Profipack Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH has implemented a fully automatic packaging line for the end-of-line sector at the Gebr. Maisel GmbH & Co. KG brewery. Among other things, Stäubli tool changing systems are being used, which are designed to process different packaging formats without complex manual retooling. The aim of the project is to increase flexibility, efficiency and process reliability in beverage packaging.
The new plant automatically removes bottles from reusable crates and packs them, depending on the requirements for export, into 4-packs or 6-packs, as well as 20-carton boxes. Another robot handles the carton loading and subsequent palletising. According to Profipack, this creates a continuous material flow from product delivery to the dispatch-ready pallet.
Flexible processing of different packaging formats
The project's starting point was increasing demands on production output and the need to flexibly handle various packaging variations. At the same time, manual effort in high-speed production was to be reduced.
For this purpose, Profipack developed a fully integrated automation solution in which several robot cells work together in a networked manner. The system processes both reusable crates and loose bottles, as well as different packaging units. Three robots with a total of twelve tool variants are used. According to the company, the integrated tool changing systems enable automatic gripper changes, thus allowing for quick adaptation to different bottle shapes and packaging sizes.
Shorter setup times and higher output
Andreas Müller, Head of Control and Planning Brewery Operations at Gebr. Maisel Brewery, explains the impact of the investment: „Thanks to the Stäubli automatic tool changer system, we've been able to significantly reduce setup times and relieve our employees of lifting heavy tools. At the same time, we've achieved higher output. This makes us more reliable in terms of delivery and allows us to react faster to changes in the market.“
According to the project partners, the new plant will lead to higher production efficiency, consistent packaging quality, and improved intralogistics processes. Furthermore, the concept is to be flexibly expandable and capable of responding to future demands in the beverage industry.
Source: Stäubli International AG
