Things to consider before switching to palletizing automation
When considering the switch to an automatic palletizing solution, it is important to keep in mind a few specific items. For instance, will your palletizing task need to complete one tasks or multiple ones at once; the facility layout; and the safety requirements of your production line.
When planning to switch your “end-of-the-line” application from manual operation to an automated option, there are several things that you should consider to prepare your facility for the change.
First, you should consider if you want your palletizing robotic system to perform one task or many simultaneously. A single piece of robot equipment could simply load crates onto a pallet, or it could package products, load boxes onto a pallet, and wrap the pallet with shrink wrap.
Another consideration is the amount of money you will spend vs the amount of money a robotic palletizer will save you in the long run. Robotic palletizers can handle a varying amount of packages and can handle those packages at a speed of 60 – 70 cases per minute. If that kind of speed will increase your facility’s productivity and lower production costs, your return on investment (ROI) should also increase.
Your facility’s layout needs to be considered as well. Manufacturers need to decide if their facility will be able to handle a floor mounted robot, or if they will be better suited with a shelf mounted or a ceiling mounted unit.
The application itself is something to consider when deciding on palletizing automation. There could be some types of products that benefit from the gentler, consistent handling of robots over manual palletizing applications.
Safety is a huge consideration when looking into palletizing robot automation. Manual palletizing can be tedious and dangerous. By automating palletizing systems, manufacturers can decrease labor costs. Palletizing robots and workcells also need safety devices in place when operating in a facility to keep workers out of the danger zone when the robot is moving.
Manufacturers should consider training when considering automation. They will need to have workers to run the new robot systems. While robot palletizers might take human workers away from manual palletizing, they can be trained to operate the robots with some easy, push button operator stations to make complex functions user-friendly.
Robots.com, a certified integrator of Fanuc, ABB, Universal Robots, Motoman, and KUKA robots, has engineers and designers to work with you through all the considerations to find the palletizing robotic system that is best for you.
For more information about automating your palletizing system with Robots.com, call us today at 877−762−6881 or contact representative online.
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