The demands placed on modern automation solutions for packaging processes are constantly increasing - especially at the end of the process chain for final packaging and palletising. The latest generation of robotic case packers from Transnova-Ruf GmbH, Ansbach, is aimed at precisely this.
In addition to increased performance requirements, the demands are growing, particularly with regard to production flexibility. An increasing number of variants in the product range leads to an increase in the number of different formats and often to larger format ranges.
This almost always results in smaller batch sizes, which means more frequent format changeovers. For a packaging process to be economical under these circumstances, a modern packaging system must have what is known as „built-in flexibility“, including minimum format changeover times and the smallest possible space requirement.
Packing scheme at the touch of a button
By means of 6-axis robot technology in combination with a intelligent product grouping system the specialists at Transnova Ruf are able to handle the unit loads to be packaged at a high output of up to 250 products/minute within a very wide „operating window“ in terms of product and carton dimensions.
For example, the desired bandwidth can be between 180 mm x 100 mm x 110 mm for the minimum carton and a quarter US pallet with 600 mm x 520 mm x 300 mm as the maximum size. It is possible to parameterise almost any packing scheme with different product orientations in the carton by an operator without special training, or to change it at the touch of a button.
Fully automatic format changeover
The 6-axis robot technology is also used in the erecting module and allows cartons to be separated and erected with extremely low disruption. Whether packaging from a flat blank or a classic folding box in variants with self-adhesive tape or hot melt closure, the Robot Casepacker realises both variants at an output of up to 25 cartons/minute, and as a duplex machine even up to 50 cartons/minute.
The high flexibility of the 6-axis robot technology enables the simple realisation of a fully automatic format changeover, including the tool change with format changeover times from the smallest format (tray lid carton) to the largest format (folding box) in under six minutes. The modular concept also enables an extremely compact design with a machine length of just nine metres.
Similar High flexibility requirements can also be used for palletising applications, whereby the operator can create new palletising schemes independently without programming knowledge using the „Simplo“ software.
Wide range of applications
The company specialises in applications with high outputs and products that are difficult to handle. By integrating various machines (e.g. tray erectors, packaging robots, stackers and palletising robots), complete, turnkey packaging systems are created. „Designed-to-order“ created. A modular system developed over many years makes it possible to configure a suitable concept from a variety of tried and tested functional elements. The functional elements are then customised to the respective application in terms of performance and format ranges and arranged in a suitable machine layout depending on the space available. A key success factor here is the extensive use of modern robot technology.
Over 2,000 machines are in use at well-known companies worldwide. The main customers are the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food and chemical industries.
