Do you know about automatic palletizing systems?

In this article we want to delve a little into the subject and for this we will start with a small definition. To then go on to talk about the types and finish with an explanation of the automatic palletizing systems in Poyatos.

In this way, we can start by saying that automatic pallet racking solutions will allow us to handle products by layers or unit loads for different product formats (we are talking about bags, containers, boxes, etc.). An action that will help us achieve higher productions and improvements in working conditions (automating the most expensive and heavy tasks); as well as a significant reduction in costs.

Automatic palletizing systems using robots

To talk about this topic, we are going to refer to Wikipedia, where we find:

"End of line is considered the interaction, modification or termination of the products in the final part of their production process. After the production of a product, it must be marketed and distributed. Today the dimensions and weights have been standardised once the product has been finished and packaged, in order to facilitate its transport and storage, in addition to standardising its treatment and reducing production, distribution or logistics costs."

"In this environment, automatic palletizing systems using robots arose, which are used for automatic palletizing in those productions with high cadences or when working conditions, ergonomics, product weight, environmental or hygiene conditions, require that the work is not carried out directly with the manipulation or intervention of man.The implementation of an automatic palletizing system carries out the engineering of the product, final pallet, production and logistics processes, as well as the installation of a robot and accessory conveyors is studied. be an amortisable investment in relation to the realisation of manual palletizing."

Depending on the number of units produced and the number of references, we can talk about different systems. Among the most innovative are the multi-reference palletizers, ”which develop palletizing regardless of the morphology of the products, being able to palletize products with a high slenderness, such as bottles. On the other hand, the system for taking the products is decisive, since taking the individual product or several products, or the complete layer, will determine the final rate of the automatic palletizing system" (we read on Wikipedia).

Considerations to take into account

When working with this type of systems, we must take into account some important aspects such as:

1. Articulated robots are more suitable when it comes to handling a smaller number of references, and in a smaller space than those of the gantry type.

In addition, in this type of robot, "the configuration of the pallets develops around the robot, not being linear as it happens in the portal." The cadence achieved with an anthropomorphic robot is usually higher, while the routes are shorter and more optimised.”

2. Gantry robots: they offer linear movement in 3 axes, "which makes it possible to have a greater number of online palletizing stations." Therefore, "palletize more SKUs for the same space and modernly with a single robot."

3. Regarding the robot gripper, we have to emphasise that there are several configurations and that these depend on several factors. However, in general we can talk about the following gripping systems: Blade clamp, Vacuum suction cups, Claw clamp, Mixed clamps.

Automatic pallet racking systems in Poyatos

At Poyatos we design robots for special palletizing processes. And we integrate into our facilities robots with grippers and programming designed and manufactured by ourselves for special palletizing processes. The Robots are programmed and communicated to measure with the rest of the automation.