Applications for Robotic Machine Infeeds

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• Feature Article "Robotic Infeeds Help Keep Packaging Lines Running at a High Level of Efficiency"
• Robotics Training and Support from ESS Technologies and FANUC Robotics

Overview

Packaging machinery infeed and discharge speeds can affect productivity in primary and secondary packaging scenarios. Infeeds that fail to keep pace with the equipment's production capabilities create costly unscheduled downtime while the machine waits for product. Improperly fed or discharged product will also cause a high speed packaging machine to jam, which stops the system and potentially causes damage to the product or the machine. The ESS TaskMate Robotic Machine Loading/Unloading System integrates with existing or new packaging lines to increase system flexibility and productivity. The system comprises a FANUC robot, custom ESS-designed end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), controls, programming, and guarding. The performance and reliability of TaskMate robotic systems assure a fast ROI and years of service.

Types of Infeeds: Hard Automation vs. Robotics

Hard automation refers to a sequence of processes and movements determined by equipment which has been designed to perform a single function, usually for a single product. This specialized design comes with a high equipment cost, and changeover to handle different products presents significant downtime for the packaging line. Annual and routine maintenance associated with replacing wear parts can also affect overall cost. Failure to install the correct parts or align them properly results in additional downtime, scrap and re-work. Flexible automation typically refers to robotic systems. These systems produce small to medium batches of products; each new batch, depending on product design, may require a simple change of robotic end-of-arm tooling and programming programming is usually performed in seconds via a human-machine interface (HMI). Changeover times are typically under 5 minutes for a robotic system.

Flexible automation typically refers to robotic systems. These systems produce small to medium batches of products; each new batch, depending on product design, may require a simple change of robotic end-of-arm tooling and programming programming is usually performed in seconds via a human-machine interface (HMI). Changeover times are typically under 5 minutes for a robotic system.