Customer Requirement
A robotic case packing system that would unfold cases, pick and pack bottles into a case, close and seal the case, label, and offload the sealed case.
System Process
- Case blanks were loaded into a fully adjustable case erector.
- MESH’s pneumatic gripper assembly gripped and opened the flat case.
- A shuttle system folded the bottom flaps and sealed them with tape.
- A conveyor moved the bottom-sealed case onto an accumulation conveyor and staging area in position for robotic loading.
- An infeed conveyor delivered bottles to the robot. The system packed up to three different bottle sizes.
- A 6-axis ABB IRB1600 Robot with a 12 kg payload and 1441 mm reach was used to pick bottles and pack them in the case.
- A PIAB vacuum generator end-of-arm tool was used to pick and place up to 6 bottles.
- Packed cases advanced to the top flat case sealer and then to labeling and offloading.
Productivity
- 90% OEE
- Cycle Rate: 60 bottles per minute