Lan Handling Technologies, located in the Netherlands, has started automating two packaging lines for an internationally operating potato producer. It concerns the efficient loading and palletizing of vacuum-packed potato bags of 5 kg and 10 kg.
Crates and pallet boxes
In the fully automated system, both IFCO and EPS crates and large pallet boxes are loaded (800x1200mm and 1000x1200mm). All product carriers can be efficiently processed and loaded by one multifunctional robot solution from Lan Handling.
How does that work? For each of the two packaging lines, one robot is used with a double loading/unloading position for pallet boxes. Just like the products, the crates are delivered via a conveyor belt. Filled pallet boxes are collected with forklift trucks. Filled crates are transported to a palletizing robot. Built-up pallets are also provided with a strap to stabilize the load for transport.
Reliable loading at high-speed
A point of attention when designing this packing area was the robot gripper, which is multifunctional. Only one gripper is used for loading the different product types into the different product carriers. The gripper was not allowed to cause too much friction on the vacuumed bags, to prevent damage. At the same time, the system had to be able to process up to 27 bags per minute.
Future proof
The entire setup will be part of a (ultimately) fully automated production hall. This automation will be implemented in phases. When designing this line, Lan Handling already took future growth into account when selecting the robot types. So any expansion can be done efficiently and without unnecessary investments.
For more information:
Dino Boot
Lan Handling
Tel: +31 61 315 75 59
https://lanhandling.com/industries/agri-food/