Project Summary and Challenge
A manufacturer of chemical products required an automated solution for loading 55-gallon drums onto wooden pallets. The Robotic Palletizing Cell features a FANUC M-410iC/500 robot that picks up the drums and places them onto the pallets.
Objective/Challenges:
- Increase the efficiency of the palletizing process by automating it using a robotic system
- Reduce the risk of injury to workers by minimizing their interaction with heavy drums and pallets
- Position incoming drums into a repeatable location
- Ensure repeatable pallet positioning and prevent pallets from shifting during the loading process
- Ensure the safety of workers by preventing access and providing emergency egress options
The Solution
The solution to the challenges outlined above involves the following:
- Install a Fanuc M-410iC/500 4-axis robot with 3143mm reach and 500kg payload to palletize the drums
- Utilize a pallet magazine capable of holding up to 17 pallets to provide a steady supply of empty pallets to the system
- Design a Drum Centering Station to position incoming drums into a repeatable location
- Use an outfeed conveyor with pallet squaring cylinders to ensure repeatable pallet positioning and prevent pallets from shifting during the loading process
- Install muting light curtains at the entry and exit points of the cell to prevent unsafe access and meet safety requirements
Benefits
- Increased efficiency in loading drums onto pallets
- Improved consistency in drum and pallet positioning
- Reduced risk of pallets shifting during the loading process
- Improved worker safety through the use of light curtains and access doors
Result
The installation of the Robotic Palletizing Cell resulted in a significant increase in productivity and efficiency, while reducing labor costs and minimizing manual intervention. The system efficiently loads drums onto pallets, ensures worker safety, and provides consistent drum and pallet positioning. The appropriate safety measures implemented in the system ensure the safety of workers, making the facility a safer work environment.
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