Packaging
Krones BLOC-synchronised dry-end concept for end-of-the-line packaging and palletising
Monday 14. September 2009 - The ErgoBloc D (for "Dry") is a BLOC-synchronised solution for the dry end from Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany. This holistically harmonised solution combines field-proven standard machines to create an efficaciously synergised system for end-of-the-line packaging and palletising.
The concepts aims are many and varied, and all of them have been achieved. By reducing non-value-creative functions like conveyors or buffers, the footprint has been concomitantly downsized, since now it only has to accommodate the truly functional units. This also signifies less legwork for the operators, who additionally benefit from the holistically human-engineered design concept. All machines operate with the same harmonised control and drive concepts. In conjunction with the intelligent line control system and the BLOC-synchronisation provided, continuously uninterrupted operation is assured. Taken all together, all these points mean enhanced line efficiency, reduced energy consumption and optimised spare parts inventories.
Significant space savings
A direct comparison with the line layout of a conventional dry end immediately reveals very significant space savings. The ErgoBloc D combines the following concatenated components: a Variopac Pro packer with a downstream shrink tunnel, a short pack conveyor, followed by a Robobox pack grouping system with a Modulpal 1 ADR palletiser complete with a layer pad handling feature. A comparison with conventional palletising systems shows that the Robobox/Modulpal 1 ADR combination will sometimes save far more than 50 per cent of the standard footprint. This also shows up favourably in the capital investment costs, cut still further by quick and easy installation on site.