PACKAGING
Why choosing the right gripping head makes a difference
In manufacturing , efficiency is key to success . Improved efficiency results in greater productivity , less waste , fewer hours lost to downtime and lower costs . This is why automated technology such as sack-filling machines and palletisers is so valuable – these machines feature specialist gripping heads to handle items with speed and precision .
Gripping heads explained
The gripping heads found on palletisers are designed to hold bags , sacks and packages securely , allowing them to be moved quickly and efficiently without causing damage . Different gripping heads are available for handling different products and the most appropriate one will depend on the item ’ s shape , size , weight and handling requirements .
Common gripping heads may be vacuum operated , feature side clamps or magnets , or use a combination of all three .
Choosing the right robotic gripper Where there is a flat top surface , such as on boxes and cartons , a vacuum gripper is often used . However , at PALpack , we prefer to use a physical mechanical gripper , for reasons from changes in porosity to stability . All of PALpack ’ s palletisers are designed so that there are no change parts for different pack types .
Cartesian palletisers
World-leading manufacturer Lita offers gantry-style Cartesian palletisers which can pick and place items , often in complex pallet patterns . Several different gripping heads are available for handling different products . Because of the different gripping heads , both can handle RSC cases and shrink-wrapped packs of varying sizes and Robodue can also manage jerry cans .
Robotic palletisers
Suitable for handling RSC cases , shrink wrapped packs , metal drums , bags , and sacks , Logico by Lita features a single arm with different gripping heads for different products . They can insert pads between layers and handle empty pallets as well as move packages .
Sack palletisers
Different types of bags or sacks have different handling requirements and gripper heads can be designed accordingly . Europack ’ s rotating beam palletisers have a 360o rotating gripper head that can be changed to suit different packages , while combined heads can deal with more than one type of product .
Using sack-filling and palletising technology along with specific gripping heads improves processes , saving time , reducing manual labour and helping manufacturers to improve their overall operations . PALpack can supply not only sack palletisers , but also VFFS sack filling machinery .
For more information about PALpack ’ s automatic palletising solutions , please visit www . palpack . co . uk
Issue 68 PECM 93