Cermex, for comprehensive packaging equipment solutions
Compact Footprint and Maximum Flexibility on the new Cermex Combined Top Loading Case Packing and Palletizing Unit
In order to meet requirements for integrated, compact end of line solutions, Cermex has developed a combined case packing and palletizing unit by associating its SD58 top loading case packer with the new generation P5 palletizing module, another demonstration of modular architecture.
In order to guarantee a compact footprint while maintaining flexibility and high-performance, Cermex has developed a new combined case packing and palletizing unit by associating the SD58 case packing module and the P5 palletizing module.
1- New-generation SD58 top loading case packing module …
Initiated with the “Ready to Pack” range, Cermex has continued the development of its case packing range with a new multi-function case packer (product collation, case forming, loading and sealing) with pick and place loading arm.
Cermex R&D and Engineering departments broke down the machine in order to develop each function to be integrated module by module into the least space possible.
Rethinking functional design…
The case extraction and forming module was consequently completely re-designed into a back and forth system driving the grippers holding the cases.
The machine frame can support various types of loading system according to the characteristics of the products to be loaded, i.e.:
- Nature of the product (rigid, flexible…)
- Infeed speed and mass
- Loading trajectory envelope depending on how the products are to be presented in the case.
Consequently, the SD58 can be equipped with a new 3-axis loading arm (movement on x and y axes + head rotation) developed by Cermex. Alternatively, Cermex can integrate other manufacturers’ multi-axis robotic loading arms for the product gripping/loading operation, offering additional functionalities as required.
For instance, the version equipped with a Staübli 6-axis robot presented at Emballage 2008 show will highlight the robot’s ability to change its own gripping tooling as well as carry out certain adjustments for size changeovers.
Furthermore, and whatever the version of gripping arm, size changeovers on the rest of the machine can be completely automated by motorising the adjustments points for maximum productivity!
A machine rich with quality control functions
In terms of functional layout, the SD58 can integrate a vision system to check that the products at the infeed all have caps prior to loading (option included on the machine on show at Emballage) or to check that the secondary packaging has been filled correctly.
2- Compact P5 palletizing module
Armed with the experience acquired on the 4-axis P6, P7, P8 and P9 palletizers (more than 250 machines sold), Cermex’s commercial and technical teams set themselves the target of further reducing the machine footprint (- 40%) and height (-13%) while maintaining a high performance level (load to be palletized and speed) for this type of small palletizer which is widespread on the market.
With the original frame design, its telescopic palletising mast and its management of pallet infeed/outfeed, the new P5 range meets these requirements.
A compact footprint and wide working envelope!
The layout and design of the machine frame provide a workspace that is naturally adapted to “pallet cubes”. The top section of the four vertical posts supporting the gripping arm is enclosed, leaving the lower section free for ground-level operator access.
The machine perimeter is consequently as near as possible to the dimensions of a pallet on the ground. Thanks to its mechanical structure and kinematics, the arm can position its load wherever required.
This gripping and palletising arm moves as follows:
- on x and y horizontal axes
- on z vertical axis
- and rotation θ (270°)
An original telescopic arm to reduce the machine height…
Minimising machine height is an important factor for improving visibility and hence safety on modern production lines. The gripping arm is designed with this in mind. It is made up of a telescopic mast with 4 sections sliding one inside another through gravity as well as motorised assistance for synchronisation between each section, in order to optimize speed.
Therefore, while retaining proven cartesian kinematics (3 axes + rotation), Cermex has done away with the traditional upper “protuberance’ of the mast driving system! Consequently, the unit easily fits into production sites with low ceilings.
An integrated SecurBoxTM mobile cubicle to improve operator safety while the machine continues to function
Still in pursuit of a compromise between footprint and performance, the new Cermex P5 can work continuously, i.e. without stopping the cycle so that the operator can remove the finished pallet, all thanks to an ingenious system for accessing the palletization stations. Indeed, in the dual station model designed to reach higher speeds, the SecurBox transparent separating panel between the two pallets on the ground enables the operator to safely remove the finished pallet while the palletizer keeps on working on the second pallet station. The P5 arm transfers the mobile cubicle partition from one station to the other in order to protect operator access!
Integration of additional technical functions!
Thanks once again to the intelligent compact design, a labeller can be installed at the case infeed (option included on the machine on show at Emballage) as well as a case tipping chair. The latter functionality is an additional advantage for the monobloc combined case packing/palletising model.
The concept of the P5 palletizer, thanks to its compact footprint and performance, is also designed to be juxtaposed to the SW side loading case packer for RSC or wrap-around blanks developed in 2007.
In conclusion, Cermex has added two modular combined case packing/palletizing applications to its wide range of machinery.