New-generation robotic palletiser

The line also includes two sack placers twinned with Total Bag Control (TBC) systems for filling, closing, controlled handling and heat sealing, sack kickers, a box-filling system and conveying. In addition to this handling and packing hardware, Pacepacker supplied quality control systems in the shape of integrated check weighing and metal detection.

Pacepacker, which has worked in partnership with FANUC since 1997, has a long track record in integrating the M410 family of palletising robots. "The M410 has always been about flexibility and reliability,” says Pacepacker’s BDM, Paul Wilkinson. "In addition, the M410-iC/185 model, which was only launched in autumn of 2013, offers an increase in payload capacity on its predecessor, from 160kg to 185kg. It was a natural choice, both in terms of payload and reach.”

Where speed is required, faster cycling times mean that the M410-iC/185 can achieve a 13% greater throughput than the M410-iB/160. For ease of maintenance, it also has 20% fewer parts than the earlier model.

The bagging operation starts with the C21 multi-pile sack placer, which uses suction arms to pick and open each sack from the magazine, before it is rotated upwards to be clamped in an open position.

Once filled, each sack is closed on the TBC system which, as its name suggests, maintains firm control of the bag while it indexes it through a heat seal station. 

The box-filling system, also supplied by Pacepacker, weighs each pack as it is being filled, mainly because the headroom in each box is limited. Each completed case is then conveyed to a checkweighing station ahead of the palletiser.