End of line News

Evolution strapper advances versatility

Gerd Mosca’s new Evolution strapping machine, successor to the RO-MP-5, offers high versatility, modularity and improved performance. The main innovation is a harmonised strap path, which is now the same for all models in the range. Mosca has also developed a Standard 6 sealing unit for the Evolution series. Each machine is supplied with a SoniXs ultrasound sealing unit as a standard, but a heat-welding unit can be fitted as an alternative.

In addition to its technical innovations, the new strapper is said to be well suited for manual stand-alone use (as a ‘table’ model), but can also be integrated into a production line and operated fully automatically. It is available with belt or roller feeding mechanisms. There are three variants: the table model is available in eight different frame sizes up to width of 1,650mm, while the roller and belt models come in three sizes up to a maximum width of 1,000mm. Depending on the application, optional components such as a hold-down device or adjustable operator panels are available for the three variants.

PalletPack offers access to robotics

ABB Robotics has launched the PalletPack 460, a pre-engineered package of proven robotic components offering integrated hardware with full documentation, which is said to reduce overall project costs and setup engineering time significantly. Klas Bengtsson, ABB’s picking, packing and palletising product manager, comments: “This new function package allows integrators with little robotic experience to enter this market. The PalletPack is so easy to work with, without the need for any special robot programming know-how. Robot, grippers, safety and cell control PLCs, graphical HMI and software all come ready to plug in and produce.”

Available for either high speed bag palletising or compact end of line case palletising, the PalletPack function package consists of the new IRB 460 robot; a Flex-Gripper (either the Claw or one-zone Clamp gripper); an ABB control PLC; an ABB safety PLC; PalletWare support software; user documentation; and the ABB FlexPendant featuring an easy-to-use graphical HMI.

The heart of the PalletPack is the IRB 460, claimed to be the fastest palletising robot on the market. The 4-axis machine has a reach of 2.4m and 110kg capacity, with a compact footprint that is said to make it ideal for integration into existing packing lines. A prime feature of the PalletPack is the programming wizard which makes the programming very similar to that used for a traditional PLC. This enables PLC programmers without specific robotic experience to programme the system, eliminating the complications that can arise when special skills are required.

Klas Bengtsson states: “Programming times for the PalletPack 460 can be reduced by as much as 65% compared with traditional methods, shortening the return on investment and making robotic palletising highly attractive to a wide range of end-users.”

DiviArm expands Cermex lane divider range

New from Cermex is the DiviArm continuous lane divider, designed to distribute products at high speed without stopping the flow and without blocking or bumping products. For installation upstream from a case packer or shrinkwrapper, the divider is able to transfer bottles, containers, cans and cartons fed in upright on one lane. The equipment is fitted with a guiding arm mounted on two axes. The transverse axis distributes products between lanes while the longitudinal axis synchronises the product progression so that they are guided at the speed of the lower conveyor, without bumping. The speed of the DiviArm is 60 cycles/min (350 products/min). An integral system automatically empties the lane divider if the downstream machine stops, so as to restart quickly with no falling products and no loss in synchronisation.

Cermex – part of the Sidel Group – says it has developed DiviArm to “interface perfectly” with its own shrinkwrappers and case packers, although it is a stand-alone machine that can be integrated into any automated packaging line and comes with its own independent electrical cabinet.

Toshiba’s robots show what they can do

TM (Toshiba Machine) Robotics (Europe) showed the packaging capabilities of its robots at the recent Anuga FoodTec event in Cologne, Germany. The new high speed THP550 Scara robot was demonstrated working together with a TM Cartesian robot. TH650A and TH850A robots were also in action at the show, palletising and packing within the demonstration area of the Robotik-Pack-Line, and demonstrating how the company’s robots can integrate with any other make or type of equipment.

Toshiba Machine offers an extensive range of Scara robots with arm lengths of 180mm up to 1,200mm, and a host of options. The Germany-based company also claims to be the only robot manufacturer to offer 6-axis robots and a modular Cartesian system.

Menzies goes with Gordian again

Gordian Strapping has supplied 14 new RQ-8 automatic strapping machines to the Swansea branch of newspaper and magazine wholesaler Menzies Distribution. The new machines will replace the existing Strapack RQ-8 machines which have performed in excess of a million cycles each.

Chosen for its robustness and reliability, the RQ-8 is ready to operate in less than 25sec and is capable of speeds of up to 40 straps/min. The machine has only a minimum amount of moving parts with permanently lubricated mechanisms, reducing wear and tear and increasing operational life.

The Self-Correcting Function is particularly helpful in the fast-paced distribution industry. If the machine is operated without a package on the table, the strap forms a small loop which is ejected from the sealing unit, leaving the machine ready for the next cycle. Other standard features include auto strap re-feed, variable strap tension (up to 80kg) and a self-diagnostic function. The Auto Shut-Off function ensures that the machine enters standby mode after 3min, thereby saving energy.

Robot range offers flexibility

Kuka’s new KR Agilus range of small high speed robots has been specially developed for working in tight spaces. They are designed to deliver short cycle times and high levels of accuracy for a wide variety of packaging applications, especially handling and pick and place tasks.

The basic model, KR 6 R900 sixx, which can carry a payload of up to 6kg, is able to reach points not only near the robot base, but also in the overhead area up to a maximum of 901mm. Operated via a smaller version of Kuka’s KR C4 controller which, thanks to its open architecture, can manage both Kuka robots and external axes, it can be used in a variety of positions – floor, ceiling or wall – and has a compact design featuring an integrated energy supply system.

The new robots also feature Kuka’s SafeOperation system, which checks the speed and workspaces of both robot and external axes. According to Kuka, this eliminates the need for mechanical axis range monitoring equipment and opens up new, cost-effective options for cell configuration and human-robot interaction.

The KR Agilus range includes four other models – standard, food, cleanroom and waterproof – with more payload options to be unveiled. Kuka also has a new palletising robot KR 180 R3200, part of its Quantec range offering a more compact size and a choice of payloads of 120, 180 and 240kg. It is claimed to reduce costs and waste with a 95% cut in stand-by losses as well as being lighter than previous machines.