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Waimica case

Case Study: Waimica Harmonic Gear Drive in Automated Ice Cream Cup Filling Rotary Table

2019-03-14 Waimica

Industry Challenges and Pain Points Analysis:

The automated ice cream cup filling rotary table is a key component in modern dairy and frozen food production. This system is designed to precisely fill, position, and seal ice cream cups in high-speed environments. The typical configuration includes servo motors, gear drives, conveyor systems, cup loading units, and high-precision dispensing mechanisms.

Current trends in this industry emphasize higher throughput, improved hygiene standards, energy efficiency, and modular design to allow for easy integration and expansion. However, many manufacturers still face several critical challenges in the transmission system:

  • High load fluctuation: Due to the dynamic nature of cup handling and dispensing, gear drives must endure frequent start-stop cycles and rapid directional changes.
  • Accuracy and repeatability: Minor deviations in positioning can lead to misalignment, affecting sealing and filling consistency.
  • Space constraints: The compact layout of modern production lines requires gear drives with low profile and high power density.
  • High maintenance frequency: Harsh operating conditions, including frequent washdowns and exposure to water, grease, and food residue, accelerate wear and reduce service life.
  • Energy consumption: Many legacy gear drives suffer from low efficiency, increasing operational costs and environmental impact.

Key Role and Technical Requirements of Gear Drives:

In ice cream cup filling rotary table systems, gear drives play a central role in ensuring the smooth and synchronized operation of cup indexing, dispensing, and sealing. The technical requirements for these gear drives include:

  • High torque density: Compact design with high power transmission capability.
  • High reduction ratio: Precision in slow-speed output while maintaining high input speeds.
  • Low backlash: Typically less than 1 arc minute to ensure positioning accuracy.
  • High response speed: For fast indexing and rapid acceleration/deceleration control.
  • High compatibility: Easy integration with servo motors and motion control systems.
  • Low noise and vibration: Especially important for environments with strict noise regulations.
  • Environmental adaptability: Must withstand washdown conditions and maintain performance in temperature fluctuations.
  • Long service life and low maintenance: Gear drives need to minimize downtime for cleaning and maintenance.

Waimica's Harmonic Gear Drive Solution:

Waimica's harmonic gear drive is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of automated ice cream cup filling systems. Our product addresses the key industry pain points with advanced engineering, precision manufacturing, and innovative design features:

  • Compact and modular structure: Our harmonic gear drives offer an ultra-thin profile, enabling integration into tight spaces and allowing for flexible configuration.
  • High-performance characteristics: With optimized material and gear geometry, Waimica gear drives deliver high torque, low backlash, and excellent heat dissipation for continuous high-speed operation.
  • Sealed for hygiene and harsh environments: IP65 to IP67 rating ensures protection against water, dust, and food contaminants, ideal for HACCP and FDA compliance environments.
  • Customization and quick delivery: Our product line supports tailored solutions for various motor types and mounting configurations, with lead times significantly shorter than many international competitors.
Parameter Waimica Harmonic Gear Drive Specifications
Output Torque 10 - 200 Nm
Backlash < 1 arc minute
Efficiency > 90%
Input Flange Type ISO 9409-1 (standard), optional ISO 6310 and IEC mounting
Reduction Ratio 50:1 to 1000:1
Operating Temperature -20°C to +100°C
IP Rating IP65, IP67 (custom IP69K available)
Service Life 10,000+ hours
Noise Level < 55 dB (under 1000 RPM)
Mounting Flexibility Flange mount, foot mount, and shaft mount options

Conclusion and Waimica Brand Value:

Waimica's harmonic gear drives have demonstrated exceptional performance in the automated ice cream production line, meeting and often exceeding the expectations of international clients. Our key advantages include:

  • Advanced engineering and manufacturing: Utilizing high-grade alloys and precision heat treatment, Waimica ensures long-term durability and high operational accuracy.
  • Cost-effective yet high-performance: As a manufacturer from China, we provide gear drives with comparable technical specifications to global leaders but at significantly reduced costs.
  • Fast delivery and global support: Our domestic and international logistics network ensures timely delivery and after-sales service for both small and large-scale installations.
  • Customization capabilities: From special IP ratings to bespoke motor integration solutions, Waimica supports full customization to meet specific application requirements.

With the growing demand for automation in food processing, Waimica is well-positioned to become a long-term partner for OEMs and system integrators. Our gear drives are not just replacements, but enablers for next-generation automated production lines that are efficient, scalable, and compliant with global standards.