Vacuum automation improves pick and place performance in confectionery packaging
The application
High speed pick and place systems play a critical role in confectionery packaging, transferring delicate products quickly and accurately from production to packaging. To maintain line efficiency, vacuum systems must deliver reliable grip and clean release, without clogging, manual intervention or excessive noise.
For Hebert’s Confections, increasing demand for its Fully Loaded miniBARS exposed a significant mismatch between upstream production capacity and downstream packaging performance, creating downtime, waste and lost output.
The challenge: a packaging bottleneck limiting throughput
Hebert’s Confections was experiencing a serious constraint at the packaging stage. While upstream processes could produce up to 400 products per minute, the pick and place packaging line was limited to just 140 units per minute.
Key challenges included:
Clogging in the vacuum system causing inconsistent product release
Frequent interruptions and manual resets on the packaging line
Under utilised upstream capacity and reduced overall efficiency
Product waste created by unstable handling and release
The team evaluated several potential solutions but struggled to find an option that combined performance, reliability and cost effectiveness.
The solution: fast response vacuum with controlled blow off
Following an on site evaluation, we identified clogging and inconsistent release within the pick and place system as the root causes of the bottleneck. To address this, we recommended the NVP Fastbreak vacuum pump, which combines vacuum and automatic blow off in a single compact unit.
The pump’s controlled blow off function delivers a precise puff of air to release each miniBAR cleanly, preventing product hang ups and eliminating clogging. Within one week, our team returned with a complete five station pump assembly, including mounting hardware and metric fittings. Installation took just twenty minutes before the line was running smoothly again.
The result: higher output and rapid return on investment
The upgraded vacuum system delivered immediate and measurable improvements across productivity, cost and operator experience:
Packaging output increased to 350 miniBARS per minute, unlocking unused capacity
Consistent, stable performance with fewer interruptions and stoppages
Reduced clogging and lower product waste
Full return on investment achieved in just eleven weeks
Quieter operation and fewer manual resets for operators
Lower maintenance requirements and improved overall equipment efficiency
By stabilising the pick and place process, Hebert’s Confections was able to increase throughput significantly while reducing downtime and operator intervention.
Vacuum automation for demanding food and packaging applications
This project demonstrates how fast response vacuum technology can resolve critical bottlenecks in high speed food and packaging environments. By combining application insight with compact, integrated vacuum solutions, we help manufacturers improve output, reduce waste and achieve rapid payback - without compromising product handling or operator conditions.