Key to the evolution is the new-format robot we have created . Not only is it faster , but its smaller installed size means it can be clustered closer to other robot base units .
Operationally , the packaging stages are the same as with the company ’ s very popular IF318 monoblock packaging machine . Boxes are formed , placed into / onto the phasing conveyor , robots then pick and place the products before the boxes are closed and sealed . In the new IF320 these stages occur in a loop as opposed to a line , and because of this layout , a ‘ spare ’ or ‘ empty ’ station is created within one quadrant of the machine .
“ This is where the flexibility really shines through ,” explains Riva . “ We can populate this empty quadrant with existing packaging stages to match the layout or infeed of the existing plant , or we can add supplemental processes , such as printing or leaflet insertion , without increasing the overall envelope of the machine .”
At just 5.2 m long , the IF320 is 30 % shorter than equivalent machines , but can still offer a throughput of up to 75 boxes per minute , depending on the box size and the dynamics of the products being packaged , while quality levels and forming , closing & glueing precision are just as high as with other Cama machines .
“ Thanks to this combination of robots , conveyors and expandable capacity all optimizing the in-machine real estate ,” Riva concludes , “ we can deliver modular solutions that can be tailored to match the precise needs of the customer applications – be it speed , space , accessibility or , indeed , special / supplemental processes .”
The IF320 takes advantage of Cama ’ s Breakthrough Generation ( BTG ) concept too , which sees modular , scalable frameworks that offer easy entry and access , coupled to a hygienic machine design . Within this framework , contemporary automation solutions , including advanced rotary and linear servo technology , is tightly coupled to the robot , to deliver the all-important flexibility and adaptability required by modern packaging operations . This machine is cross categories : can be applied to cosmetic industry , personal care , home care , confectionery , bakery , coffee , dairy …
Finally , the machine also benefits from Cama ’ s Industry 4.0 offering , which makes operator training , machine interactions and maintenance routines simpler , thanks to immersive augmented reality ( AR ). And to keep uptime to an absolute maximum , it exploits Cama ’ s ‘ toolless ’ RFID-managed changeover solution , which results in some of the fastest batch-swap / re-engineering routines in the industry .
For more information : www . camagroup . com
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