The Customer Challenge
A major appliance manufacturer was looking to add a new line to assemble four different-sized boxes and package appliances in those boxes. Manual packaging of these large appliances was time-consuming and strenuous, usually requiring six employees to select the right size box, fold it, put it over the appliance, label it and then add straps to send it down the line.
The Machine Concepts Solution
The client turned to Machine Concepts to design and build a custom robotic boxing and packaging line that fully automates the entire process.
- A 7-axis robot scans a code on the appliance, uses that information to select the right-size box, and then scans the box again to confirm that it is the right one.
- From there, an articulating arm selects the right box and places it on a plate.
- From that plate, a second robot arm grabs the box and uses a stationary suction arm to open the box.
- Crowding cylinders and scanners ensure the appliance is precisely placed so the articulating arm can place it on the appliance.
- The box bottom is the tray on which the appliance was manufactured.
- The box top is manually applied.
- The appliance is then sent down the line to be banded and ready to ship to a distribution center.
The Key Technologies
- Robotics with 7th Axis
- Banding
- Conveyance
- Labeling
- Line Tracking
- Box Erecting
The Results
Improved efficiency and reduced manual labor.
- 22 second cycle time
- 3,000+ appliances packaged per day
- Approximately 5-6 operators worth of labor saved per shift
Machine Concepts Coil Processing Solutions
At Machine Concepts, we specialize in custom-built automation and robotic solutions. From conceptual design to operational equipment, our team of engineers, skilled machinists and project managers partners with your team to deliver pioneering technologies and machinery that overcome your production challenges. Contact us to talk with one of our engineers today.
