Understanding the predicted longevity and reliability of your packaging machinery is critical when acquiring them. IP ratings are important for knowledgeable customers and professionals who want to know how long their packaging machines will last and how reliable they are. 

You will be able to recognize when and where the equipment can be utilized without breaking if you comprehend its toughness. This is an important factor to consider when acquiring expensive equipment. The information is also useful to maintenance professionals who work in the field in a variety of conditions and need to know the boundaries of their technology.

What Is An IP Rating

What is IP rating? IP ratings, or ingress protection ratings, were designed by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and are primarily utilized in Europe and Asia, with some support in North America. Because these are international standards, the testing is frequently certified by TUV rather than UL, despite the fact that both provide rigorous testing. 

One thing to keep in mind is that while these are designed for tough conditions, they do not handle UV protection regulations (outside), thus the engineer should seek or inquire about the enclosure’s capacity to integrate UV protection materials. Of course, the IEC isn’t the only organization that creates standards. NEMA, which stands for National Electrical Manufacturers Association, is an organization that represents all electrical manufacturers. 

Nema’s protection ratings are the equivalent of IP ratings in North America. For example, NEMA 3 and NEMA 4 are essentially similar to IP45 and IP66, respectively. The standards are comparable, but the test requirements differ, therefore they don’t completely match. If your design will be used in North America, NEMA ratings will suffice, and the final client may even request them.

Manufacturers can confidently make product promises regarding the level of protection their product delivers if they have a certified IP Rating. It establishes the item’s legitimacy, assuring customers that they can assess whether or not a product satisfies their requirements.

For all products, the IP rating system uses a two-digit system to define their protection rating. The first digit denotes solid protection, while the second denotes liquid protection. The IP Code was created to unify protection ratings and prevent misinterpretation or misrepresentation of a product’s ability to protect users.

Why IP Rating Is Important When Considering A Packaging Machine 

The IP Rating of an enclosure is particularly crucial when choosing the correct packaging machine for your purposes, especially in the food business. Check out the importance of IP rating when considering a packaging machine.

Wet conditions. Many food packaging applications require protection from liquids such as water and cleaning solutions. Many food packaging machines, such as those for cheese, meat, or sticky candies, may need to be cleaned on a frequent basis, and they must be rated to resist whatever washdown method is required. A liquid IP rating of 5 to 8 should be considered for damp settings. The solid IP rating is less necessary and does not have to be as high in this type of environment.

Dusty conditions. Consider the packing of snacks or coffee in a dusty atmosphere. Particulates that are generated when a product is in motion can cause serious damages to packaging machinery’s exposed pneumatic and electrical components. Although dust management measures can assist reduce the amount of particulate in the air, dust can still get through poorly sealed enclosures. For dusty applications, a robust IP rating of 5 to 6 should be considered. Waterproof enclosures aren’t as important in this setting, so the liquid IP rating doesn’t have to be as high.

Both wet and dusty conditions. A total range of between IP 55 protection to about 68 should be considered for a packing machine if the packaging environment is both dusty and needs rigorous washdown processes. This includes locations where dust protection is necessary as well as protection from water jets, as well as conditions where enclosures must be dust-proof and water-resistant.

Breakdown Of The IP Rating Chart 

Ingress Protection Rating, also referred to as the International Protection Rating, is basically made up of two letters IP, two digits, and an optional letter. It classifies the degrees of protection offered in electrical enclosures against the penetration of solid objects (including human parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water, as described by the international standard IEC 60529 The goal of the standard is to offer consumers with more specific information than marketing phrases like waterproof.

The digits (characteristic numerals) indicate that the conditions listed in the tables below have been met. An electrical socket that has an IP22 rating, for instance, is protected against finger insertion and it will not be rendered dangerous or damaged during a specified test where it is exposed to vertically or nearly vertically pouring water. For the design of electrical accessories for indoor use, IP22 or 2X are usually minimal requirements.

The two digits after IP, in that sequence, represent solid and liquid resistance. The 6 symbolizes solid resistance (e.g. dust) while the 8 denotes liquid resistance in the case of the iPhone 12. (e.g. water).

IP(S)(L). S stands for solid resistance while Liquid resistance is denoted by the letter L. An IP rating may contain an X or a 0 at times. A 0 rating indicates that the equipment is not protected from solid or liquid intrusion. A grade of X, on the other hand, indicates that the item has not been tested for solid or liquid infiltration. The Google Pixel Buds A, for example, are rated IPX4. 

The Pixel Buds A have been tested for water resistance but not for solid or dust resistance, as evidenced by this. Although the Pixel Buds A can withstand some dust and solid ingress, Google either hasn’t extensively tested dust resistance or hasn’t made an official claim on the subject.

• The first digit. The dust protection (first digit) can be set to any number between 1 and 6. The product’s capacity to withstand foreign objects/dust infiltration improves as this number rises. A product with an IP2X certification, for example, can handle foreign objects up to 12.5mm in diameter or larger, but an object with an IP6X rating is dust-tight. The letter “X” is used to indicate a location where the product has not been tested.

• The second digit. The liquid protection (second digit) has the same format as the first, but can be any number between 1 and 8. As the number grows, so does the protection against liquid ingress. IPX4-rated devices can survive continuous water spray for up to 5 minutes. During the test, particular angles, pressures, and volume criteria must be observed, as shown in the chart. The IP rating system’s strict testing procedure provides consistency between testing facilities all around the world.

• Extra letters. A letter may appear at the end of the IPXX code on occasion. This is the supplementary letter, which can be used to indicate the product standard’s supplementary information. Note that solid resistance is measured from 0 to 6, while liquid resistance is measured from 0 to 8. On the IP rating system, IP00 or IPXX is the lowest level of protection, while IP68 is the greatest. For instance, An IP20 rating indicates that the product is touch-proof and resistant to dust and items larger than 12mm in diameter. 

The IP rating scale is quite simple to comprehend given that we know the basics. The larger the number, the better the device’s dust and water resistance. As a result, each value on the IP scale indicates precise testing circumstances against a certain type and volume of solid or liquid. While a higher IP rating is a good general sign of protection, the IP rating chart below can help you figure out what your packaging machine is protected from.

The First Digit: Solid Resistance

• 0 = There is no protection against solid particles, objects, or dust penetration.

• 1 = Any solid item larger than 50 mm is protected against the object or equipment.

• 2 = Any solid object larger than 12.5 mm is protected against the object or equipment.

• 3 = Any solid element larger than 2.5 mm is protected against the object or equipment. 

• 4 = Any solid object larger than 1 mm is protected against the object or equipment (i.e., other types of tools or even screws).

• 5 = The object is dust-protected to some extent. While dust can get into the equipment’s crevices, it cannot harm it. It also eliminates the possibility of touch.

• 6 indicates that the product is dustproof. Dust can’t get into the crevices, therefore it can’t harm or soil inside the equipment.

The Second Digit: Liquid Resistance

The IP protection against liquids is concerned with both the volume of water and the depth of immersion, as well as the power of a jet.

• 0 = the equipment or object is unprotected against moisture or any liquid that may come into touch with it.

• 1 =the equipment is only protected from a liquid that falls vertically.

• 2 = The object is protected from drops of 15 degrees.

• 3 = The object is shielded from liquid sprays from all directions as long as the temperature does not exceed 60 degrees

• 4 = Splash protection is provided for the object.

• 5 = This ensures that you are protected from water projections.

• 6 =The object is shielded from intense water jets, such as those produced by a high-pressure cleaning apparatus.

• 7 = Up to a depth of 1 meter, the thing is waterproof.

• 8 = The object can be submerged to a depth of 1 meter. Water may be able to leak into the device, but it will not cause any damage

Extra Letters

An additional letter is added to the end of some IP ratings. These letters represent further information about the machine’s security requirements. These additional ratings are as follows:

• D is for wire.

• F stands for oil resistance.

• H stands for high-voltage apparatus.

• M implies that during the water testing, the machine was in motion.

• S: During testing, the device remained still.

• W: Depending on the weather.

IP Ratings and standards for packaging machines

When selecting a packing machine, the IP protection rating is a crucial thing to consider. To reduce the chance of a fire breaking out in the event of water seepage or dust damage, pick an IP65 protection grade, which ensures total airtightness and excellent water tightness. This is especially important when it comes to automatic packing devices.

The protection rating is critical for more demanding applications where special protections are required, such as the food processing industry. IP protection ratings are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 60529. It specifies how electrical equipment should be dust and weather-resistant. Specific industry sectors, such as food processing and medicines, have their own set of requirements.

This standard assures the protection and resistance of your packaging machinery against the entrance of unwanted solid materials and liquids. This specifically refers to the risk of packaging machines being damaged until a serious incident like a fire occurs. In an industrial setting, the protection rating ensures that the equipment can be kept outside, for instance, without risk of damage or human safety hazards.

IP Rating Found On Packaging Machines

Electrical enclosures on most packing machines are IP Rated. Items like circuit boxes, cabinets, and any other enclosed construction that protects internal electrical components all fall into this category. When exposed to solid objects or liquids, these components are likely to malfunction, fail, or even injure the operators

You have probably read or seen IP markings on machines and wondered, what is IP 66 or IP 45? And why is it important, especially on equipment? This information will be helpful. So after your packaging machine manufacturer thoroughly assesses your packaging environment, the qualities of the product you need to pack, and your cleaning procedures, the sort of IP Rating required for packaging equipment enclosures will be decided. If the electronic components needed to power and run a packing machine must be housed in an electrical cabinet. IP ratings for these cabinets are commonly found to be:

• IP65: Dust-proof and water-jet-proof.

• IP66: Water-resistant and dust-proof.

• IP67: Dustproof and waterproof for a short period of time.

• IP68: Water-resistant and dust-proof.

What is the significance of an IP Rating For Packaging Machines?

When a company wants to give their product an IP rating, they must have it tested by a third-party company. The manufacturer gives the product a numerical IP Rating to indicate how well it protects against solids and liquids incursion.

Manufacturers can confidently make product promises regarding the level of protection their products provide if they have a certified IP Rating. It validates the item, confidently assuring customers that they can assess whether or not a product fits their requirements.

Furthermore, an IP Rated user is fully aware of the machine’s protective measures or lack thereof. This allows them to work more safely and with less chance of personal harm or machine damage. IP Rating is important when choosing a packaging machine. When it comes to picking the correct packaging equipment for your requirements, the IP Rating of an enclosure is quite significant, especially in the food business.

• Solid IP Rating for dusty applications.

If you consider a dusty packaging environment for products like food or even coffee, particulates generated when the product is in motion can wreak havoc on exposed electrical and pneumatic components on packing machinery. 

Dust management measures can help in decreasing the number of particles in the air, but dust will still be able to permeate any improperly sealed enclosures. For dusty applications, a strong IP rating of 5 to 6 should be considered. Waterproof enclosures aren’t required in this scenario, so the liquid IP rating doesn’t have to be as high.

• Liquid IP rating for wet environments.

A lot of food packaging applications will require protection from liquids such as water and cleaning solutions. Many food packaging machines, such as those for cheese, meat, or sticky candies, may need to be cleaned on a frequent basis, and they must be rated to resist whatever washdown method is required. 

A liquid IP rating of 5 to 8 should be considered for such damp settings. The solid IP rating is less necessary and does not have to be as high in such a type of environment.

• IP Rating for both wet and dusty environments.

In this case, a total rating of IP 55 to 68 should be considered for a packing machine if the packaging environment is both dusty and needs rigorous washdown processes. This includes locations where dust protection is necessary as well as protection from water jets, as well as conditions where enclosures must be dust-proof and water-resistant.

How To Choose The Right Packaging Machine.

Packaging is critical in all industries, including the food industry, clothing production, technology, and others. It protects the product from any damage, thus proper packaging is essential. Packaging is a large industry and one of the most significant aspects of product sales. 

The product appears more appealing and appealing when it is packaged well. As a result, producers will always want a decent packaging machine because it is the most effective technique to increase sales. Are you planning to purchase a packaging machine but you have no idea where to start from? This post will guide you to choose the right packaging machine. Read on.

Production Speed Of The Machine. What machine you should select depends on how quickly and how much product you plan to produce each day. If this is your first purchase of packing equipment, you may not need to go for the big guns just yet. Don’t be scared by the fact that larger is not necessarily better. Begin where you can and give yourself time to develop.

Waste Disposal. We must be very conscious of waste management when working in the manufacturing industry. For both financial and environmental reasons, we have entered an era in which businesses are attempting to decrease waste wherever feasible. Consider your waste goals because your machine and package selections will produce variable quantities of waste.

During setup, alignment, and changeover, as well as any surplus film clipped during production, the Form-Fill-Seal machine generates waste. The Premade Pouch machine, on the other hand, maybe a better alternative for you if you want to reduce waste and associated costs.

Variety Of Packaging. The variety of your company’s products and objectives might help you figure out which equipment is appropriate for your packaging needs. The prefabricated pouch may work for you if you pack numerous different SKUs per day, as the Form-Fill-Seal process takes longer to set up and change over. The Form-Fill-Seal, on the other hand, will better fit your objectives if you focus on one product line per day and need high output.

Train Your Staff. The quantity of training, education level, and staff hours required to run the machine will all be influenced by the machine type you choose. A Form-Fill-Seal machine, for example, will require significantly more training than a Premade Pouch Machine.

Someone must keep the infeed conveyor full of empty pouches on a Premade Pouch Machine. The operator, on the other hand, is free to focus on other corporate responsibilities after the Form-Fill-Seal machine is configured. Automatic splicing for film and zippers, as well as end-of-line case packaging systems, are two possibilities for reducing downtime and increasing output.

Overhead And Operating Cost. You should think about not only the original cost of your packaging machine, but also the cost of operation and maintenance, as you would with any significant purchase. While certain machines may have a higher initial cost, they may run more smoothly and efficiently. Make sure to focus on your Rate of Investment. A more expensive machine could significantly boost your profits.

When choosing your machine, there are a few other operating costs to consider. Keep in mind the cost of any additional materials, such as roll stock film or prefabricated pouches, that you will need to run your machines. Consider the resources you will need to make your pouches and products, as well as the labor required to run the line.

Inquire More From Your Vendor. Before choosing the right machine for packaging, make sure you have done more consultation with your vendor. Here are some questions to ask while speaking with machine vendors. What is the total number of machines on the field? Is it possible for you to chat with current customers and inspect their equipment? What are the quality of the vendor’s after-sale service and support? Do they have their own engineering department? When it comes to spare components, how quickly can you receive them? What kind of training do they offer?

We believe that thinking about these six essential elements will make your decision-making process less stressful and more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Enclosure manufacturers must disclose an IP rating for each product, allowing designers and installers to ensure that the suitable product is selected for each application. Although these ratings were originally created to classify enclosures, they now provide engineers with a quick and easy means to assess different levels of sealing. 
The protection against contact with harmful parts and solid bodies is indicated by the first digit in the rating. The amount of protection against dangerous water ingress is indicated by the second digit in the grade. A third digit may be present in some circumstances, referring to the enclosure’s protection against external mechanical damage. For more information about packaging machines contact us.