How to choose the right sorting line according to the material

In automated packaging production, the sorting line is the key link between raw materials and packaging equipment. Its function is to arrange the scattered or randomly arranged materials in an orderly manner according to the specified direction, quantity or spacing, so that they can enter the packaging process later. Different types of food materials have significant differences in shape, weight, structure, etc., so in the selection and design of the sorting line, it is necessary to combine the material characteristics for precise matching. This article will systematically explain how to choose the right sorting line according to the material from multiple perspectives.

Ⅰ Clarify the basic information of the material
The first step in selecting a sorting line is to have a comprehensive understanding of the material itself. The following key parameters cannot be ignored:

Dimensions: including length, width, height or diameter and thickness. The size will directly affect the design elements such as channel width, material spacing and conveyor belt width.

Shape: such as round, square, oval, sheet, irregular shape, etc. Different shapes will determine the stability and controllability of the material during the transmission process.

Material/Structure: Determine whether the material is fragile, whether there are sandwich structures, cavities, etc., and whether the surface is dry, smooth, oily or has debris.

Monomer weight: If the material is too light, it will be affected by airflow or equipment thrust, and if it is too heavy, it may affect the selection of the pusher or clamping mechanism.

Feeding state: such as scattered stacking, single-row arrangement, multi-row feeding, etc., the feeding method determines the setting of the starting plan for sorting.

Ⅱ Types of sorting lines and adaptation principles
Based on the above material characteristics, the common types of sorting lines currently include the following, and each type has its corresponding scope of application:

1. Vibration sorting line
Applicable materials: small pieces, regular shapes, dry surfaces, not easy to break
Principle: The material is evenly distributed in the trough through vibration, and the guide groove is used to achieve queuing or orientation.

Typical applications: small-sized biscuits, candies, dried fruits, etc.

2. Conveyor belt + limit mechanism sorting line
Applicable materials: medium size, regular shape, not easy to break
Principle: Use multiple conveyor belts with limit blocks and guide rails to gradually adjust the arrangement of materials to form a single or multiple columns of neat arrangement.

Typical applications: round or square biscuits, sandwich cakes, moon cakes, etc.

3. Roller-guided sorting line
Applicable materials: strong rolling, round or spherical food
Principle: Through ramp rolling or roller channel, the material is guided and aligned by its own weight.

Typical applications: spherical chocolate, small balls, glutinous rice balls, etc.

4. Clamping/suction cup sorting line
Applicable materials: fragile, soft, high value-added food
Principle: Use mechanical grippers or suction cups to flexibly grasp, orient and place materials to reduce damage.

Typical applications: egg yolk pie, sandwich biscuits, mochi, soft cakes, etc.

5. Visual recognition + robot sorting and sorting line
Applicable materials: special-shaped, mixed, and multi-category products
Principle: Use the visual system to identify the position and direction of the material, and use the multi-axis robot to classify, grab and sort the material. It has strong adaptability but high cost.

Ⅲ Typical applications: customized or high-precision packaging projects, such as holiday gift boxes, special-shaped biscuits, etc.

Food type	Recommended sorting method	Reasons
Round biscuits Conveyor	belt + limit rail	Regular shape, easy to limit and align
Square biscuits	Vibration + conveyor belt combination	Small size, suitable for vibration to alleviate overlapping problems
Egg yolk pie/sandwich biscuits	Suction cup or clamping sorting	Need to protect the structure to avoid squeezing and peeling
Small ball chocolate	Roller-guided sorting	Easy to roll, use ramps to guide and arrange
Mochi/soft snacks	Visual recognition + robot picking	Irregular, easy to stick, need visual positioning assistance

IV. Other influencing factors
When selecting a sorting line, it is also necessary to consider the following practical factors comprehensively:

Production line speed requirements: High-beat production lines need to choose stable and high-speed sorting methods.

Production line layout space: linear, L-shaped, U-shaped or multi-layer designs can be considered.

Cleanliness and food safety level: Does the contact surface need to be oil-proof, anti-sticky, and easy to clean?

Matching form with back-end equipment: For example, bagging machines and cartoning machines require single-row/multi-row interfaces.

ⅤSummary and Suggestions
Choosing a suitable sorting line is not only the key to improving packaging efficiency, but also directly affects the appearance and quality stability of the product. It is recommended to analyze the material characteristics in depth before selecting the model, and select standard equipment or customized solutions based on the actual production line needs. For complex products, visual recognition and intelligent sorting solutions can also be considered to achieve a higher degree of automation and flexibility.

If you need to further evaluate the sorting line solution for specific materials, you are welcome to provide material samples, pictures and size data. We can provide professional selection suggestions and solution design support.