Automatic labelling systems

Citation

(2003), "Automatic labelling systems", Industrial Robot, Vol. 30 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2003.04930faf.004

Automatic labelling systems

Automatic labelling systems

Keywords: Robots, Packaging

Robotic systems supplier, Motoman, has introduced a range of standard cells designed to automate the task of applying packing labels to palletised cartons as well as to paper or cardboard reels. Developed in the company's Swedish headquarters, the equipment is available through subsidiary company, Motoman Robotics (UK), Banbury. It is intended to relieve operators of this tedious job and eliminate human errors, which result in expensive returns and undermine customer confidence.

A six-axis robot, either floor-standing or suspended from a gantry, together with a thermal or laser printer form the heart of the cell (Plate 4). Pallets or reels enter on a conveyor and a message is sent to the robot controller giving details of the size and shape of the load, as well as the information to be printed on the label. Additional information advises whether two or more labels are to be attached, and in which positions.

Anticipating the pallet or reel coming into the correct position, the robot collects two self- adhesive labels from the printer and returns to stick them to the load in the designated positions using a double-sided applicator designed especially for the purpose. If more than two labels are needed, the robot returns to the printer and repeats the process. Typical cycle time is 15 s to apply two labels, 30 s for three.

To ensure that the goods have been correctly identified, the robot is optionally able to read the bar code on the label and cross check the information. The pallet or reel is then transported out of the cell into storage or straight to despatch.

A considerable degree of customisation is possible in terms of the positions of robot, conveyors, printer and peripherals, and Motoman assumes turnkey responsibility for the entire system. A3, A4 and A5 labels are standard although the customer can specify any label size up to 400 mm by 279 mm.

For more information, please contact: John D'Angelillo, MD, Motoman Robotics (UK) Ltd, Unit 2, Johnson Park, Wildmere Road, Wildmere Industrial Estate, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 3JU. Tel: 01295 272755; Fax: 01295 267127; E-mail: johnd'angelillo@motoman.co.uk; Web site: www.motoman.co.uk

Plate 4 A gantry-mounted Motoman robot applying labels to palletised cartons in one of the company's standard, automated cells