Honey stick packs are formed by directing individual cut film strips over dedicated forming tubes. As each strip passes over a specific collar, it is wrapped around a conical forming section, causing the flat film to double over. This mechanical action overlaps the edges of the film, transforming it from a flat strip into a cylindrical shape ready for sealing.
The transformation from a flat strip to a 3D pack relies on the geometry of the forming collar, which folds the film around a tube to create a precise overlap for the vertical seal.
The Mechanics of Shape Transformation
Dedicated Lanes for Efficiency
Once the master film roll is slit into strips, the machine separates the process into individual lanes.
Each specific strip is routed to its own forming tube assembly. This ensures that every stick pack is formed independently, allowing for high-speed, multi-lane production.
The Role of the Forming Collar
The critical moment of formation occurs when the strip meets the forming collar.
This component is designed with a specific geometry that guides the film. It acts as a shoulder that initiates the transition from a flat plane to a tubular shape.
Conical Forming and Doubling
As the film moves past the collar, it is drawn around a conical forming section.
This shape forces the film to "double" or fold around the tube. The tension applied here must be uniform to ensure the film wraps tightly without wrinkling.
Creating the Overlap
The ultimate goal of this forming process is to bring the two vertical edges of the film together.
By wrapping around the tube, the sides of the film are made to overlap. This overlap is the structural foundation required for the vertical sealing bar to fuse the material into a continuous tube.
Critical Factors and Trade-offs
Alignment Precision
The alignment of the strip as it enters the forming collar is non-negotiable.
If the strip drifts even slightly, the overlap will be uneven. A shallow overlap may result in a weak seal that leaks honey, while an excessive overlap wastes material and may interfere with the filling volume.
Tension Management
Proper tension is required to pull the film over the collar smoothly.
As noted in supplementary technical data, nip rollers help maintain this consistent tension. If tension fluctuates, the film may bind at the forming shoulder or track poorly, leading to machine downtime.
Ensuring Production Quality
To ensure consistent pack formation, consider the following operational priorities:
- If your primary focus is Seal Integrity: Verify that the forming collar is perfectly centered to create a uniform overlap for the vertical sealing bar.
- If your primary focus is Machine Uptime: regularly inspect the forming tube surface for residue or friction points that could disrupt the smooth flow of the film strip.
Precision in the forming stage is the single most important factor in preventing leaks and ensuring a professional finish for the final product.
Summary Table:
| Stage of Formation | Mechanism | Key Function |
|---|---|---|
| Routing | Dedicated Lanes | Directs individual film strips to specific forming assemblies. |
| Folding | Forming Collar | Initiates the transition from flat film to a 3D tubular shape. |
| Shaping | Conical Section | Wraps the film around the tube to create a precise vertical overlap. |
| Tensioning | Nip Rollers | Maintains constant pull to prevent wrinkling and ensure seal integrity. |
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