Packaging
Maximum Flexibility on the new Cermex Multi-Function Top Loading Case Packer
Tuesday 29. April 2008 - Cermex is pursuing its strategy for functional and industrial innovation with this new case packer. Suited to handling various types of products thanks to a wide range of loading arms, this compact SD58 also incorporates all the mechanical qualities which contributed to the success of the previous model
Following on from the “Ready to Pack” range and the recent launch (2007) of the SW Combined Case Packer for RSC and wrap around blanks, Cermex continues to re-develop its case packing range. This time, for a new multi-function top loading case packer (product collating, case forming, loading and sealing) with “pick and place” arm, there were two objectives:
Reduce the machine footprint (- 54 %)
While remaining flexible (a key factor in the success of the SD69 model with more than 130 machines sold).
To achieve this, Cermexs R&D and Design Departments proceeded by breaking down each function into modules which could be developed separately and then combined into the least space possible.
Rethinking functional design
The case extraction and forming module was consequently completely re-designed into a back and forth system driving the grippers holding the cases.
The machine frame can support various types of loading system according to the characteristics of the products to be loaded, i.e.:
Nature of the product (rigid, flexible
)
Infeed speed and mass
Loading trajectory envelope depending on how the products are to be presented in the case.
A complete range of loading arms to suit the requirement
Consequently, the SD58 can be equipped with a new 3-axis loading arm (movement on x and y axes + head rotation) developed by Cermex. Alternatively, Cermex can integrate other manufacturers multi-axis robotic loading arms for the product gripping/loading operation, offering additional functionalities as required.
For instance, the version equipped with a Staübli 6-axis robot presented at the Interpack 2008 show will highlight the robots ability to change its own gripping tooling as well as carry out certain adjustments for size changeovers.
Furthermore, and whatever the version of gripping arm, size changeovers on the rest of the machine can be completely automated by motorising the adjustments points for maximum productivity!
A machine rich with quality control functions
In terms of functional layout, the SD58 can integrate a vision system to check that the products at the infeed all have caps prior to loading (option included on the machine on show at Interpack) or to check that the secondary packaging has been filled correctly.
The machine on show is also equipped with the mEIT monitoring system, a tracking and analysis tool designed to improve overall machine efficiency. This software module, directly connected to the machines PLC, acquires activity data in order to define the actions required to guarantee/improve the equipments efficiency rate. The application on show also integrates the REAL system. This consists in recording video data via a camera inside the machine to be able to view an incident at a given date and time.
SD58: the move towards a complete end of line with palletisation
The new compact SD58 is also designed to be combined with the new compact P5 palletiser in order to suit requirements for an integrated end of line with a small footprint (no inter-machine conveyors, optional integration of a labeller in the palletiser as for the application presented at the show).
Finally, it is worth noting that this new development is of course part of a cost reduction strategy in order to correspond to a maximum number of market applications.
MAIN FEATURES
Type of sector
Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and para-pharmaceuticals
Food industry applications at low and medium speeds
Type of primary packaging handled
Bottles, pots, tubes, doypacks, bags.
Type of secondary packaging handled
RSC with flaps
½ RSC (without upper flaps)
General mechanical performance
Payload: up to 8 kg
Speed: up to 15 cases/min (case forming, product collating and loading, case sealing)
Type of case seal
Hot-melt glue or
Adhesive tape
Overall machine footprint
3808mm x 1800mm x 2254mm