximize the flavor and nutritional content of grains. Additionally, milling temperature and humidity are adjusted based on the properties of the raw materials.

2. Chemical

In the chemical industry, milling plants grind raw materials such as pigments and resins. Ensuring a uniform particle size helps stabilize the quality of paints and plastic products. In the pharmaceutical field, milling plants enhance drug absorption efficiency and formulation uniformity by processing active ingredients to a specified fineness. In research and development, small-scale milling plants are often employed for testing and experimentation.

3. Animal Feed

Milling plants are also used in animal feed production. Feed for livestock and farmed fish must be processed into easily digestible forms, with precise adjustments to particle size and moisture content. For example, grains and soybeans are ground into fine powder while retaining their nutrients to produce feed that supports animal health. Another advantage of feed processing is improved transportation efficiency and reduced storage space. In some cases, the processed powder is compressed into a more usable form.

What Is a Solar Cable?

A solar cable is a specialized wiring material used for solar power generation.

Various types of solar cables exist depending on the voltage, installation location, and environmental conditions. Typical examples include VCTF cables and CV cables.

To safely carry power from solar panels, these cables are designed to withstand environmental factors such as solar radiation and humidity. Compared to standard power cables, their insulation layer and sheath thickness are reinforced, reducing deterioration even under high temperatures. Their high resistance to ultraviolet rays makes them ideal for photovoltaic power generation systems installed outdoors.

Solar cables must pass durability tests per international standards. Special polymers are used for insulation to prevent electrical issues. Multiple standards exist depending on the voltage and current requirements, with copper and aluminum commonly used as conductors. Heat and cold resistance are emphasized, ensuring stable use across a wide range of climates. Some cables feature flame-retardant designs for fire prevention and enhanced safety.

Applications of Solar Cables

Solar cables are primarily used in photovoltaic power generation systems. They connect not only solar panels but also related conversion equipment. Common applications include:

1. Wiring in the Control Panel

The control panel of a photovoltaic power system manages power generation and ensures safe energy distribution. Various cables are used in different sections. For example, VVF cables, which are flat and space-efficient, offer high heat and weather resistance.

2. Power Conditioner Connection

Solar cables are also used to connect power conditioners, which convert DC power from solar panels into AC power for commercial use. Longer wiring distances can lead to power loss, making it crucial to select cables with an optimal conductor cross-sectional area. Since high voltages are sometimes involved, cables with appropriate insulation properties must be used.

3. Other Connections

Beyond power generation systems, solar cables are used with recharging facilities and storage batteries. Household storage battery installations require weather-resistant and safe cables for outdoor-to-indoor connections. Additionally, solar cables can be laid to supply power to monitoring systems and remote-control devices, serving as critical infrastructure for efficient facility integration.

What Is an Emulsifying Mixer?

An emulsifying mixer is a device that mixes liquids with different properties, such as oil and water, to produce a uniform emulsified liquid.

Emulsification is the process of mixing liquids that would normally not mix. Since liquids tend to separate when stirred, they must be agitated at high speeds. Emulsifying mixers generally use a motor that rotates at high speed and applies strong shear force, creating stable creams and emulsions.

Emulsifying mixers are used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In the food industry, they are used to produce mayonnaise, dressings, sauces, cream, butter, and other products. High-speed agitation adds large amounts of energy to the liquid, enabling the droplets to be finely divided at the molecular level. Additionally, since multiple ingredients can be mixed uniformly, quality can be stabilized, and product variation can be reduced.

Emulsifying mixers tend to have higher equipment and operating costs than low-speed agitators, but they play an essential role in improving emulsification efficiency. Some models include built-in functions such as heating and pressure reduction and can efficiently emulsify even highly viscous materials.

Uses of Emulsifying Mixers

Emulsifying mixers are used in the following applications:

1. Food Products

Emulsifying mixers are widely used in the food industry to produce sauces, creams, dressings, and other products containing a mixture of fat and water. For example, they help evenly mix water and oil in products like mayonnaise. They are also useful for adjusting flavor and mouthfeel, contributing to a smooth texture. High rotational speeds are particularly important in mass production processes, where stable emulsification in a short period is necessary.

2. Cosmetics

In cosmetics, emulsification is essential for products such as emulsions and creams. Emulsifying mixers improve the feel and spreadability of the product while stabilizing its texture. Many cosmetic products involve high-viscosity raw materials, so the equipment must provide the appropriate shear force. By adjusting agitation speed and temperature control, a variety of cosmetic products with enhanced skin applicability and moisturizing power can be developed.

3. Medical and Chemical Products

In the pharmaceutical and chemical fields, emulsifying mixers are used in the production of tablet-coating solutions and ointments. Uniform mixing of oily and water-soluble ingredients helps disperse active ingredients in a stable form. When mixing multiple ingredients, the mixer can also homogenize the ingredients while refining particles, resulting in a more uniform product. Since hygiene is critical in pharmaceutical production, the sealability of the equipment and materials used are also key considerations in the selection process.

What Is a Bag Labeler?

A bag labeler is a device that applies labels to bags before they are filled.

It is a type of automatic labeling equipment used in factories and warehouses to apply labels printed with barcodes and product information to the correct position on the bag. One feature of this equipment is that labeling is performed while the bag is empty, allowing necessary information to be written on the bag before the contents become heavy. This increases the work efficiency of subsequent processes. Additionally, many bag labelers can adjust the position and attachment method of labels based on the material and shape of the bag, accommodating a wide variety of product packaging.

Bag labelers range from high-speed models that apply labels while automatically conveying bags, to simple models that require manual bag placement. They are equipped with mechanisms to reduce label information errors and misalignment of labeling positions, ensuring stable packaging quality. Labels can be applied without scratches or stains, maintaining visibility and enabling barcode readers to function accurately without reading errors.

Uses of Bag Labelers

Due to their features, bag labelers are commonly used in industries where hygiene and product management are crucial, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemical products. Below are some key applications:

1. Food Products

In the food industry, bag labelers are used to apply labels to cereals, powdered seasonings, and similar items before bagging. This ensures clear labeling of contents and expiration dates. In environments requiring strict hygiene, labeling empty bags minimizes contamination risks and prevents misrepresentation of product information. Adjusting the adhesive of sticker-type labels to match the bag material prevents peeling issues and ensures consumers receive accurate information.

2. Medical and Chemical Products

In the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, bag labelers are used to clearly indicate ingredient information and handling precautions. For instance, labels summarizing key points from safety data sheets improve risk management during distribution and storage. In pharmaceuticals, essential details such as active ingredients, dosages, and side effects can be accurately displayed, ensuring compliance and efficient labeling.

3. Logistics

In logistics, shipping addresses and product numbers are often labeled on empty bags. This eliminates the need to open outer boxes to verify contents, facilitating smooth sorting operations. These measures also reduce delivery errors and improve inventory control accuracy, streamlining processes from production to distribution.

What Is a Food Packing Machine?

Food packing machines are essential devices for efficiently and hygienically packaging food products.

These machines support the automation of production lines, enabling the packing of large quantities at high speeds. They reduce manual labor, improve the speed and accuracy of packaging operations, and facilitate mass production.

Food packing machines ensure consistent product quality by reducing the burden on workers and minimizing human error associated with manual packaging. They enable the smooth operation of the entire production line, significantly enhancing production efficiency.

In the food manufacturing industry, food packing machines are indispensable because the method and quality of packaging directly affect the freshness and safety of the product. Equipped with sealing, vacuum packaging, and gas-filling functions, these machines play a vital role in maintaining the freshness of food products. By protecting food from external air and microorganisms, they help preserve quality for extended periods. Moreover, their hygienic packaging ensures food safety.

These features make food packing machines crucial in modern food manufacturing, as they greatly improve quality control and operational efficiency.

Uses of Food Packing Machines

Food packing machines serve a variety of purposes, contributing to quality control and productivity improvements in the food industry. In recent years, their use has expanded to include environmentally friendly practices, such as the ability to use recyclable materials and promote sustainable manufacturing processes.

By selecting the most suitable packaging method based on product characteristics, these machines help maintain preservation and aesthetics while preventing quality deterioration during distribution. Some food packing machines are multifunctional and can be utilized across multiple industries. Below are examples of their applications:

1. Packaging of Solid Products

Solid products such as confectionery, frozen foods, and snacks are packaged using horizontal pillow packaging machines or vertical pillow packaging machines. These machines automatically wrap products according to size and shape, efficiently packing them without causing damage. Vertical pillow wrapping machines, in particular, can also handle powdered and granular products, making them versatile for a wide range of applications.

2. Packaging of Powders and Granules

Vertical pillow wrapping machines are ideal for powdered products such as seasonings, powdered beverages, and coffee. Properly designed for fluidity and filling accuracy, these machines prevent powder leakage and air inclusion, ensuring consistent quality. Their high packaging precision allows powdered products to reach consumers with confidence.

3. Packaging of Liquid Products

Liquid products such as beverages, sauces, and soups are packaged using specialized filling machines. For liquid products, it is critical to use machines equipped with advanced sealing technology to prevent leakage and quality degradation. Efficient packaging can be achieved by selecting the optimal filling method based on the liquid’s viscosity and composition. Additionally, specialized machines, such as bottle-filling machines for beverages, are available for specific applications.

What Is a Can Filling Machine?

A can filling machine is a device used to fill liquids into can containers during the product manufacturing process.

Broadly speaking, can filling machines are a type of liquid-filling machine. Various models are available to accommodate different needs, including machines for small beverage cans, drums, and one-quart cans. Filling is typically controlled by dedicated control software, with the filling nozzle raised and lowered while detecting changes in weight using an integrated weighing device (e.g., load cell).

Nozzles can often be replaced with short or long types, depending on the product being filled. Additionally, these machines incorporate unique functions to prevent issues such as foaming or dripping. Can filling machines are available in fully automatic and semi-automatic types. For semi-automatic models, container movement and lifting are performed manually.

Principles of a Can Filling Machine

The operation of a can filling machine can be broadly divided into the following three aspects:

1. Products to Be Filled

Can filling machines are designed to fill a variety of liquid products. Below are common materials they handle. Some equipment is compatible with fizzy or viscous liquids:

• Beverages and carbonated drinks
• Paints and solvents
• Surface treatment agents
• Lubricants
• Surfactants (e.g., detergent raw materials)
• Alcohols
• Urethane
• Liquid nitrogen

Machines used in the food industry, such as for beverages, are designed to maintain high sanitary standards. Some models are explosion-proof, designed to withstand internal pressure and prevent ignition from external explosive gases. Certain machines can also fill cans with nitrogen simultaneously to prevent oxidation. Can filling machines are particularly suited for canned beer and liquid nitrogen. Some models can fill both cans and bottles.

2. Compatible Can Containers

The type of containers that can filling machines can handle varies by model. In addition to small beverage cans, they can fill 4L cans, 10L cans, 18L cans, 20L pails, and 200L drums. Machines are tailored for various industrial fields and applications.

3. Peripheral Equipment

Fully automatic can filling machines can be integrated with peripheral equipment, such as conveyors, to form a complete production line. Equipment upstream of can filling machines includes can washers, can dryers, and labeling machines. For chemical-related applications, local exhaust hoods can also be incorporated to ensure safety.

What Is a Bottle Labeler?

A bottle labeler is a device that applies labels to bottles, PET bottles, and other containers.

It is used to apply labels to bottles of beverages, seasonings, and other products in precise positions. A roller and guide hold the container, and the label is generally wound around it as it rotates. Rolled labels are fed out at a constant tension to align the starting position of the label. Sensors detect the shape of the container and the starting position of the label, and advanced technology prevents slight misalignments.

There are two general types: automatic and manual. The automatic type is often integrated into processes on large production lines, while the manual type, which is easier to handle, is commonly used on smaller lines. Since the adhesive strength of the label and its compatibility with the container material significantly affect the finished product, it is essential to operate the system while considering the characteristics of the label material and adhesive. A bottle labeler is a crucial device that determines the overall quality and appearance of packaging and is widely used in various manufacturing industries, including food, beverages, and cosmetics.

Uses of Bottle Labelers

Bottle labelers are primarily used for bottles of liquid or powder products. Due to their specific features, they are commonly utilized in industries such as soft drinks, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Below are examples of their applications:

1. Beverage Products

Bottle labelers are used in the beverage industry to label product names and ingredients accurately. Automatic types, capable of processing large numbers of containers at high speed, are often integrated with conveyor belts to apply labels evenly. These devices are designed to operate in conjunction with cleaning and sanitation processes for products requiring aseptic filling.

2. Cosmetics

Bottle labelers that can accommodate, not only cylindrical bottles but also uniquely shaped bottles are highly valued in the cosmetics field. Since many products emphasize design, the label’s positioning directly impacts the brand image, making precise alignment crucial. Pressure adjustments and specialized roll mechanisms are often implemented to prevent bubbles and wrinkles on curved surfaces.

3. Pharmaceutical Products

In the pharmaceutical industry, bottle labelers are used to display dosage instructions, precautions, and other critical information. For efficient application of multiple labels, some devices combine labelers with printers to attach barcodes and serial numbers instantly. Automating the labeling process is particularly advantageous in pharmaceuticals, as it reduces human error and enhances product control, ensuring safety and compliance.

What Is Metal 3D Printing?

Metal 3D printing is a manufacturing service that produces three-dimensional objects using metal materials. This technology creates objects by layering metal powder, and stacking layers one by one based on digital data such as 3D CAD files. It enables the production of products with complex shapes and intricate designs that are difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. Metal 3D printing offers high design flexibility, making it ideal for creating small quantities and custom parts within a short timeframe.

One key advantage of metal 3D printing services is that they eliminate the need for businesses to own expensive equipment. Metal 3D printers, along with the necessary materials and maintenance, require significant investment. By outsourcing to metal 3D printing services, companies can produce high-precision metal parts on demand without the financial burden of owning the equipment.

Uses of Metal 3D Printing Services

Metal 3D printing services are utilized across various industries and applications. Below are some of the main use cases:

1. Manufacturing Industry

Metal 3D printing is commonly used to manufacture aircraft parts. For aerospace components that demand both weight reduction and strength, the technology enables the creation of complex structures that traditional methods cannot achieve. The high precision and durability requirements make metal 3D printing an essential technology in this field.

In the automotive industry, metal 3D printing is used for prototyping, producing structural components, and fabricating custom parts. It is particularly valuable for low-volume production and applications requiring quick design changes. Additionally, metal 3D printing helps reduce weight and improve the strength of components, enhancing vehicle performance.

2. Medical Applications

Metal 3D printing is highly effective in producing custom implants tailored to individual patients. Unlike standardized implants, custom implants created using CT or MRI data can precisely match a patient’s unique bone geometry. This improves surgical accuracy, reduces complications, and accelerates recovery times.

3. Other Applications

Metal 3D printing is also employed in the production of molds and tools. Complexly shaped molds can be fabricated, improving performance beyond the capabilities of conventional manufacturing methods. Additionally, tools with intricate designs can be created, expanding possibilities for specialized applications. In the energy sector, metal 3D printing is used to manufacture components such as gears for wind power generation equipment.

What Is Resin 3D Printing?

Resin 3D printing is a contract-based 3D printing service performed using a 3D printer that employs the optical fabrication method.

Optical 3D printers use ultraviolet-curing resins (e.g., epoxy, acrylic) to create three-dimensional structures by curing and layering. Compared to other types of 3D printers, models created with optical 3D printers have denser and smoother surfaces, making them easier to cut and polish. Additionally, depending on the resin used, highly transparent models can be achieved.

Resin 3D printing services are commonly utilized for one-off or small-lot productions, where the cost of owning an in-house 3D printer would be prohibitive. Installing an optical 3D printer in-house involves expenses for the printer itself, resin materials, cleaning solvents, and regular maintenance. Resin 3D printing services eliminate these costs and the associated hassle, allowing customers to easily obtain high-quality modeled objects.

This service involves providing 3D data (e.g., STL files) to the service provider, who performs the optical 3D printing on behalf of the customer. Many providers offer speedy shipping, with delivery within the same day or a few days after the order is placed.

Uses of Resin 3D Printing Services

Resin 3D printing, utilizing optical 3D printing methods, is characterized by low shrinkage, minimal warpage and deformation during curing, and high accuracy (±0.1 mm). It is widely used for size verification, fitting tests, design confirmations, and modeling connectors or other mating confirmation models. Below are some primary applications of resin 3D printing services:

1. Mock-Ups and Prototypes

Resin 3D printing is used to create mock-ups resembling actual products based on 3D data, facilitating design verification and modification. Additionally, 3D-printed models can serve as presentation materials to provide customers with a concrete image of the product.

2. Dental Models

In the field of dental technology, resin 3D printing is used to create custom dental models. Based on data from intraoral scanners, these models are tailored to the specific oral conditions of individual patients with high precision.

3. Microfluidic Devices in Medicine and R&D

Microfluidic devices, which manipulate minute amounts of liquid, are gaining attention in the medical and biotechnological fields. Resin 3D printing enables the creation of complex-shaped microfluidic devices in a short timeframe, thereby accelerating research and development processes.

What Is Vacuum Casting?

Vacuum casting is a casting method in which the inside of the cavity (recess of the mold) is depressurized in advance using a vacuum tank before molten metal is cast.

When molten metal is poured into a mold under atmospheric pressure, air can become trapped, forming “cast cavities” inside the product. Vacuum casting prevents the formation of such cavities by creating a vacuum in the mold, resulting in high-quality castings. The advantages of vacuum casting include the following:

• Suppression of casting cavity generation
• Improved flowability of molten metal due to reduced gas interference within the mold

Vacuum casting can be divided into several subcategories. It involves creating a constant negative pressure to draw molten metal into the mold cavity. There are unidirectional vacuum suction and multidirectional vacuum suction methods. Other approaches include vacuuming the mold cavity and then pressure-filling it. After filling, maintaining pressure during crystallization and solidification results in a denser microstructure and improved mechanical properties.

Although vacuum casting primarily refers to metal casting, it is occasionally used to describe the vacuum molding of plastics.

Uses of Vacuum Casting

Vacuum casting is widely used due to its high precision and ability to reproduce complex shapes. Below are the main applications of vacuum casting:

1. Metal Products

Vacuum casting is used when high mechanical quality, excellent surface finish, or large parts with high dimensional accuracy are required. Major products cast using vacuum casting include:

1. Parts for automobiles and heavy trucks (die casting)
2. Railroad vehicles
3. Industrial machinery parts
4. Construction machinery
5. Logistics equipment
6. Precision parts for computers, cell phones, digital cameras, etc.
7. Parts intended for heat treatment or welding in subsequent processes (to prevent internal defects caused by cast cavities)
8. Household electrical appliances
9. Medical equipment

2. Plastic Products

Vacuum casting is sometimes used to describe the vacuum forming of plastics. The vacuum reduces defects caused by air bubbles, enabling the production of precision products. Examples include:

1. Medical devices (artificial limbs, orthotics, hearing aids, etc.), and surgical organ models
2. Resin automotive parts (dashboard panels, knobs, gauges, emblems, etc.)
3. Robotic and industrial machinery parts
4. Artwork, figures, and scale models