Reusable Packaging News
RPN
In the routine inspection of pallets for defects or damage, CHEP can now flexibly change between the different types of load carriers thanks to automation. For the service center employees, the new work environment means more safety and comfort as robotic units take over work such as repairing defective pallets.
Transitioning with Automation to Industry 4.0
Specifically, the newly installed automated plant in Neu Wulmstorf includes the following technology:
- Multi-functional fully automatic inspection
and repair system for automatic destacking,
transport, turning and stacking of pallets at
a throughput of 600 pallets per hour
- A new laser system (Automatic Digital
Inspection, ADI) that inspects individual
pallets for damage and, if necessary, sends
them for repair
- Automatic painting and stencil processes
using brush painting booths and inkjet
systems
- New roll nailer technology that ensures no
nails stick out over the top of the pallets
- A moisture meter that monitors the moisture
content of the pallets and probes the top
deck and bottom of the pallets. If the
moisture content exceeds a certain value,
the pallet is sorted out of production
- A robot that enables stacking of pallets and
sorting of batches according to production
needs
- Automated buffering to manage tips of
damaged pallets
“With the automation of the service center, CHEP is optimally equipped for the future: Thanks to the faster throughput of pallet inspection and repair, we can respond even more effectively to economic upturns and ensure a regulated pallet supply for our customers. The new technology gives us a very high level of flexibility, which ultimately benefits the customer, “reports Kai Derda, Managing Director of CHEP Deutschland GmbH.
“The combination of state-of-the-art plant technology with many years of know-how and comprehensive supply chain services makes CHEP the partner of choice for our supply chain now and in the future,” adds Heiko Reese, Head of Plant Logistics at Eckes-Granini Deutschland GmbH.
The automation of the Neu Wulmstorf service center marks the start of the implementation of state-of-the-art technology in all existing CHEP service centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland under the banner of Industry 4.0.