Robots change end-of-arm tooling much quicker

Schubert claimed that its automated method for coupling tools to its TLM robots typically reduces machine resetting time by as much as 8 min and cuts control failures.

Schubert claimed that its automated method for coupling end-of-arm tools to its TLM robots typically reduces machine resetting time by as much as 8 min.

The automated tool coupling also eliminates the risk of control failures caused by loose contacts.

It replaces the previous, time-consuming, manual plugging and unplugging operation.

Schubert will demonstrate its automated method for coupling tools at the UK's PPMA Show (September 30-October 2, 2008), The system will be involved in a high-performance demonstration of packing cereal bar cartons into trays as well as yoghurt drink bottles into sleeves.

The company told manufacturingtalk that its tool-changing feature is a revolutionary automatic tool change facility for its systems.

The tool connects itself to the robot as both incorporate non-contact electrical couplings.

The tool's coupler is programmed with a pre-set code so the robot can check the tool matches the correct application.

Schubert UK's managing director, Alan Law, explained: "This new feature is an important step towards achieving an automatic tool change facility which promises to trigger the biggest single transformation in the world of packaging machine technology in the near future".

Schubert's demonstration line at stand B21 will comprise 3 TLM-F44 pre-grouping stations as well as a series of TLM-F2 robotic units which will be performing high-speed erecting, loading and closing functions.

* Strong demand - Schubert is reporting strong demand for its automated packaging systems, in particular from the food and beverage industry.

One of its latest installations has included a series of versatile machines for packing six different sizes of yogurt drinks for Danone at various sites in Europe.

The Schubert lines perform a two-stage packaging operation which involves packing bottles of Actimel into sleeves and then into shipping cartons.

More than 800 bottles/minute are fed into each machine with changeover times between pack sizes as quick as 10 min.

The machines also erect the shipping trays from flat blanks.

Schubert has also supplied systems to many well-known names in the UK food sector so far this year including Walkers Snack Foods, Ginsters, Burton's Foods and Fox's Biscuits.

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