Cermex enhances automation of packaging processing

Three years ago the France based company announced the integration of polyarticulated robots into its case loading and palletizing applications, now the company says it has introduced more robot modules to its case packaging equipment to build on the success.

As with the initial introduction of the robot technology, the company says that the latest automation aims to increase productivity, flexibility and ergonomics in every aspect of the process.

Polyarticulated robots have become particularly popular for loading operations for a number of reasons, including enhanced handling flexibility, reduction of mechanical parts, optimising products collating and gripping as well as providing accurate movement at high speed.

Dual robots increase functionality​

The latest robotic innovations that Cermex has developed include dual robots to provide loading of cartons on a wrap round case packer, a robot to group mixed packaging on up to five different lines, a 6-axis robot to provide multi-functional and multi-packaging functions, together with a robot designed for all end of line operations.

Two specific projects that Cermex has worked on recently to provide an enhanced level of packaging processing automation for the personal care industry have included the supply of equipment to companies in both France and Spain.

The Spanish project saw Cermex supply one of the countries biggest household and personal care providers with a WB45 case packer that integrated a 6-axis robot to carry out multi-functional packing capabilities through a wide range of tooling functions.

The set up at the Spanish plant allows thermoformed trays to be fed on to lanes lying flat, while the 6-axis robot then uses a rotation mechanisms to slip two products at a time into the buckets within the trays, before finally being covered with a cardboard bland and then being sent to the folding and gluing station.

Two types of packaging and three functions​

Essentially this process allows two types of packaging and three functions, all provided by the same automated unit.

The equipment Cermex supplied to the French beauty company provides product collation, case loading, labelling and paletisation in one single robot unit, which the company says has helped to simplify and enhance efficiency.

Cermex is one of a handful of leading packaging machinery players in Europe that are helping the personal care industry to automate all aspects of the packaging process as a means of enhancing production efficiencies and cutting back on costs.