STRONG COLLABORATION When the MTC commissioned Cyan Tec to construct the cell and specified its size and capabilities, the Cyan Tec team was quick to enlist the help of FANUC UK, with whom it enjoys a productive partnership. “Over the last three to four years, we’ve
built up a good relationship with FANUC,” says Copson. “They see us as a key integration partner, and we value the range and reliability of their automation solutions.” FANUC UK’s strong after-sales support
service is also integral to the partnership’s success, with the automation supplier able to offer an immediate response to any issues 24/7, anywhere in the country.
OVERCOMING PROJECT HURDLES In this instance, the sheer scale of the installation necessitated impressive operational responses from all involved. “The MTC had to make internal alterations to accommodate a cell of this size,” says Timberlake. “The entire installation was first constructed at Cyan Tec’s workshop, commissioned there, then stripped apart, shipped and reconstructed at the MTC.” Copson adds: “The main challenge was
the physical size of the cell, as well as the detail of constructing guarding on that scale – ensuring it was safe and engineering a table that moves in and out automatically were paramount. The automation itself was less challenging, given that we are well used to applying these technologies.”
PRECISION WITH CONTROL FANUC provided its 21.5-inch iH Pro human-machine interface (HMI) panel, along with all the motors and drives to control the flatbed CNC system, while Cyan Tec created its own control software for the entire cell, accessed through the HMI. The ‘complete package’ that Cyan Tec
sourced from FANUC included 30ib series controls, managing both axis and machine functions, and the FANUC beam switch, which directs the laser beam either towards the robot or the flatbed. When selecting the control system,
compatibility with laser – including, potentially, those from other suppliers – was an important consideration. In fact, since the project completed,
FANUC has launched its 0iFL series of laser-compatible controllers, which effectively perform the same role in an even more cost-effective way. It is clear that this large-scale
demonstration cell is the perfect showcase to help manufacturers across a range of sectors understand just what is possible within the field of automated laser cutting.
FANUC
www.fanuc.eu/uk/en /
GETTING TO GRIpS WITh hIGhlY FlExIblE pACkAGING FORmATS
T
he packaging industry is one of the largest growth markets in the world. Packaging is part of our
everyday lives, and it is essential in maintaining product quality, integrity, and safety. The many different packaging formats and types used by the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors are ultimately based on consumer demands, as we seek more convenience, and continue the trend for greater numbers of products packaged in pouches and bags. Alongside these trends, the products themselves influence the choice of packaging materials being used, which in turn means that the technologies used to handle these varying materials and packaging formats must also evolve. There are particular challenges surrounding
the handling of bags and pouches which can contain a variety of different products which may be in solid or liquid form. An increasing number of products such as detergents, beverages, soup, ice cream, frozen vegetables and chips etc. are all being packaged in this way. The weight of these products, combined with the fact that they are generally unstable, and the often thin and highly flexible packaging films used, mean that the vacuum cups being used to handle these items must be both durable and exhibit extraordinary sealing characteristics. Vacuum cups must also be capable of handling the commonly used materials such as low-density PE, high-density PE, PVC, and Poly-Propylene. With expertise across all areas of the
packaging sector, including primary and secondary packaging, Schmalz has developed a comprehensive range of products and solutions to cater for not only the wide range of products and applications associated with the sector, but also the dynamic nature of the industry. Schmalz’s PSPF Suction Cups
are just one of a range of products specifically designed for handling highly flexible and unstable bags and pouches. These round bellows suction cups, with 3.5
folds, are the perfect solution for handling pouches and other very flexible packaging.
Featuring a high-strength 2C connection between the bellows and sealing lip they combine sophisticated material properties in one suction cup. The design of the PSPF suction cups ensure process reliable gripping and handling especially in the case of thin, flexible, or partially filled pouches and packaging, as well as pouches containing liquid, solid or powders. They are also ideally suited to high-speed
packaging processes, such as those associated with delta robots, case packers and other pick-and-place applications. Additional benefits include the fact that they are manufactured from FDA compliant silicone which means that they can also be used for applications where direct contact with foodstuffs is required. The design features an integrated bag stabiliser, which prevents even thin and soft films from being sucked into the cup, and a reinforced main body and folds delivers secure gripping even under high lateral loads. In addition, the extremely flexible sealing lip provides optimum sealing on pouches with a high degree of wrinkling.
Schmalz
www.schmalz.com 0161 243 4642
CONNECTING INDUSTRY 20Th ANNIvERSARY EDITION 41
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