Learning objectives
The course is aimed at illustrating criteria, methodologies and examples of functional design of food packaging automatic machines. The course is addressed to primary packaging machines, with special attention to beverage machines and commercial sterility issues, bakery machines and to secondary packaging machine, focusing on mechanisms and automation.
Prerequisites
Fundamentals of kinematics.
Fundamentals of computer science.
Course unit content
Theory of mechanisms:
Open and closed kinematic chains. Geneva and Star-Wheel mechanisms. Antibacklash devices. Detent, Indexing and Ratchet Mechanisms. Synthesis of linkages. Cam mechanisms.
Industrial automation:
Introduction to modern automation techniques. Standard and special machines: design approaches, costs and usable technologies. Process and product automation. Flexible Manufacturing Systems.
Application examples:
Beverage machines: fillers, labellers.
Flow pack machines. Form fill seal machines. Fill and seal wrapper machines.
Automation for food industries: international standards. Good Automated Manufacturing Practices. Validation procedures and protocols.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Lecture notes
Reference texts:
P. L. Magnani, G.Ruggieri, 'Meccanismi per macchine automatiche'' Ed. UTET - ISBN8802040249
G.A. Giles, 'Handbook of Beverage Packaging' Ed. CRC Press, 1999 - ISBN 084939743X
R. Coles, D. McDowell,M.J. Kirwan 'Food Packaging Technology' Ed. CRC Press, 2002- ISBN 084939788X
Teaching methods
Theoretical lectures with examples of applications.
Assessment methods and criteria
Written exam with closed-ended questions, open-ended questions and exercises.
Other information
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