Rotary package presser

IFAMAC’s rotary pack press compacts and stabilises loads of bricks and other structural ceramic products before strapping, net wrapping, storage and dispatch.

The equipment applies pressure to the load to reduce gaps between the pieces and correct any displacement that may have occurred during pack formation or conveying.

Depending on the machine configuration, the rotary movement changes the orientation of the load or pressing system so that it can act on the specified sides and prepare the pack for subsequent end-of-line operations.

Each press is designed according to the ceramic product, pack dimensions and weight, load arrangement, required pressure and production throughput.

Compaction of ceramic packs

The pack reaches the station on the conveying system and is positioned inside the pressing area.

The moving components come into contact with the sides of the load and apply the force required to bring the pieces closer together and reduce the spaces between them.

The pressure and travel are adapted to the strength of the product and the pack configuration to avoid applying forces that could damage the pieces.

Once compaction has been completed, the system releases the load and authorises its transfer to the next station.

Reduction of gaps between pieces

Spaces can appear between the products during pack formation and conveying, reducing the cohesion of the load.

Pressing brings the pieces closer together and helps create a more compact load before straps or netting are applied.

Reducing these gaps allows the load-securing components to act on a more regular geometry and limits subsequent product movement within the pack.

The result depends on the arrangement, dimensional tolerances, strength and surface condition of the ceramic products.

Rotary movement of the pack

The rotary system changes the orientation of the load during the operating sequence.

This function facilitates the pressing of different sides or positions the pack as required by the downstream equipment.

The angle, direction and rotation sequence are established according to the load arrangement and end-of-line layout.

Rotation is coordinated with the securing components and conveyor to keep the pack controlled throughout the movement.

Pressing from different sides

The machine can act on the specified surfaces to compact the pack in the required directions.

The pressing components are sized according to the width, length and height of the load, as well as the position of the pieces within the pack.

The sequence can incorporate several pressing and rotation operations before the pack is released.

The number of sides treated and the order of the movements are determined according to the format and required compaction result.

Preparation before strapping

Strapping is more effective when the pieces are correctly grouped and the pack maintains a stable geometry.

The press conditions the load before the strapping machine places and tensions the straps around it.

This preparation helps reduce spaces that could cause a loss of strap tension or allow subsequent movement of the products.

The compaction pressure must be coordinated with the planned strap tension and the strength of the ceramic product.

Preparation before net wrapping

The pack can also be transferred from the press to a net-wrapping station.

Prior compaction facilitates the application of netting around a more regular load and helps maintain the defined arrangement during the process.

When the line includes both operations, the control system coordinates pressing, strapping and net wrapping according to the programmed sequence.

The final configuration depends on the required level of load restraint and the subsequent handling, storage and transport conditions.

Adaptation to different ceramic products

The press can be configured for packs of bricks, blocks, hollow clay floor blocks, roof tiles and other structural ceramic products compatible with the system.

The design takes into account the geometry, weight, strength and arrangement of the products, as well as the points where pressure can be applied.

Hollow products, thin-walled pieces or products with sensitive surfaces may require a specific distribution of force and reduced approach speeds.

The compatibility of each format must be verified using representative samples or technical data from the actual product.

Pressure and travel adjustment

The force applied must be sufficient to compact the pack without damaging the pieces.

The system can incorporate the components required to regulate the travel, speed and operating pressure within the limits established for the machine.

The parameters are configured according to the product, pack format and required degree of compaction.

When the line handles several compatible loads, different settings can be defined to adapt the sequence to each format.

Securing the load during rotation

The pack must remain controlled while its orientation changes.

The supporting, guiding and securing components are designed according to the weight, centre of gravity and stability of the load.

The system coordinates closing, rotation, positioning and opening to prevent unintended movement during the operation.

Speed and acceleration are adapted to the characteristics of the pack and the behaviour of its constituent pieces.

Pack conveying and positioning

The press can be integrated with chain conveyors and other systems used to move ceramic packs.

Sensors detect the arrival of the load and verify its position before the pressing and rotation cycle begins.

Stops, guides and centring mechanisms are configured according to the pack dimensions and the position required inside the machine.

Once the cycle has been completed, the conveyor moves the load towards the downstream stations.

Applications in the structural ceramics industry

Rotary presses can be integrated into production lines manufacturing bricks, blocks, hollow clay floor blocks, roof tiles and other structural ceramic products.

The equipment is generally installed after pack formation and before the operations used to secure and protect the load.

It can operate alongside conveyors, pack-forming equipment, turntables, strapping systems, net-wrapping stations and accumulators.

Its final position within the line is determined according to the handling and packaging sequence of each plant.

Automation coordinated with the end-of-line system

The control system manages pack entry, pressing, rotation and discharge to the next machine.

Sensors verify the positions of the moving components and the conditions required to authorise each operation.

The automation system can exchange signals with conveyors, the strapping machine, the net-wrapping system and accumulation equipment.

This coordination maintains a continuous sequence and prevents interference between the different stations.

Safety during pressing and rotation

The installation can incorporate enclosures, interlocked doors, sensors and other safety devices adapted to the moving areas.

Access to the working area must remain controlled while pressure and rotary movement are being applied.

The system monitors the position of the load and mechanisms before authorising conveying or beginning a new operation.

The final measures are established through a risk assessment of the machine and its integration with the rest of the line.

Access for inspection and maintenance

The structure and moving components are arranged to facilitate inspection, adjustment and maintenance tasks.

Articulation points, drives, guides, sensors and contact surfaces must be checked at the intervals defined for each installation.

Access points are configured so that this work can be performed when the equipment has been stopped and secured.

Periodic maintenance helps preserve mechanism alignment and the repeatability of the pressing sequence.

Custom design and manufacturing

IFAMAC adapts the structure, pressing components, rotary system, conveyors and automation to the requirements of each project.

The machine can be integrated into both new production lines and existing installations, provided that the available space and technical conditions allow its incorporation.

Each solution is developed according to the ceramic product, pack format and weight, load arrangement, throughput and upstream and downstream equipment.