Hugo Beck: Efficient multipack production for contract packers
To simplify previously labour-intensive processes in the production of promotional packaging, Hugo Beck supports global contract packers with robot-based automation solutions.
11 August 2020
A parallel robot groups the biscuit boxes in the feed chain of the film packaging machine. (Image: Hugo Beck)
In order to simplify previously labour-intensive processes in the production of promotional packaging, Hugo Beck supports global contract packers with robot-based automation solutions. The leading manufacturer of horizontal flowpack, film packaging and print finishing machines is strengthening this segment.
For advertising purposes, food manufacturers are increasingly using Multipacks, i.e. packs consisting of several products that are offered at a promotional price, such as „take 2, pay 1“. Products have to be packaged in different arrangements and quantities. This is usually a manual and therefore time-consuming, labour-intensive process.
A leading global contract packer was faced with the challenge of automating its packaging processes and approached Hugo Beck. all robots are controlled by the main control of the packaging machine become.
Flexibility is a must
The solution provided comprises three servo X-film packaging machines, each with two parallel robots and a shrink tunnel. Firstly, robots from a third-party supplier feed the products (in this case biscuit boxes) to the Hugo Beck packaging machine. The type and position of the boxes on the conveyor belt are checked by cameras.
Display
A parallel robot picks up the biscuit boxes. (Image: Hugo Beck)
The two parallel robots pick up the biscuit boxes and group them in the desired order in the feed chain of the film packaging machine. The type of grouping or stacking is freely adjustable. The grouped cartons are automatically fed to the packaging machine, bagged and shrink-wrapped, completing multipack production.
Timo Kollmann, Sales Manager at Hugo Beck Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
„Contract packers and logistics providers demand simple, effective and integrated solutions that can be quickly adapted to different production requirements,“ emphasises Timo Kollmann, Sales Manager at Hugo Beck. „Flexibility is a must for these applications. Thanks to the programme memory function of our machine control systems, the packaging process and the robots can be automatically adjusted to new products. As a result, this leads to leaner production and optimised quality assurance thanks to virtually error-free automation processes.“
The customer is highly satisfied with the solution. They particularly appreciate the project management with only one partner for the entire packaging line - from product removal and robot technology to the packaging machine.
