Partial automation from Storopack for the packaging station: Air-cushions arrive just at the right time

Metzingen. A new product and consulting service offer by Storopack makes it possible to supply a sensor-controlled machine with up to 24 packaging stations using air-cushions. Employees remove the cushions from the silos, which are placed in an ergonomically favourable position for use. The new machine model, the Airplus BagSeparator, already divides the padding strips into sections of the desired length. The packers only have to separate individual air-cushions in about five percent of cases. In practical tests, up to ten cartons per minute were processed using this partial automation.

In order to achieve and maintain a constant high level of output, it is necessary in the opinion of the company to look at the work place layout and the job ergonomics more closely. These two aspects hold a high potential for increased productivity. Storopack integrates this task into the concept of “working comfort” and makes it a part of the consulting approach.

Advisers from Storopack gather details of the needs of the customer and examine the local conditions. Based on this, an optimal spatial arrangement and efficient operational processes are developed. The result is a solution, which fits best in the performance environment of current, automated distribution logistics. The technical prerequisites for this offering from Storopack are the new Airplus BagSeparator for production of air-cushions and a customised programmed control module. The latter controls the production of the cushions and their distribution into the silos via a flat conductor with electrically propelled flaps.

The Airplus BagSeparator system processes all film formats available from Storopack. The running speed is up to 10.5 m/minute. This corresponds to approx. 400 standard cartons each with 8.5 litres of filling material per hour with an air-cushion format of 200 x 120 mm. Important parameters can be adapted during the operation to meet current needs. In addition, the length of the individual padding strips is also important, and can be freely selected from between 1 and 99 cushions.

The machine is suitable both for equipping single place solutions as well as for supplying more than one packing station. Work is organised either inline, i.e. using a conveyor belt-like system, or at off-line packing tables. In order to supply several places, the Airplus BagSeparator feeds air-cushions to a flat channel. Flaps in the channel control the supply to the outgoing silos. A sensor in the silo gives the filling level as information to a programmable controller. This adjusts the status of the flaps. The system takes priorities into consideration, so that individual packing stations are preferentially supplied, if necessary. In order to meet higher demands with so-called speed lines, several devices can supply a single silo.

The kind of silo construction used depends on the spatial possibilities. Free-standing, self-supporting models are nearly always used. The access openings are arranged so that they make sense individually and ergonomically for the packers. In off-line procedures, so-called packing islands have proven an optimal form of organisation for workplaces: Two or four packing stations, in both cases facing one another, are placed on either side of the conveyor.

With the optimal calibration of all components, any manual work which is required at the packing station can be reduced to a minimum. Employees place a delivery note or other shipping documents on top of the goods, as necessary. They take air cushions out of the silo and fill cavities in the package before the cartons are automatically or manually closed.

This customised equipment can be rented or purchased. As the plant is of a modular design, it can be easily adapted to any changes in the circumstances at the logistics centre of the customer. Delivery takes place within six weeks after the order is placed. The installation can normally be assembled within 24 hours.

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Contact media/ press:
Schott Relations GmbH
Lindenspürstraße 22, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany
Tel. + 49 711 / 16446-16, Fax: + 49 711 / 16446-11
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Storopack is a leading manufacturer and service provider in the fields of protective and transport packaging as well as molded parts made of expanded foams. The sales of the worldwide operating group of companies with headquarters in Metzingen (Germany) are generated by the three divisions Molding, Packaging and Logistics. The Packaging Division specialises in the “interior cushioning” market and covers the customised integration of complete packing lines for flowable cushioning materials (loose fill), air cushions, paper padding, and foam packaging systems. To supplement these interior and protective packaging, Storopack also provides service and technical advice on all packaging questions to manufacturing and trading companies in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland and supplies a wide range of products in the field of transport packaging.

Storopack
Hans Reichenecker GmbH
Untere Rietstrasse 30
72555 Metzingen
Germany
Telephone +49 (0)7123 164 227
Fax +49 (0)7123 164 49 227
press@storopack.com
www.storopack.com

Commissioned with Public Relations Work:
Schott Relations GmbH
P.O. Box 104663
70041 Stuttgart
Germany
Telephone +49 (0)711 164 46 16
Fax +49 (0)711 164 46 11
info@schott-relations.com

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