Palletizers & Depalletizers

Layer Preparation System Polaris EVO

The layer preparation system Polaris EVO is equipped with pack gripping heads that move and/or rotate packs to their required position, in order to prepare a whole layer of products according to a pre-defined pattern.

Gripping head of the layer preparation system Polaris EVO

Gripping head of the layer preparation system Polaris EVO

The Polaris EVO system allows the preparation of a whole layer of products avoiding shocks thanks to a gentle handling. Polaris EVO has a continuous working mode, without any interruption between each layer preparation, allowing the speed capacity of the downstream palletizer to be optimized.

Polaris EVO is a modular system that can be installed as a single unit (for medium-speed lines) or in series (for high-speed lines and/or complex palletizing patterns).

The new handling robot operates in a SCARA-based configuration (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm).  This allows the handling grip to move along a horizontal axis (x-y) only thereby excluding gravity and reducing inertia. A third vertical axis can be used to adjust the grip height (format changeover). To reduce the load on the arm the main motors and are located in the fixed part of the robot and are assembled opposite each other on the same axis.

SCARA configuration guarantees the following advantages compared with traditional Cartesian systems: the footprint is more compact; there is better visibility and easier access for the operator as there are no obstructing support structures; the moving bulk is lower allowing a higher round trip speed; transport and installation is easier.

It is possible to connect the arm to different gripping heads, able to handle either single or multiple packs, as required by the project:

  • Pneumatic gripping head: gripping head with lateral plates coated in shock-proof material. Pantograph type lateral opening and lifting, pneumatically activated.
  • Motorized gripping head: self centering gripping head completely motorized to eliminate air consumption. The head is able to pick the packs up, both from the front or side, allowing high speed performance and complete gripping flexibility. The vertical movement of the plates is totally independent.
  • Gripping head with plate overtake cycle: the system (patent pending) has been designed to reduce the downtime due to plate repositioning phases creating high working cycles. The head is able to pick the packs up, both from the front or side, allowing a complete gripping flexibility. The vertical movement of the plates is totally independent.

Production capacity: up to 133 ppm (with 2 heads).

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