Product category:
Packaging, Conveyors and Materials Transfer
News Release from: Sigpack Systems | Subject: SIGDelta robot
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 03 November 2003
Getting a new grip on cake packaging
SIG Pack Systems has developed and patented new gripper technology based on vacuum airflow tools, in successfully providing a fully integrated packaging system for Holland's leading cake manufacturer
SIG Pack Systems has developed and patented new gripper technology based on vacuum airflow tools, in successfully providing a fully integrated packaging system for De Aviateur, Holland's leading cake manufacturer The system allows De Aviateur to process six different products, such as almond fingers, cakes, and fruit and puff pastries, on one line, at speeds of up to 700 pieces
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 25 Aug 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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De Aviateur already boasted ultra-modern, computerised production lines for its cake and biscuit products and provided SIG Pack Systems with the challenge to bring its packaging line up to the same modern standard.
The company required a fully integrated packaging system, covering every step from removing products from the baking trays right through to packaging the shipping cartons.
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The SIG Delta Robot has been very positively welcomed by the market, with over 100 robots sold: now a newly designed suspension and a flexible modular system provide an even more economical solution
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SIG Pack provides more than just pick and place
Since its introduction at Interpack 2002, the SIG Delta Robot has been very positively welcomed by the market, with over 100 robots sold for pick and place installations
SIG Pack Systems also had to develop the gripper technology, as there was no suitable technology available.
To complicate matters further, the line had to accommodate a range of different packaging styles, including loose products in pillow packs as well as blister packs.
In close cooperation with De Aviateur, a system was planned comprising a SIGDelta robot system with integrated blister denester, a chain conveyor to an attached SIGHBM pillow pack machine, a merging unit, labeller, check weigher and metal detector, as well as a SIGTTL TopLoader with box erector and closer.
The selection of a common operating and control system throughout the line was also an important consideration to simplify staff training and therefore keep down costs.
Eight SIGDelta robots take a variety of cakes and biscuits, of different shapes and sizes, directly from the oven trays and, in accordance with the desired packaging style, place them into the infeed chains which lead either to the pillow pack machines or into the previously denested blister packs.
The patented vacuum airflow tools are used to pick and place the delicate and fragile cakes with the utmost care.
Ultra-thin or irregular product surfaces, and even products with large size tolerances are easily handled with the pick and place robots.
The vacuum airflow tools are also distinguished by minimal wear and tear and low maintenance requirements.
All the products are packed on two SIGHBM pillow pack machines, either open, or in blisters with a printed heat-seal film.
This allows the manufacture of pouches, with or without a gusset fold.
There are a total of ten different styles for the pillow pack product presentation, which in turn requires eight different box sizes.
The product data is printed directly onto the film using an inkjet system.
The two production streams are then rejoined via a merger, after which they are checked for weight and metal particles.
A double labeller then applies coded labels.
The packed products are transported to a SIGTTL TopLoader for secondary packaging, with a carton erector passing the empty boxes to the toploader conveyor.
In an alternative sequence, the primary packaged products can be inserted into the metering chain of the secondary packaging system and placed into the boxes by multi-grippers.
In the final stage, the open, loaded boxes are transported to the closer and labeller.
Thanks to the new system, De Aviateur now operates one of the world's most modern and flexible packaging systems for baked goods.
Productivity remains high, while the new, patented grippers maintain the consistently high quality of its products.
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