Page 17 - Packaging News magazine March_April 2023

placing slip sheets between each pallet layer. Indicator lights communicate the status of each pallet to the operator, so there’s no confusion.
FLEXIBILITY
Different box or item surfaces can be handled by Instant Palletiser, which adapts to all object configurations and product size changes. The software allows an operator to define a box size using three dimensions and a pallet pattern, which is then translated auto- matically into the cobot program.
SAFER PALLETS
The smart software makes it easier to stack pallets with interlocking pal- let patterns, making stable pallets less inclined to collapse. The software gen- erates a range of pallet stacking pattern options, allowing the operator to choose the preferred pattern. It even ensures that case barcode labels are facing out- wards, where required.
SAFER FOR PEOPLE
Physical safety is the key issue on any factory floor. Instant Palletiser has been fully risk-assessed to comply
Below: The Instant Palletiser unit is easily rolled into position.
with all relevant Australian safety reg- ulations. The system comes fitted with five area scanners mounted in a ver- tical barrier pattern around the unit. When no human presence is detected, it operates at the maximum speed of 10.5 cycles per minute. If the safety zone is entered, the palletiser can be configured to stop entirely or continue operating at a suitably reduced speed, dependent on payload.
GRIPPERS
Manual labour is restricted to what can be lifted safely. By changing the type of gripper on a robot – such as pads, fingers or suction cups – just about anything can be lifted without fear of dropping it. Instant Palletiser comes with a pneumatic or an electro-mechanical case gripper. A custom-designed vacuum gripper with two channels means two boxes can be picked simultaneously, increas- ing the palletising rate to 21 boxes per minute if required or if total weight permits. The infeed conveyor gating system consistently ensures the correct flow of boxes to
the pick station.
RAPID DEPLOYMENT
Traditional palletisers require exten- sive planning and calculations to ensure they are fit for purpose (correct centre of mass for products, correct payloads and robot arm reach to maintain bal- ance etc.). A smart cobot palletiser solution, managed by software, offers all these calculations on the fly. An online simulator can be used for layout and test purposes, and pallet/product con- figurations can be changed easily.
Instant Palletiser is moved into place on castor wheels, pallet trucks or a fork- lift. Short production lead times make it an attractive option for businesses needing a quick fix. It offers the only work cell that doesn’t need pick point programming because the integrated skewed conveyor ensures the incoming case is always in the same pick location.
WRAPPING IT UP
For SMEs, cobot palletising will overcome current labour shortages, reduce risky repetitive tasks and labour hours at the end of the line and deliver a more consis-
tently-stacked pallet. It supports overall efficiency and production rates, pro- viding an edge many SMEs need. ■
SMEs often produce a large number of SKUs of relatively low volume – and so would benefit from a palletising solution that’s easy to move around and set up, according to what’s being produced.
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