Application Note

Robotic Loading of Integrated Thermoformers

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• Product Information
• White Paper: Robotic Infeeds Keeping Packaging Lines Running Smoothly
• Robotics Training and Support from ESS Technologies and FANUC Robotic

Addressing Repetitive Motion

Statistics show that more than 80% of the medical device applications utilizing thermoforming equipment depend on manual fed by one or more plant personnel. This current method of machine loading and unloading increases labor costs and reduces production efficiency. Robotic pick-and-place systems address the increasing labor, insurance, and productivity costs associated with the manual loading process.

To address this ESS Technologies introduced the TaskMate, a stainless-steel platform, interlocked guarding and a model M-6iB FANUC robot. The TaskMate is designed to load one or multiple items into the product cavity. This may include blisters, vials, syringes, or other medical devices and kits.

TaskMate is available in several environmental configurations, including wash down, clean room and basic industrial. A complete system can be designed, programmed, and integrated with a return on investment (ROI) between three to nine months.

For most applications, a smaller “mini” robot, the LR Mate is the standard platform for the TaskMate. Motion control, high speed and robotic dexterity make the TaskMate ideal for product orientation, collation, and other repetitive tasks. Capable of speeds up to 20 picks per minute, the TaskMate can load and unload blisters, medical devices, pouches, and other related items. All FANUC systems utilizing the new R-J3iC controller come vision-ready to facilitate the precise picking and placement of multiple items. In addition, vision can be used as an inspection system.

ESS is an authorized FANUC integrator and a strategic partner for pharmaceutical and cosmetics secondary packaging and palletizing. Products and services include line design and systems integration, robotic case and tray packing, robotic palletizing, liquid and powder filling, device assembly, cartoning, and overwrapping.