Automation of the palletizing process at Danish manufacturing company
In today’s competitive world it’s critical for businesses to find ways to improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. One area where there is still significant potential for automation is the packing of items and goods. The potential is particularly significant for small and medium-sized enterprises that have not yet automated palletizing and similar tasks.
In PPS, we are currently receiving a lot of inquiries for palletizing solutions, and based on these, we have outlined a typical scenario for a manufacturing company that wishes to automate the palletizing process. Our scenario also demonstrates that automation does not have to be a large, complex, time-consuming, or expensive project.
The problem
Typically palletizing in the company is done manually, which is both time-consuming and monotonous repetitive work. The company wishes to streamline the process and reduce the strain on employees. These types of tasks are generally not attractive to employees as they are strenuous and detract them from more value-added tasks.
If Nordic companies are to succeed in the global market, it is important for them to be adaptable and able to produce efficiently and competitively. Automation can be a solution to achieve this.
How is the palletizing process automated?
Based on the inquiries, PPS has developed a flexible standard solution for the palletizing process called PPS Palletizer. The solution consists of a collaborative UR10e robot from Universal Robot, mounted on a lift. This allows it to be adapted to different conveyor belts in the production and pallets can be stacked in full height according to the pallet pattern. The robot arm is equipped with a gripper at the end of the arm. By using vacuum technology the robot can lift and move boxes weighing up to 10 kg. There is also the option to switch between two pallets, so while the robot is packing boxes on one pallet, the filled pallet can be removed and replaced with a new one.
The solution is supported by an intuitive software program that allows the operator himself to design different pallet patterns. The software program is designed to be user-friendly and requires minimal technical expertise. The pallet pattern is designed on a regular PC, and then the program is sent directly to the robot’s computer. This allows for the company’s own operator to easily program the desired setup of boxes on the pallet, which would otherwise require programming by an external specialized robotics technician. Moreover, it is easy to switch between the created patterns without stopping or reprogramming the robot.
The complete solution with two pallet positions, including robot, gripper, lift mechanism, software, and installation, starts at DKK 425,000.
What are the results for the company?
The result of implementing the robotic cell for a typical manufacturing company would be an optimized palletizing process, which in turn contributes to increased competitiveness and growth.
Here are some of the improvements:
- Increased productivity: The automated palletizing process boosts productivity, as the robot works tirelessly and without making mistakes. On top, it frees up employees’ time for more value-added tasks.
- Higher quality: The robot performs the work with precision, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the palletizing process. This reduces errors and improves product quality.
- Scalability and flexibility: The robotic cell is a flexible and scalable solution that can be adapted to the company’s needs. It can easily be physically moved to different locations in the production area, and the pallet pattern can be easily changed as needed.
- Improved working environment: Automating heavy lifting and repetitive motions minimizes the risk of work-related injuries and enhances the overall working environment.
Do you have challenges in your production?
If your company is also facing challenges in the palletizing process, it is worth considering automation as an option. However, it is important to conduct a thorough analysis of your company’s specific needs as there are various automation solutions available.
We encourage you to contact our experts specialized in automation to discuss how you can optimize your palletizing processes and take your company to new heights.
Automation is an investment that requires careful consideration and meticulous planning. Our goal is to inspire companies to take the step towards automation and improve their production processes to achieve a ore effective production, reduced costs, and increased competitiveness.