Packaging
Innovative single-column Krones palletising robot for the high speed segment
Wednesday 13. February 2008 - At the interpack 2008, Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany, will be showcasing two completely new machines for optimising the grouping and palletising functions, in the shape of the Modulpal 1 ADR and the Robobox. On a stand measuring more than 1,000 m², Krones will also be exhibiting its design-enhanced Variopac Pro packer for non-returnables, premiering the new shrink tunnel.
The Modulpal 1 ADR is a new palletiser for the high speed range, with an output of up to 600 layers an hour, comprising sturdy, field-proven components from the Krones Modulpal single-column modularised design. For the first time, this machine enables very high outputs to be achieved on a single pallet loading position. Supplied by a grouping system, the Modulpal 1 ADR palletiser, featuring two lifting units and two gripper heads, deposits the packs on a single pallet position. Hitherto, a double-position palletiser had always been used for this kind of speed range. The entirely innovative concept also enables this high output to be achieved with a low-level pack infeed, significantly facilitating access for the operator and rendering platforms superfluous. The interpack will mark the world premiere of the Modulpal 1 ADR. The packs can be grouped using the newly developed Robobox grouping system or one of its conventional counterparts.
Robobox: for neat grouping
For fast and reliable grouping of non-returnable packs, the newly developed Robobox constitutes a compact-size, versatile unit for pack turning and distribution, offering maximised scope for every variant of pack grouping. Whats absolutely new about the Robobox: during the entire turning and distribution operation, the packs are neatly guided by a gripper. The transfer device can handle packs up to maximum dimensions of 400 x 400 mm and a top weight of 18 kg. By designing the grouping system with modules arranged one after the other for three different output gradations, the concept can be optimally matched to any desired line speed, producing a high degree of flexibility in conjunction with a downstream palletising system.
Shaft wall design: optimised shrink-wrap quality
For the first time, the Variopac Pro non-returnables packer on show at the interpack will feature the new shrink tunnel generation, constructed in shaft-wall design. For two-lane handling, a shaft wall in the form of a perforated hollow chamber has now been inserted in the middle between the two packs as well, producing a direct flow of hot air into the packs in order to ensure a very high-quality shrink-wrap result. The major focus of the development work involved lay on optimising the shrink-wrap operation for excellent shrink-wrap quality and an energy reduction of about 20 per cent compared to the machine technology previously in common use. At the interpack, Krones will be exhibiting the new Variopac Pro, packing ultra-lightweight PET containers in ultra-thin film: the recently premiered 0.5-litre PET container, weighing only 8.8 g, is packed in a shrink-pack using a PET film only 25 ?m thick. Just about as light as you can get.
Hall 16 – Stand No. 16 B45/D38