The most commonly asked question we get about baggers is; How fast will it operate? Like all bagger manufacturers we are frequently forced to guarantee speeds, the speed quoted is usually accompanied by disclaimers, exceptions and caveats. Regardless of the type or brand of bagger the speed is largely dependent on the size, shape, orientation, texture and density of the product as well as the size of the bag opening. From an engineering standpoint we calculate and manipulate cycle time. Cycle time is the time required to open a bag + the time required to fill the bag + the time required to transfer the bag to a closer. + The delay time required for mechanical inefficiencies. Because most of these factors are dictated by physics, most baggers cycle at close to the same rate regardless of the opening technique

Usually an increase in speed (reduction in cycle time) can be achieved by reducing the time delays required for mechanical inefficacies. This includes insurance time to be certain the last piece gets into the bag before completing the cycle. When a packer experiences underweight bags, it is typically because the delay time is too short for the product and package being packed. We use a photo gate in addition to a time delay to insure that the last piece in the weighment (or count) gets in the bag before closing. Allowing this time margin insures that the entire weighed or counted product gets into the bag.

Cycle time can also be reduced by increasing the velocity of the transition. An example: We typically assume a fill time of 1.2-1.5 sec. to fill 5 lbs of (typical) Potatoes in a (typical) poly bag. By speeding up the in-feed conveyors we can reduce the fill time by .2 sec or 13%. Unfortunately by doing this, there can be damage to the product and at the same time an increase in possible bridging at the bag opening. The net effect is that the bagger may run faster but overall production may slow down due to bridging and quality of the product may be compromised. We adjust transition speed based on product handling needs, our adjustable; low frequencies oscillating in feed heads are designed to get the product in the bag without damage.

The speed per minute or cycle rate is an important measure of bagger capability however probably more important is the speed in terms of acceptable bags produced per day or shift (productivity). Cycle rate is only one factor in measuring productivity. The amount of time spent in change-over, the number of jams, the number of under weight bags produced, the required operator time, downtime for maintenance and repair as well as the number of bags produced with poor closures are each critical factors when selecting a bagger. The design of the Vortex3600 is based on consideration of all of these factors. Our mission is to build the most productive, cost effective bagger in the world.