Producers of food need to be more and more competitive, to face a demanding market that is continually evolving. This objective can be reached more easily if innovative, flexible and personalised solutions are used within the production plant.
Starting from this requirement, and from market trend analysis, SMI invests in cutting edge solutions to offer their customers packaging lines that are characterised by high performance, optimised operation versatility and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
Today, the design of a new bottling and packaging plant is highly influenced by the modern technology created for the “smart factory” of the future, with this high quality, production lots can be created at a reduced cost, without neglecting important aspects such as, eco-sustainability and process, energy efficiency.
In the environment of industrial plants dedicated to end of line packaging, SMI offers a wide range of models of APS ERGON automatic palletising systems, that are based on innovative principles like:
– simple operation: the SMI palletising systems are proud of their modern, technical, ergonomic and functional solutions, which allow you to reach production efficiency high while reducing the line operators workload
– easy and intuitive control and management: this advantage can be enhanced further, if the palletisers supplied by SMI, are equipped with the SWM supervision and control system by Smitec, which allows the constant, gathering, monitoring and “interpreting” of production data, improving efficiency and safety, containing costs and a return on the investment.
– energy savings: thanks to latest generation technical solutions, like the ICOS motors equipped with integrated, digital servo-drivers, the new APS ERGON palletising systems are able to guarantee low, environmental impact and low, energy cost production, while significantly reducing maintenance, energy waste and machine and plant noise..
Flexible, reliable palletising lines
The overall efficiency of a bottling and packaging plant, also depends on the reliability of end of line operations, where palletisers need to work perfectly, to guarantee uninterrupted production flow.
This is only possible if the pallet loading, layer forming and pad insertion operations are synchronised in a precise, continual way with the other machines on the production line.
The technology applied to the new models of APS ERGON by SMI, guarantees vast operation versatility and high possibility to personalise production processes, as the Cartesian axis system can be programmed automatically, according to the requirements of the specific application.
The SMI palletisers are easily adapted to different requirements in terms of format changeover, product changeover and logistic programes within the end of line area. They are also able to manage a wide range of palletising patterns, based on the specific requirements of the customer, contributing to guarantee the optimal performance of all the production plant.
A unique range of machines for lots of different requirements
The APS ERGON range consists of an automatic, single and double column (Model APS 4140 L) system to palletise boxes, bundles, tray and packs in general. The SMI palletisers have different modules, which can be programmed in a personalised way, according to the logistic conditions of the end of line area and to the work required, either in existing lines or in new installations.
The heart of the single column system is made up of a vertical axis module, a long fixed column, along which the horizontal work beam slides on recirculating ball guides.
The beam along which the head-holder beam slides, always on recirculating ball guides, can be combined with:
– product infeed module and preform layer system (variable according to model chosen)
– pallet module with maximum payload of 300 kg (max. 10 pallets with max. height 150 mm and max. payload of 30 kg/pallet), that includes the moving and storage of empty pallets (Pallet modules with a greater payload are available as optional accessories)
– module pad insertion (optional), consisting of a pad magazine and a pad inserting devoce with controlled axis
– surrounding safety barrier
The double column model is equipped with a colomn with a motorised belt, while the second with a basket. At the single-column palletiser infeed, the product infeed conveyor forms the line, assisted by the transfer system that, with one direction movements, helps to create the layer.
The layer loading head picks up the layer of packs that has been formed, from a conveyor at operator height. The vertical movements of the beam and the horizontal ones of the head-holder are activated by “brushless” motors, which guarantee perfect trajectories during all palletising phases. All the operations are managed by a “user-friendly” machine, automation and control system, which allows the operator to use the palletising system easily and efficiently.
Main Advantages
– The ergonomic and functional structure of the frame allows the operator to easily carry out all the activities related to the use and maintenance of the system.
– The door closure system is equipped with a deceleration device, which slows down the final phase of the cycle by accompanying the door harmoniously.
– The accident prevention protections are made of aluminum and polished polycarbonate (PC).
– Palletising schemes are optimised for truck loading.
– Format changeover times are kept to a minimum.
– The handling of the containers is fluid and avoids damage during handling.
– Use of innovative design solutions in IoT key.
– Simple and intuitive control of all operations.
– ICOS motors equipped with integrated digital servo-drive, which ensure production with reduced environmental impact and low energy consumption.
