tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79125659202957410012024-03-15T19:35:50.947-04:00ESS Technologies, Inc. Packaging Machinery BlogInsights, innovations, and packaging machinery from ESS Technologies, Inc.ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-71938267931681514022023-02-02T11:09:00.010-05:002023-02-03T08:32:23.471-05:00Bigger Means Better — ESS Expands<p>30 years!!! </p><p>It’s the rare small business that survives thirty years, never mind experiencing explosive growth three decades in. ESS is celebrating this achievement; bigger means better!</p><p>Now a member of <a href="https://pacteon.com/" target="_blank">the Pacteon Group</a>, ESS has cut the ribbon on our latest manufacturing expansion located at Cascade Industrial Park in Pembroke, Virginia. The original building was 10,000 square feet. The expansion adds 12,000 square feet, more than doubling the total engineering and manufacturing space to 22,000 square feet. Located thirty minutes from ESS headquarters in Blacksburg, Virginia, the expanded ESS facility brings increased capacity to ESS’s production capabilities and more skilled jobs to the local area. <a href="https://www.esstechnologies.com/about/career-opportunities/" target="_blank">ESS is hiring excellent people for both locations.</a> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rQJD4E0uXb8kkY_B7lPujl2wErII8vPUGybd-eGI4f5sp8oiS0eppiLPMeQdkrjuCCH9tMKmTlRu4LHE1m9ktjBdJpZnm0Oe-QDp5foOgDR4J-aKvdIn4k7-16HHhEBsUX5c_vbzZvwdaDM9ApxuXT4w0kAdtgj1m6Q28tDTeO5iQCel0O1QoNbv/s2400/Tim-Cuts-Ribbon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2104" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rQJD4E0uXb8kkY_B7lPujl2wErII8vPUGybd-eGI4f5sp8oiS0eppiLPMeQdkrjuCCH9tMKmTlRu4LHE1m9ktjBdJpZnm0Oe-QDp5foOgDR4J-aKvdIn4k7-16HHhEBsUX5c_vbzZvwdaDM9ApxuXT4w0kAdtgj1m6Q28tDTeO5iQCel0O1QoNbv/s320/Tim-Cuts-Ribbon.jpg" width="281" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VP and GM Tim Cokeley and ESS Team Members Cut the Ribbon on the Pembroke Virginia Building Expansion (Photo courtesy of <a href="https://2175.newstogo.us/editionviewer/default.aspx?Edition=3d26ae17-5e9e-4278-997c-68bef16fcb20" target="_blank"><i>the Virginia Leader</i></a>.)</td></tr></tbody></table>ESS manufactures <a href="https://www.esstechnologies.com/products/horizontal-cartoners-sc-series/" target="_blank">cartoners</a>, <a href="https://www.esstechnologies.com/products/vertical-robotic-rsc-case-packers-v30-series/" target="_blank">case packers</a> and <a href="https://www.esstechnologies.com/products/robotic-mini-pallet-cell/" target="_blank">robotic pallet cells</a> for a range of products, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices, cosmetics and consumer packaged goods. Our <a href="https://www.esstechnologies.com/products/taskmate-robotic-systems/" target="_blank">TaskMate Robotic Systems®</a> integrate with our end-of-line solutions to create a fully automated packaging line. System design capabilities range from compact cartoners to baseball infield-length full packaging lines that may be integrated with equipment manufactured by the Pacteon Group companies and other OEMs. The expansion to ESS’s manufacturing capacity allows ESS to meet our customer’s expectations for building their systems while maintaining flexibility to configure our shop floor space to maximize production.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3vM6oLdmZ5pmkWqbvotFOd0NjHUmlGyJc8dLGdSaP_R4aBv6nzob_14Vv7SS6aAmsnsYjLCzFDC1uHPYx-ypxIxawKfCwINwG8UiDk-MHMwu9CvmNBPk3wPufcLXcqPB4Z_yYwDHvzXzf9jnDn71VeKCYCoao_JwlN_pFVU2ivHd0tQIcfbtcYfv/s3013/cartoners.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="3013" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3vM6oLdmZ5pmkWqbvotFOd0NjHUmlGyJc8dLGdSaP_R4aBv6nzob_14Vv7SS6aAmsnsYjLCzFDC1uHPYx-ypxIxawKfCwINwG8UiDk-MHMwu9CvmNBPk3wPufcLXcqPB4Z_yYwDHvzXzf9jnDn71VeKCYCoao_JwlN_pFVU2ivHd0tQIcfbtcYfv/w400-h140/cartoners.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Very Compact Cartoner and a Very Large Cartoning and Case Packing Line<br />(Photos by ESS Technologies, Inc.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>The added space also allows ESS to expand its skilled engineering team. Innovation doesn’t sit still, and neither does ESS. Our engineers are dedicated to developing reliable, cost-effective, state-of-the-art technology to enhance our end-of-line packaging solutions. Bigger space means room for bigger ideas!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJi2rqo2HC0g2sxkYXU7Wh3j6ge4sWSoVroJjredjAeBxURRHdM6BjrA8ynnbioHOIqsWoSrHKHUWAZ4Mz8iO1DCi7S-Utt7Mn-9AKFzL5X85o9688Hg1YFQE1Dh6bDcQvrighcZTntd0fBFfB97e1zrbKZup-LDiEjt-y9q8gcVDedErLK9-lKt-/s720/Machine-being-built.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="720" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJi2rqo2HC0g2sxkYXU7Wh3j6ge4sWSoVroJjredjAeBxURRHdM6BjrA8ynnbioHOIqsWoSrHKHUWAZ4Mz8iO1DCi7S-Utt7Mn-9AKFzL5X85o9688Hg1YFQE1Dh6bDcQvrighcZTntd0fBFfB97e1zrbKZup-LDiEjt-y9q8gcVDedErLK9-lKt-/s320/Machine-being-built.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Integrated FANUC Robots are Featured in ESS Packaging Machines <br />(Photo courtesy of <a href="https://2175.newstogo.us/editionviewer/default.aspx?Edition=3d26ae17-5e9e-4278-997c-68bef16fcb20" target="_blank"><i>the Virginia Leader</i></a>.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>For example, ESS engineers designed a unique fixture to automate erecting a variety of cartons on a single system, including auto-bottom cartons, glue-bottom cartons, and tuck-bottom cartons. An Authorized System Integrator for <a href="https://www.fanucamerica.com/" target="_blank">FANUC America robots</a>, ESS integrates FANUC’s SR-6iA robot to square the carton sides, move the carton across the bottom closing fixture, and place it on a conveyor for downstream loading and closing. ESS designed the robot tooling with quick-change connections for fast changeover.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWh8NxB_pxSyijIQeH0y5HLpRkgbIuQDg5-9YpgReHMva-kcI5zxWG6gTMsRcYCI8r8EINAGlfMDH58A5hAat_MRyB96KoZz2BthvsSi03Qk2gH-l0LX5BWGEbqaxIWDW9FGoL7ErqoxW_3QCriSZu19rA52r7bu2jrC_VGoa_j66XDxh68u2Lofk/s1223/VC30-2-Robot-Tuck-closure.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1223" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWh8NxB_pxSyijIQeH0y5HLpRkgbIuQDg5-9YpgReHMva-kcI5zxWG6gTMsRcYCI8r8EINAGlfMDH58A5hAat_MRyB96KoZz2BthvsSi03Qk2gH-l0LX5BWGEbqaxIWDW9FGoL7ErqoxW_3QCriSZu19rA52r7bu2jrC_VGoa_j66XDxh68u2Lofk/s320/VC30-2-Robot-Tuck-closure.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ESS’s Carton Erecting Design for the <a href="https://www.esstechnologies.com/products/vertical-cartoners-vc-series/" target="_blank">VC30 Carton Erector, Loader and Closer</a> Has Been Submitted for Patent Approval (Photo by ESS Technologies, Inc.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>ESS celebrated our expansion with a ceremony at the Pembroke, Virginia location. The event included county and state representatives, elected officials, local businesses, ESS leadership, and ESS personnel. Visitors toured the facility, learned about ESS end-of-line solutions, and viewed some of our automated packaging machines being built at the Pembroke, Virginia location. The <i>Virginia Leader</i> news article about this event can be viewed on page 2 of the January 25, 2023 edition available at <a href="http://www.virgnialeader.com">www.virgnialeader.com</a>. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ1f8wZVwvFP8hzd4qy9u3WiYmBNJrXinzl-YDRTTLRgl6Q5XvV9bQbig4GAOuaIkBe2fGi71zHSFhMOO-EAcxuG0GtXlzo2xdd9vOg5AV778PxSsS9EgTHkvw5u7nRfE8f6vaoezN2byQ06hbqiRVoOpVLIyeLOhNKJHLFevSkM6jBp-c4-dPzFr/s2400/Guests-Machine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2400" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ1f8wZVwvFP8hzd4qy9u3WiYmBNJrXinzl-YDRTTLRgl6Q5XvV9bQbig4GAOuaIkBe2fGi71zHSFhMOO-EAcxuG0GtXlzo2xdd9vOg5AV778PxSsS9EgTHkvw5u7nRfE8f6vaoezN2byQ06hbqiRVoOpVLIyeLOhNKJHLFevSkM6jBp-c4-dPzFr/s320/Guests-Machine.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors to the ESS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Learn More About ESS’s <a href="https://www.esstechnologies.com/products/robotic-mini-pallet-cell/" target="_blank">Robotic Mini Pallet Cell</a><br />(Photo courtesy of <a href="https://2175.newstogo.us/editionviewer/default.aspx?Edition=3d26ae17-5e9e-4278-997c-68bef16fcb20" target="_blank"><i>the Virginia Leader</i></a>.)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>ESS is excited to see how much bigger we will grow in the next thirty years. With the strength of Pacteon Group, which currently includes ESS, <a href="https://www.schneiderequip.com/" target="_blank">Schneider Packaging Equipment</a> (Brewerton, New York, USA) and <a href="https://phoenixwrappers.com/" target="_blank">Phoenix Stretch Wrappers</a> (Laval, Quebec, Canada), ESS makes the Pacteon Promise: We make it right. Learn more about ESS at our website, <a href="https://www.esstechnologies.com" target="_blank">www.esstechnologies.com</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>(This article is linked and excerpted with permission from <i>the Virginia Leader</i>. All ESS photos are copyright of ESS Technologies, Inc.)</div></div>ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-91004363106983827492022-11-28T08:56:00.006-05:002022-11-29T10:14:58.802-05:00Feed the Blister Packaging Machine — Part I<p>An automated packaging machine of any type can only operate as fast as it can be fed the products being packaged. Where filler-capper systems and cartoners typically come standard with automated product infeed systems, the same is not true for blister packaging machines. </p><p>Blister packaging machines load pre-formed blisters into a die tray that holds multiple blisters. Multiple die trays on the machine’s indexing system may be placed in a straight line or on a rotary table that moves the die tray from blister placement to blister loading and finally to blister sealing. Each blister must be loaded precisely so overhanging product does not impede the machine’s automated sealing process. At the same time, each blister must be loaded quickly enough to allow the blister packaging machine to achieve the necessary production rate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcj0QYK0InTkKEoQFqXWPe-lRK_D7--1quzfZ_GFmeUECUyvcnxARLtvQdq9mmuPsGPa5BQlEyHMrAnQ9nJDk5bgJyexP0HyeT22i8vf--iuIqbVPw48WWtflxlu5xwNYJ9h3IGa6BPYtcRxxQX9qWkD2iuHDlqv6Lt8bhkQAp_2x_hnCKCg4okZn/s1440/die-tray-rotary-machine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rotary Blister Packaging Machine" border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1440" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcj0QYK0InTkKEoQFqXWPe-lRK_D7--1quzfZ_GFmeUECUyvcnxARLtvQdq9mmuPsGPa5BQlEyHMrAnQ9nJDk5bgJyexP0HyeT22i8vf--iuIqbVPw48WWtflxlu5xwNYJ9h3IGa6BPYtcRxxQX9qWkD2iuHDlqv6Lt8bhkQAp_2x_hnCKCg4okZn/w320-h234/die-tray-rotary-machine.jpg" title="Die Tray for 6-Up Blisters On an Alloyd Aergo-8 Rotary-Style Blister Packaging Machine" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Die Tray for 6-Up Blisters on a <a href="https://www.sonoco.com/product/alloyd" target="_blank">Sonoco Alloyd</a> Aergo-8 Rotary-Style Blister Packaging Machine (Photo by ESS Technologies.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A blister packaging line’s available space can also limit production rate. Large blister packaging machines include multiple loading stations on both sides of the machine. Operators pick and place product into the blisters as quickly and accurately as possible to avoid the machine indexing empty blisters or loading blisters with overhanging product, both of which waste materials and will cause machine downtime after consecutive faults. More operators can better maintain the required production speed, but the systems occupy significant floor space. Smaller blister packaging machines save on valuable factory floor space, but they offer fewer product loading stations, restricting the machine’s potential production rate. In either scenario, manual labor is required, putting human operators at risk for repetitive motion injuries. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzPBiAWHJ3MtEFqU2M1Qh7wBh10QKuqBnZxmTubayw5sNr2IBDIOLZYNCUCixZQREomAONvFGEJ6MBDILcShzkY_uz9uz5-CRFzREvGmHyC-WYgf9C8kW7xwaTRDS_lkCWRj3Ie0GSoq_DjmEJ5x3lr2RbXr1p3GR7boJVu0XfvTtLJfp6quAPEyd/s1402/Large-Small-Straightlines.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="1402" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzPBiAWHJ3MtEFqU2M1Qh7wBh10QKuqBnZxmTubayw5sNr2IBDIOLZYNCUCixZQREomAONvFGEJ6MBDILcShzkY_uz9uz5-CRFzREvGmHyC-WYgf9C8kW7xwaTRDS_lkCWRj3Ie0GSoq_DjmEJ5x3lr2RbXr1p3GR7boJVu0XfvTtLJfp6quAPEyd/w400-h103/Large-Small-Straightlines.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoCaption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Very Large and a Very Compact Straight Line Blister
Packaging Machine, both <a href="https://www.sonoco.com/products/industrial-products/heat-sealing-machinery-medical-retail-packaging" target="_blank">Alloyd Aergo-SLs</a> (Photos by ESS Technologies.)</span></p></div><div>By automating the blister loading process with a pick and place robotic cell, such as ESS’s <a href="https://www.esstechnologies.com/products/taskmate-robotic-systems/" target="_blank">TaskMate Robotic Systems®</a> Blister Loader, manufacturers of blister-packaged products can achieve maximum production rates while minimizing downtime and conserving available space. This solution is ideal for blister packages that contain only one type of product. ESS’s compact, automated blister loading solution integrates a <a href="https://www.fanucamerica.com/products/robots" target="_blank">FANUC multi-axis robot</a> with ESS-designed end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) to create a fast and reliable means of loading blisters. (ESS is an authorized system integrator for FANUC America robots.) Integrating such a system increases speed and efficiency and allows valuable human resources to be redeployed to more demanding parts of the packaging process. </div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Advantages to Automated Blister Loading</h3><div><br /></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Flexibility and Fast Changeover</h4><div>Robotic EOAT offers both to manufacturers using blister packaging machines to package their products. A single robotic cell can handle a wide range of products, depending on the manufacturer’s requirements. Provided that each SKU uses a die tray configured for the same reach, fast-changeover EOAT can be designed to pick multiple products with each cycle. A spreading feature enables the EOAT to populate multiple blisters at a time. By incorporating quick release pneumatic connections and thumbscrews, a robotic end effector can be quickly removed and replaced with a new EOAT to handle a different product. This has significant advantages in packaging lines that use shorter runs for independent SKUs. Robotic blister loading systems integrate easily with new or existing blister packaging lines.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMR6qUII3I5Z2AfXpbKT_3MiB_EbWOMb5WR2qz3RRXXiCxuq-018NwE5c7mutwI535koLitkM2V5WszqaNKkOb8VLaeqgNT1LqwwDzy98JgxDoENz4g9c_0QsOaOef0ps06H5nLN4ihfsV6ukk1APIY3ZKqHIBKTFkwnB4TM1uWpXx-wz3lns7D5U/s821/Spreading-EOATs-floss-bottles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="821" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMR6qUII3I5Z2AfXpbKT_3MiB_EbWOMb5WR2qz3RRXXiCxuq-018NwE5c7mutwI535koLitkM2V5WszqaNKkOb8VLaeqgNT1LqwwDzy98JgxDoENz4g9c_0QsOaOef0ps06H5nLN4ihfsV6ukk1APIY3ZKqHIBKTFkwnB4TM1uWpXx-wz3lns7D5U/s320/Spreading-EOATs-floss-bottles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spreading EOAT for Loading Multiple Blisters Per Cycle (Photos by ESS Technologies.)</span></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;">Reduce Waste and Downtime</h4><div>Misfeeds, incomplete loading, and empty blister feeding all represent sources of waste, especially in the production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, which are, for the most part, still manually fed to horizontal form-fill-seal systems and blister packaging machines. Packaging machines are designed to cease operation after multiple faults, a cause of line downtime for all manufacturers. Integrated robotics equipped with line tracking and vision provide an ideal solution for careful blister loading to minimize machine faults. In addition to providing multiple picks per cycle, multi-axis robots with line tracking and integrated vision systems maintain continuity with the packaging machine and can verify product placement and product quality.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CQ041hMv4tGpF-Yy4uv4fC0jPgBZrwxohoVt6MJWAgR-TQNyN3Mkdyn_mtt6BZIRbOrT0PhiBYwro4HDzLp19vyrghoLZU5WYz_3Wu3t0pad5P6qrumILTu0ktqarS4F1to3KkgeEmfs7uH9YVVsytTp-k03HAPXdanuKnb_rjX2Z-9E7PKCE1J7/s1004/Line-Tracking-EOAT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1004" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CQ041hMv4tGpF-Yy4uv4fC0jPgBZrwxohoVt6MJWAgR-TQNyN3Mkdyn_mtt6BZIRbOrT0PhiBYwro4HDzLp19vyrghoLZU5WYz_3Wu3t0pad5P6qrumILTu0ktqarS4F1to3KkgeEmfs7uH9YVVsytTp-k03HAPXdanuKnb_rjX2Z-9E7PKCE1J7/w200-h182/Line-Tracking-EOAT.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Line Tracking EOAT Picks Multiple Syringes on a Continuous Infeed Conveyor (Photo by ESS Technologies.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Maximize Valuable Human Resources and Reduce Personal Injury to Workers</h4><div>Automated blister loading allows manufacturers to better train and utilize personnel in areas of the production process unsuited to automation. By integrating robots to feed the blister packaging machine, packagers can increase productivity without increasing personnel, reducing labor costs. As labor shortages continue in many manufacturing sectors, robotic automation offers a means to meet production demands.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even if finding workers is not a concern for manufacturers, the work of manually loading blisters might be. Repetitive motion can result in carpal tunnel syndrome, a long-term injury caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. This compression results in numbness, pain, burning, and weakened grip strength. Robots cannot be injured by repetitive motion, and they suffer no loss of work due to illness, reducing injury to workers and line downtime.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">An Automated Solution</h3><div><br /></div><div>ESS engineers designed the TaskMate Robotic Systems® Blister Loader to integrate easily with blister packaging machines. The compact system allows manufacturers to fully automate the blister loading process. Several FANUC robot models may be specified, depending on the requirements of the application, including the new <a href="https://crx.fanucamerica.com/" target="_blank">CRX-10iA collaborative robot</a> that FANUC America designed to work alongside humans without the need for safety guarding. </div><div><br /></div><div>At a recent industry trade show, ESS and OEM partner <a href="https://www.sonoco.com/product/alloyd" target="_blank">Sonoco Alloyd</a>, a manufacturer of blister packaging machines and blister packaging materials, demonstrated a collaborative robotic loader integrated with Alloyd’s most recent sealing machinery, the Aergo SSL, a fully servo-driven straight-line packaging machine. The collaborative FANUC CRX-10iA robot stopped immediately if it contacted anything solid, eliminating the need for safety guarding. ESS designed the EOAT to pick and place two products (tissue packs) per cycle. The blister packaging machine sealed the tissue packages into paper blisters and discharged them two at a time for a rate of 24 blister packs per minute. <a href="https://youtu.be/7GKGpO6epjY" target="_blank">Click here to see the Aergo-SSL and TaskMate Robotic Systems® Blister Loader in action.</a> (YouTube link opens in new window).</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtSqIsaVOur9n83ewJgdes-s74tfhxF_9KPlnKkjz-PI5Av18Dgd-nzLBqPuES8KisJDEJ2xj0XZlvK_Vj7BBBdC2JVb_u1gR_twYNlMvb98tAbrtDMhNgK49dNSf7jpGhK9USLDLbT0zG5UhAwKpMrrb8a-_v2_H81s879tyqBHHe8uAgWAfYCKn/s1118/Show-Alloyd-with-EOAT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="1118" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtSqIsaVOur9n83ewJgdes-s74tfhxF_9KPlnKkjz-PI5Av18Dgd-nzLBqPuES8KisJDEJ2xj0XZlvK_Vj7BBBdC2JVb_u1gR_twYNlMvb98tAbrtDMhNgK49dNSf7jpGhK9USLDLbT0zG5UhAwKpMrrb8a-_v2_H81s879tyqBHHe8uAgWAfYCKn/w400-h128/Show-Alloyd-with-EOAT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Alloyd Compact Straight Line Blister Packaging Machine with Collaborative Robotic Loader (Photos by ESS Technologies.)</span></div><br /><div>ESS and Alloyd have partnered in the past, integrating non-collaborative robot models such as the FANUC LR Mate 200iD. The LR Mate Series offers higher speeds than collaborative robots. The compact size allows the robotic cell to be integrated seamlessly at the blister loading station to keep required floor space to a minimum. Robotic blister loading systems may be integrated with new blister packaging machines or retrofitted with existing blister packaging lines to automate previously manual loading processes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJXcQ3_BtSivpg4YKjCpTEE9Ao6j5lzV9qxg_S3YTd4VVo8rmbDFQuoF5Iw4-cF4ws7X5D-kL50WT2GfFBnneaHQVkuu28tfxaHn2Grl630ul08K6eqNHupMDxk32yg9NkNnG_koda6kBrCV03gSseMRYcuOb4i88hcWIwQk1rRiwllE9jqP4rXF_/s2160/LR200-with-Aergo8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="2160" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJXcQ3_BtSivpg4YKjCpTEE9Ao6j5lzV9qxg_S3YTd4VVo8rmbDFQuoF5Iw4-cF4ws7X5D-kL50WT2GfFBnneaHQVkuu28tfxaHn2Grl630ul08K6eqNHupMDxk32yg9NkNnG_koda6kBrCV03gSseMRYcuOb4i88hcWIwQk1rRiwllE9jqP4rXF_/s320/LR200-with-Aergo8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">LR Mate 200iD Robotic Loader Integrated with New Blister Packaging Machine (Photo by ESS Technologies.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><div>Integrated robotic cells allow blister packaging machines to run at maximum production rates. Multi-axis robots easily keep up with die tray indexing to accurately load blisters one or more at a time. The increased blister loading speed achieved with robotics integration allows manufacturers to reduce the number of required loading stations, which reduces the machine footprint. </div><div><br /></div><div>Single-product blister loading is still the most common type of configuration. One product per blister, one robot, one infeed system. Simple. But what if the blister needed to contain more than one item? What if the blister package was actually an entire tray of components? Could a robotic solution handle that capacity? Find out in “Feed the Blister Packaging Machine — Part II,” coming soon.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7GKGpO6epjY" width="320" youtube-src-id="7GKGpO6epjY"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-82658383238225241142022-09-14T15:21:00.006-04:002022-11-28T14:02:41.589-05:00ESS Has Grown<p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnkorzlAFEk4bMwoHLY3qhUtSauQcdH_YBIKjlpfV-1wNWJOujJt_MLs-WHhrfvVz9vi8wmcvH1MjTgbglz41H7oUpUBXDRAQMBtDzntUTXrb9X56yJwjjPYNhiGav38Q_FYYu22sXX2h_xqhDDOhloQU339WR9W_dIUc5L-BPQcEgEsATXLzFu6c/s688/Logo-web-capture.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="688" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnkorzlAFEk4bMwoHLY3qhUtSauQcdH_YBIKjlpfV-1wNWJOujJt_MLs-WHhrfvVz9vi8wmcvH1MjTgbglz41H7oUpUBXDRAQMBtDzntUTXrb9X56yJwjjPYNhiGav38Q_FYYu22sXX2h_xqhDDOhloQU339WR9W_dIUc5L-BPQcEgEsATXLzFu6c/w181-h79/Logo-web-capture.jpg" width="181" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://pacteon.com/" target="_blank">Pacteon Group</a>, a global leader in end-of-line
packaging automation, is excited to announce the acquisition of ESS
Technologies, Inc. (“ESS” or the “Company”). The addition of ESS brings
state-of-the-art cartoning and packaging line integration capabilities into
Pacteon’s portfolio and significantly strengthens its presence in the
pharmaceutical and diagnostic markets.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Founded in 1993, ESS provides </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">complete packaging line design, equipment manufacturing, integration</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">
and automation solutions to the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and cosmetic end
markets. The Company has extensive experience designing, manufacturing and
integrating cartoners, case packers, robotic palletizers and filling and
capping equipment. With a focus and expertise in the pharmaceutical end market,
</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">the Company also offers
packaging machinery with integrated serialization systems to meet stringent
pharmaceutical track and trace mandates.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-align: justify;">“ESS has a best-in-class offering and is a highly respected brand in
the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and cosmetic end markets. We are excited about
this partnership and for ESS to become part of the Pacteon family,” said Pacteon
CEO, Bob Brotzki.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-align: justify;">“We are excited to be partnering with Pacteon for the next chapter of ESS’
growth story. Pacteon offers a unique set of resources and expertise that will
help ESS continue to expand our presence in our core end markets,” said ESS
Technologies President & Founder, Kevin Browne.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">For
more information on ESS Technologies, please visit <a href="https://www.esstechnologies.com" target="_blank">www.esstechnologies.com</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About Pacteon</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">Pacteon
provides a one source touch for best-in-class automation companies focused
around packaging line solutions, providing the highest level customer
experience. Through a broad range of robotic and non-robotic equipment, ability
to integrate solutions seamlessly across portfolio companies, and full sales
and service coverage, Pacteon is uniquely positioned to design flexible and
custom solutions for your automation needs.</p>ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-16731390170678257072017-03-27T10:29:00.001-04:002017-03-27T10:29:22.553-04:00Side By Side: A Case for Collaborative Robots<h1>
<span lang="X-NONE">Side By Side: A Case for Collaborative Robots<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When robots first entered the manufacturing work force in
the mid-twentieth century, they were installed to perform heavy or dangerous (or
both) tasks, over and over again alongside other robots. Where it was impractical
to put the robots in rooms of their own, expensive and space-consuming safety
guarding was required to protect humans from colliding with the machines that
could neither sense their presence nor account for the fragility of the human
skeleton. As robot technology advanced, the machines became smaller, lighter, nimbler,
and more useful in manufacturing processes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No longer confined to spot welding and painting, robots are
now deployed throughout the factory floor. Today, robotic systems can be found
in modern manufacturing plants loading bulk materials into feeders, and assembling
a wide range of consumer goods and medical devices. Very small robots with
high-speed picking capabilities have been developed that can quickly sort or
collate parts, assemble kits, and inspect finished goods. Mid-sized multi-axis
robotic units are used for packing those goods into cartons, bags, and
blisters, and then inspecting the packaged goods. Larger robots with payloads
up to hundreds of pounds also handle end-of-line processes such as case packing
and palletizing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qDnwm5V2aU/WNkfkbkb3FI/AAAAAAAAAUI/6IDA4PNWCGgc0ABUTcxdPoXBLHRMt6m7ACLcB/s1600/Collab-DualCell01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qDnwm5V2aU/WNkfkbkb3FI/AAAAAAAAAUI/6IDA4PNWCGgc0ABUTcxdPoXBLHRMt6m7ACLcB/s320/Collab-DualCell01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dual Pallet Cell with Collaborative CR-35iA Robot. (Photo copyright ESS Technologies.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://esst-packaging-machinery-blog.blogspot.com/2011/11/ergonomics-of-automation.html" target="_blank">By automating manual processes, especially case packing and palletizing, manufactures can reduce workplace injuries caused by lifting heavy cases or performing repetitive motions.</a>
The cost for factory floor space is not insignificant, however, and while the
uses for robots in manufacturing evolved, the safety guarding systems, for the
most part, did not. Requiring additional factory floor space, PLe-rated safety guarding
systems, the standard for robotic cells, include a combination of wire
fences, polycarbonate walls, and sensors that, when tripped, cause the robot to
stop all activity within the cell. Opening a guard door or tripping a light
curtain or area sensor generates a fault in the robotic PLC that must be
addressed by the operator before automatic operation can resume.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The development of collaborative robots, such as <a href="http://robot.fanucamerica.com/" target="_blank">FANUC America’s</a> CR-35iA robot, marks a new generation of robotic technology. The CR-35iA offers
a payload of up to 35kg and a reach of 1,813mm, making it ideal for automating
manual palletizing processes. In addition to eliminating heavy lifting for
employees, the collaborative robot further increases workplace safety, because
the robot itself is designed to operate in close proximity to humans in a
shared workspace without the need for safety fences. The green robot cover is
padded to reduce impact forces and pinch points by providing a soft barrier
between a human operator and a robot arm. The stopped robot arm can be gently
pushed away from people or objects by the operator if needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The CR-35iA Collaborative Robot features twenty-four (24)
precision sensors that cause it to stop all motion when it comes in contact
with an object or person. This eliminates the need for safety guarding and
greatly reduces the footprint of the robotic cell. Without guarding, the
CR-35iA will operate up to two (2) cycles per second. Greater speeds can be
achieved (5-6 cycles per minute) with the use of area sensors to detect motion
within the robotic cell. Well-designed robot end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) allows
the robot to pick more than one case, depending on the case size and weight,
further reducing the time needed to form a full pallet load. In applications
requiring placement of a deck sheet or tier sheet, the same robot and tooling
performs these functions. When integrated with serialization track-and-trace
systems, the robot may also be programmed to hold case labels over cameras or
barcode scanners to verify the pallet load or provide automatic reject of incorrectly
labeled cases. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://robot.fanucamerica.com/products/robots/productbyseries.aspx?seriesId=25&robotseries=Collaborative%20Robot" target="_blank">FANUC America has recently expanded its line of collaborative robots</a> to include compact versions, the CR-4iA with a 4kg payload and the CR-7iA/L
with a 7kg payload, that can be integrated to perform a wide range of
manufacturing and packing processes. Like their larger counterpart, the smaller collaborative robots also include
sensors to allow the robot to detect a collision and automatically cease
operation. As collaborative technology evolves, expect to see robots working side-by-side
with humans in all manner of manufacturing processes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4PmPJOF1DE/WNkfkb3RjyI/AAAAAAAAAUM/LhS2jkzSzG8_7FxevXJijouJT0uQgxG_gCEw/s1600/FANUC_Collaborative_Robot-line_up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4PmPJOF1DE/WNkfkb3RjyI/AAAAAAAAAUM/LhS2jkzSzG8_7FxevXJijouJT0uQgxG_gCEw/s320/FANUC_Collaborative_Robot-line_up.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FANUC America Collaborative Robots (Photo copyright FANUC America. ESS Technologies is an authorized FANUC system integrator.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-41244324102174529602016-02-16T10:18:00.000-05:002016-02-16T10:18:42.323-05:00Robotic Palletizers for Track and Trace Serialziation<i style="font-size: small;">(This is part threein a three-part series on integrating packaging machinery with track and trace serialization systems to meet the 2017 pharmaceutical mandates. <a href="http://esst-packaging-machinery-blog.blogspot.com/2016/02/packaging-machinery-for-track-and-trace.html" target="_blank">Part one is here</a>. <a href="http://esst-packaging-machinery-blog.blogspot.com/2016/02/cartoners-and-case-packers-for-track.html" target="_blank">Part two is here</a>.)</i><br />
<i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i>
<br />
<h2>
Track & Trace Pallet Cells</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robotic palletizers also integrate easily with track and
trace systems. Prior to palletizing, labeled cases are verified at the case
infeed conveyor. The system either presents the label to the barcode reader or
a barcode reader positioned on the conveyor can read the label before the case
is picked. In either scenario, incorrect cases can be rejected for rework.
Robots can also be programmed to position the case label so that it can be seen
and scanned at pallet’s final location.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0MTGsCpCgo/Vrz5ipogWCI/AAAAAAAAATQ/H2p7YoDpH-s/s1600/TnT-PalletCell-case-infeed-sensors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Barcode Scanners on a Robotic Palletizer Case Infeed" border="0" height="198" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0MTGsCpCgo/Vrz5ipogWCI/AAAAAAAAATQ/H2p7YoDpH-s/s320/TnT-PalletCell-case-infeed-sensors.jpg" title="Barcode Scanners on a Robotic Palletizer Case Infeed" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barcode Scanners at a Palletizer Infeed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Robotic palletizers can be integrated directly with track
and trace case packers to create a complete end-to-end system. High speed case
packers integrated with stand-alone robotic pallet cells can handle up to 20-25
cases per minute using two robots, one to case pack and one to palletize. Track
and trace packaging lines requiring lower speeds, between 5-6 cases per minute,
can incorporate case packing and palletizing with a single robot to create a
very compact track and trace packaging solution. Labelers and scanners are also integrated with robotic
palletizers. Fully loaded pallets are also labeled using RFID tags, bar codes
or readable codes to fully verify the contents of the pallet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zngvll6t288/Vrz5igpDImI/AAAAAAAAATM/JxzAk7PNkRc/s1600/TnT-Palletizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Robotic palletizer verifies case serialization labels before palletizing the cases." border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zngvll6t288/Vrz5igpDImI/AAAAAAAAATM/JxzAk7PNkRc/s320/TnT-Palletizer.jpg" title="ESS Technologies Robotic Mini Pallet Cell with Track & Trace" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single Cell Robotic Palletizer with Integrated Serialization System</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
By integrating OEM serialization systems with packaging machinery,
pharmaceutical manufacturers can secure their supply line from counterfeiting
and meet current and future pedigree requirements. The investment in integrated
equipment provides a streamlined process that can be easily reconfigured for
future applications.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eGvmvHo_oM/Vrz5ingXUrI/AAAAAAAAATU/JBGRkRHAroU/s1600/TnT-PalletCell-DualCell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dual cell palletizer with track and trace allows robot to continue palletizing while full pallet is removed." border="0" height="222" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eGvmvHo_oM/Vrz5ingXUrI/AAAAAAAAATU/JBGRkRHAroU/s320/TnT-PalletCell-DualCell.jpg" title="ESS Technologies Dual Robotic Pallet Cell" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dual Cell Robotic Palletizer with Integrated Serialization System</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i></div>
ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-43437115576992619902016-02-11T11:14:00.000-05:002016-02-16T10:19:52.981-05:00Cartoners and Case Packers for Track and Trace Serialization<i style="font-size: small;">(This is part two in a three-part series on integrating packaging machinery with track and trace serialization systems to meet the 2017 pharmaceutical mandates. <a href="http://esst-packaging-machinery-blog.blogspot.com/2016/02/packaging-machinery-for-track-and-trace.html" target="_blank">Part one is here</a>.)</i><br />
<i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i>
<br />
<h2>
Robotic Track & Trace Inspection Systems</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The simplest application for track and trace systems is the
pick-and-place inspection of products. Whether the product is an aggregation or
an individual carton or bottle, a properly programmed robotic cell with
well-designed end-of-arm tool (EOAT) can pick the object, pass it in front of a
vision inspection system or a barcode scanner and place it in a bin or on a
conveyor, depending on whether the product is rejected or passed downstream for
further packaging. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5dJ3AXpCHg/Vrtb48u3EkI/AAAAAAAAAS4/U2IGOhwxYcM/s1600/TM-CEL-bottle-collation-bottom-camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Camera for inspecting serialization codes on bottles." border="0" height="287" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5dJ3AXpCHg/Vrtb48u3EkI/AAAAAAAAAS4/U2IGOhwxYcM/s320/TM-CEL-bottle-collation-bottom-camera.jpg" title="ESS Technologies Robotic Case Packer with Integrated Serialization" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robot Will Hold Bottles Over Inspection Camera Prior to Case Packing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Robotic inspection works well in applications that require
an aggregation to be verified after individual products have been bundled, and
aggregation scanning equipment cannot be integrated into an existing machine.
The stand-alone robotic system can pick the bundle and move it under or over a
scanning device. The system allows for rescanning the bundle in the event of a
read error. The scanning device can also verify the count, the bottle or carton
status and create a list of each item in the bundle. The robot places rejected
bundles in a reject bin to be reworked or discarded.</div>
<h2>
Track & Trace Cartoners</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pick and place inspections systems are not the only robotic
application for track and trace packaging machinery. Robotic systems can be
used in an end-to-end packaging line to help track the first product in all the
way to the finished pallet, ensuring the integrity of every product, every, carton, every
case, and every pallet throughout the production process. For example, a
packaging line for pharmaceutical bottles begins as each filled and closed
bottle is marked with a unique serial number, which may be printed on the
label, on the bottle or on an RFID. Sensors verify the code as each bottle
enters a robotic case packing cell. The code is read as each bottle is collated
into the correct pack pattern to account for the contents that will be placed
in the case (the aggregation process). The serialization information is stored by the system microprocessor to be accessed by carton labelers and used in downstream packaging processes.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLNfW3vTs0w/VrtbjESPsMI/AAAAAAAAAS0/mnsk6u2dg9M/s1600/bottles-enter-omnivision-module.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Serialization camera module integrated on a robotic case packer from ESS Technologies." border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLNfW3vTs0w/VrtbjESPsMI/AAAAAAAAAS0/mnsk6u2dg9M/s200/bottles-enter-omnivision-module.jpg" title="Serialization Camera Module Integrated On a Robotic Case Packer" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottles Enter a 4-Camera Serialization Module Where Unique Product codes are Recorded</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
Track & Trace Case Packers</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Automatic case packers with integrated serialization systems
allow manufacturers to easily form aggregates and record the contents of each
case as they are loaded. As products labeled with unique identifying codes
enter the infeed and collation zone, cameras on all four sides of the product capture
the code and store it in the system microprocessor. The products are then
collated and loaded into the erected case. Robotic case packers for track and
trace applications incorporate EOAT that uses a unique suction cup with
integrated vacuum sensor for each bottle in the pack pattern. This allows the
EOAT to verify that it has picked all of the bottles in the pack pattern via
the vacuum sensor. Camera inspection systems can also take a picture of the
loaded case and compare it to a picture of a correctly loaded pattern to verify
that all bottles have made it into the case.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPci4lIyTsk/Vrtb4pP8MBI/AAAAAAAAAS4/nuHJhD3UGJ4/s1600/TM-CEL-TnT-image-of-bottom-labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPci4lIyTsk/Vrtb4pP8MBI/AAAAAAAAAS4/nuHJhD3UGJ4/s320/TM-CEL-TnT-image-of-bottom-labels.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aggregated Pack Pattern of Bottles with Serialization Labels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cases with complete patterns are tagged as “good.” Incomplete cases are
not tagged, causing them to be automatically rejected at the case packer
discharge. Automatic leaflet feeders with track and trace inspection
verification may be added to the case packer to automate the full case load. An
overhead camera is used to verify the load in the case. Good cases are then
labeled with track and trace information about the contents of the case. The
label may include a barcode or human-readable code, a writable RFID tag, which
is encoded after the case is packed, or a combination of all three. By tracking
each serial number in the pack pattern and applying that information to a
unique case, the manufacturer can know at all times exactly where each bottle
is in the packaging process. This process would be the same if the product
being case packed was a carton, bag, blister pack, or bundle.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YmhM4gAHBN0/Vrtb40Qkv5I/AAAAAAAAAS4/dh0UkNbza0I/s1600/TM-CEL-with-TnT-system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Robotic case erector and loader from ESS Technologies with integrated track and trace system." border="0" height="251" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YmhM4gAHBN0/Vrtb40Qkv5I/AAAAAAAAAS4/dh0UkNbza0I/s320/TM-CEL-with-TnT-system.jpg" title="ESS Model CEL 5 Robotic Case Erector / Loader with Integrated Serialization System" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ESS Technologies Model CEL 5 Robotic Case Erector / Loader with Integrated Serialization System</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">Next Post: <a href="http://esst-packaging-machinery-blog.blogspot.com/2016/02/robotic-palletizers-for-track-and-trace.html" target="_blank">Palletizers for Track and Trace Serialization</a></span></span></div>
ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-15758811901571019092016-02-10T11:58:00.000-05:002016-02-10T11:58:15.019-05:00Packaging Machinery for Track and Trace Serialization<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(This is part one in a three-part series on integrating packaging machinery with track and trace serialization systems to meet the 2017 pharmaceutical mandates.)</i></span><br />
<h2>
Introduction</h2>
Pharmaceutical manufacturers have many good reasons to implement track and trace technology within manufacturing and packaging processes. Serialization allows manufacturers to ensure the integrity of their product and compliance with emerging pedigree laws. Designed primarily as a response to the increase of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, pedigree and e-pedigree laws (for electronic documentation) require manufacturers to show the complete life cycle of the drugs they distribute, from the manufacturing process through the end-of-line packaging.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FpFRri8Mc8/VrtbjzLkMbI/AAAAAAAAASE/e7P7zYdb06g/s1600/Serialization-Label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FpFRri8Mc8/VrtbjzLkMbI/AAAAAAAAASE/e7P7zYdb06g/s320/Serialization-Label.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2D and Serialization Codes Used in Track & Trace Packaging Lines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unit level tracking methods have been in place for years. Lot/Expiration codes are ubiquitous on a wide variety of products. But recent changes to the law have shifted the focus to implementing track and trace systems with case packers and palletizers. This can present a number of challenges to pharmaceutical manufacturers, so selecting a qualified packaging machinery supplier to work with the track and trace system supplier is vital. Pharmaceutical companies already invest heavily in capital equipment for manufacturing and packaging. By integrating track and trace serialization technology with automated end-of-line packaging machinery, pharmaceutical manufacturers can meet pedigree requirements and maintain their levels of productivity in a single robust solution.<br />
<h2>
Packaging Machinery for Track & Trace Lines</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Serialization systems track the product from the time it is
placed in its primary package (bottle, vial, tube, jar, pouch, etc.) to its
final placement on a pallet at the end of the packaging line. This requires
integrating inspection and tracking equipment from a track and trace system
supplier with the packaging machinery at each step in the packaging process. It’s
important to select an equipment provider who understands the requirements
being faced by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Ideally, the packaging machinery
supplier is also an integrator who can work with other OEMs to successfully
implement a track and trace packaging line.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-uFgpSpzOw/Vrtbhd1TnxI/AAAAAAAAAS0/BWJ0j9ryMvo/s1600/Optel-360-Camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-uFgpSpzOw/Vrtbhd1TnxI/AAAAAAAAAS0/BWJ0j9ryMvo/s320/Optel-360-Camera.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPci4lIyTsk/Vrtb4pP8MBI/AAAAAAAAAS4/nuHJhD3UGJ4/s1600/TM-CEL-TnT-image-of-bottom-labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPci4lIyTsk/Vrtb4pP8MBI/AAAAAAAAAS4/nuHJhD3UGJ4/s320/TM-CEL-TnT-image-of-bottom-labels.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameras for Scanning Product Codes (Top) and the Stored Code Information (Bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The track and trace systems incorporate several types of equipment.
First labeling or other types of coding equipment place a unique ID code on the
item being packaged, e.g. bottles, cartons, blister packs, bundles, etc. Next
cameras and other sensors that are capable of reading the ID are integrated
with the packaging machinery at various stages in the packaging process such as
cartoning or case packing. Print and apply labelers are integrated to label the
case with information about its contents, and these labels are also inspected
for accuracy. Reject systems are integrated to allow improper product to be
removed from the production stream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The packaging equipment to be integrated with the serialization
system should also be considered carefully. Automated packaging machinery is
better able to handle production speeds needed to factor in the time it takes
to record the serialization information without diminishing overall production
rates. The process typically begins with the primary packaging equipment.
Individual products, be it bottles, cartons, trays, or bundles, are labeled
with a unique identifying code during the primary packaging of the product. It
is this code that the track and trace system uses to create information about
the contents of each carton, case and pallet.</div>
<h2>
Storing Serialization Data</h2>
Track and trace serialization systems incorporate a means for recording
and storing the serialization data for each production run. This is usually
accomplished through a dedicated PC integrated with the printers, cameras, and
sensors. The centralized data point allows the system to distribute serial
number information to each packaging level at each tracking point such as when
the product is cartoned, when the carton is case packed and when the case is
palletized. These systems interface with the packaging machinery controls to
allow the exchange of information.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7ed-xj8JhY/VrtbhLxx8-I/AAAAAAAAAS0/0wAhF7gJmAI/s1600/Optel-HMI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7ed-xj8JhY/VrtbhLxx8-I/AAAAAAAAAS0/0wAhF7gJmAI/s320/Optel-HMI.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PC Interface for Recording Serialization Information</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next Post: Cartoners and Case Packers for Track and Trace SerializationESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-66024904417683001412014-04-21T11:13:00.001-04:002014-04-21T11:13:14.659-04:00A Hand in Automation<h3>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introduction</span></u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A recent assessment of advances in robotics published by the
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) attributed increased robotic
dexterity to the overall rise in robotics for manufacturers:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalIndent">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>While the benefits of manpower reduction and increased
operating efficiency are enough to justify the use of robots in the
manufacturing line, the real growth in robotics is due to the advances in the
design of end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT) or the end effector. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalIndent">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(PMMI. “2014 Trends in Robotics Market Assessment.” PMMI, Reston
Virginia: 2014, p. 16.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This increase is also true for those involved in primary and
secondary packaging processes, especially for packagers of pharmaceuticals,
diagnostics, and medical devices. Indeed, innovations in vacuum cups, pneumatic
grippers, etc., coupled with advances in mechanical design tools using 3-D
simulations of EOAT allow engineers to create ever more flexible and nimble
robotic tooling capable of handling multiple tasks. As an authorized robotics
system integrator for FANUC America, ESS engineers have designed hundreds of
robotic end effectors for a range of applications from assembling drug delivery
devices to machine infeeds, robotic carton and case loading, track & trace
inspection, and robotic palletizing. Each application requires a different
approach to the design of the robot EOAT.</span></div>
<h3>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Types of EOAT</span></u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Robotic end effector styles can be categorized as vacuum,
gripper, platen, or some combination, which can be referred to as hybrid EOAT.
Recent developments in “bean bag” soft robotic grippers offer variations on
these basic categories. Magnetic EOAT represent yet another category of end
effectors beginning to make headlines in automation. The application will
dictate which type of EOAT works best.</span></div>
<h3>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vacuum EOAT</span></u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ESS deploys vacuum-style EOAT most often. In this design,
one or more vacuum cups with vacuum pumps are fitted to a base plate that
attaches to the robot. When air is applied, the pumps create a vacuum seal with
the cups, allowing the robot to lift whatever is attached to the vacuum cup.
This style is best for lifting objects and cases that have a smooth surface.
The wide range of vacuum cups available today handles everything from large
cases to individual products.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TFVpuAt7Dk/U1UujySo18I/AAAAAAAAAP8/TxlAASr7Wgo/s1600/vacuum-suction-cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TFVpuAt7Dk/U1UujySo18I/AAAAAAAAAP8/TxlAASr7Wgo/s1600/vacuum-suction-cups.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Just a Few of the Wide Range of Vacuum Cup Shapes and Sizes Available to EOAT Designers</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gripper / Pincher EOAT</span></u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gripper-style EOAT represents the next most designed style
that ESS sees. Also called pincher EOAT, pneumatically controlled grippers can
clamp around an object (or objects) and lift it. Objects with irregular shapes
or non-smooth surfaces can be handled more reliably with this type of EOAT.
Gripper EOAT is also ideal for applications where the robot must manipulate the
product, such as shaking a bottle. In case packing such products as foil
pouches, gripper EOAT can be fingered to grab products from a stacker.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vMrqqG9AZY/U1UxEs1fisI/AAAAAAAAAQY/qa-3DLqaxcw/s1600/gripper_side-by-side_EOAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vMrqqG9AZY/U1UxEs1fisI/AAAAAAAAAQY/qa-3DLqaxcw/s1600/gripper_side-by-side_EOAT.jpg" height="227" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Three-sided Grippers Allow Robot to Shake the Bottle without Dropping (left) Pinchers Firmly Grip Vials (right)</span> </b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRQvYOqkYmY/U1UuhPB4IUI/AAAAAAAAAPk/W5KSSNhlPVg/s1600/fingered-gripper-eoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRQvYOqkYmY/U1UuhPB4IUI/AAAAAAAAAPk/W5KSSNhlPVg/s1600/fingered-gripper-eoat.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fingered Gripper EOAT Can Grab Foil Pouches, etc. From a Stacker</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hybrid EOAT</span></u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ESS sometimes integrates vacuums with gripper EOAT to create
a more stable hybrid end effector for irregularly shaped packages. The vacuum
cups affix to the smooth parts of the irregular product while the grippers
prevent slippage.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAF1wRE1vbg/U1UxEkia_qI/AAAAAAAAAQc/Gekjd9ZXRBU/s1600/hybrid_topserts_side-by-side_EOAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAF1wRE1vbg/U1UxEkia_qI/AAAAAAAAAQc/Gekjd9ZXRBU/s1600/hybrid_topserts_side-by-side_EOAT.jpg" height="166" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>EOAT with Vacuum Cups and Side Grippers Give Added Support When Case-Packing Bottles with Topserts (Portions of the EOAT have been masked to protect proprietary designs.)</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Platen EOAT</span></u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Platen end effectors also employ vacuum pumps, but rather
than using suction cups, the plate of the EOAT is punched with numerous holes.
A foam pad is then placed over the plate. When the vacuum pump is applied the
entire plate becomes a vacuum, allowing the robot to pick entire layers of
product at once.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fj96IbAMiK4/U1UyYiOMKfI/AAAAAAAAAQw/5Zs7KUomgGM/s1600/platen-eoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fj96IbAMiK4/U1UyYiOMKfI/AAAAAAAAAQw/5Zs7KUomgGM/s1600/platen-eoat.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Platen EOAT Picking a Layer of Bottles from a Tote</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Multi-Zone and Multi-Function EOAT</span></u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EOAT design has also advanced in terms of how much one end
effector can actually do. Multi-function EOAT allows a single robot end
effector to perform multiple tasks. For example, ESS’s CEL 5 Case Erector /
Loader incorporates an EOAT that uses a vacuum arm to pick and erect RSC cases
and move them across a bottom taper. The same EOAT then picks objects that have
been automatically collated at the infeed and places them in the same RSC case that
it just erected. The same EOAT also bumps the case out of the robotic cell to
an integrated top case closer or manual closing station.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1Gb73VBhWo/U1UxDJT8wXI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/B-Y7jXQ20Co/s1600/CEL5-side-by-side_EOAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1Gb73VBhWo/U1UxDJT8wXI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/B-Y7jXQ20Co/s1600/CEL5-side-by-side_EOAT.jpg" height="171" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">One EOAT Erects the RSC Case (left) and Loads it (right)</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<h3>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EOAT for Palletizers</span></u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even palletizing end effectors can be designed for more than
one product or purpose. ESS designed a pallet cell end effector that allowed
the pharmaceutical manufacturer to palletize large bottles into crates, picking
three bottles at one time. ESS engineers programmed the same robot and end
effector to nudge the bottles into their correct position to allow room for
more bottles within the crate. Palletizer EOAT can be “multi-zoned” devices
that arrange the vacuum cups in such a way that multiple case sizes can be
handled with a single EOAT, reducing the cost for size parts and eliminating
lengthy changeover times. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gB-M2v_Y-Ls/U1UxFTYWmFI/AAAAAAAAAQo/_J093x0MIrg/s1600/palletizer-side-by-side_EOAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gB-M2v_Y-Ls/U1UxFTYWmFI/AAAAAAAAAQo/_J093x0MIrg/s1600/palletizer-side-by-side_EOAT.jpg" height="170" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Multi-zone Palletizing EOAT (left) and EOAT with “Nudge Blade” for Crating Bottles (right) (Portions of the EOAT have been masked to protect proprietary designs.)</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<u style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Advanced Design Tools</u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Software that allows 3D modeling of a ro</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bot end effector as
well as simulation design software allows designers to fully visualize a robot
end effector and test its functionality in a virtual environment. This allows
engineers to fully test the </span>interoperation<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of vacuum and grippers in hybrid
</span>EOAT<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> as well as verify speed and product handling. By designing the </span>EOAT<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in a
virtual environment first, engineers can reduce the R&D time required to
specify correct vacuum cup sizes and configurations, as well as vacuum pump
PSI, and other details.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sA7T7TmxOo/U1UxDM2tksI/AAAAAAAAAQM/AHBSJem7GX0/s1600/DWG-Actual_side-by-side_EOAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sA7T7TmxOo/U1UxDM2tksI/AAAAAAAAAQM/AHBSJem7GX0/s1600/DWG-Actual_side-by-side_EOAT.jpg" height="188" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Concept Case Erector / Loader EOAT (left) and Final EOAT (right)</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<h3>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today’s advanced EOAT design tools and components have
allowed EOAT designers to create ever more flexible, nimble and functional
robot end effectors. This increased functionality has allowed robotic
automation to expand into every part of the manufacturing and packaging
processes. The 2014 PMMI report concludes that:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalIndent">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>For manufacturers, the future will be more robots –
working across the entire manufacturing process -performing repetitive tasks
and doing the heavy lifting in collaboration with human workers...Robots of the
future will move along the manufacturing line tirelessly improving throughput,
eliminating waste and reducing overall operational costs. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalIndent">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(PMMI. “2014 Trends in Robotics Market Assessment.” PMMI, Reston
Virginia: 2014, pp. 35-36.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ESS has years of experience successfully integrated robotic
solutions into manufacturing processes as well as primary and secondary
packaging processes. Our EOAT designs handle the most delicate products and
safely palletize the most robust shipping cases. Contact us to learn more about
ESS robotic manufacturing and packaging solutions.</span></div>
ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-17844817215926997732014-02-07T16:27:00.000-05:002014-02-07T16:27:39.806-05:00Keeping Track<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In <a href="http://www.pmmi.org/index.cfm" target="_blank">PMMI’s</a> recently released “2014 Trends in Robotics Market
Assessment,” the authors noted that:</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Leading the way for innovative uses
of [robotic] vision sensor technology are pharmaceutical manufacturers, who are
applying the technology to help with serialization. During the past decade, the
pharmaceutical industry has been working to implement item-level serialization
and e-Pedigree data transfer for end-to-end tracking and tracing capabilities -
starting from when the product comes off the packaging line to when it reaches
a merchant.</i>(1)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The study points out that while only about half of all
robotics installations currently include vision technology, that number is
expected to increase significantly over the next five years. (2) As
a packaging machinery manufacturer for the pharmaceutical industry and a <a href="http://www.fanucrobotics.com/" target="_blank">FANUC America</a> robotics integrator, ESS has already seen a marked increase in interest
for these types of systems. Beyond the ergonomic advantages of reducing
repetitive motion for human workers, robots also provide error-proof inspection
and aggregation in track & trace serialization applications.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/V30.shtml" target="_blank">Robotic case packers</a> and <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/Pallet-Cell.shtml" target="_blank">robotic pallet cells</a> easily integrate with
track & trace systems from OEM suppliers. Faced with impending track &
trace compliance mandates, pharmaceutical manufacturers are turning to integrators
like ESS to provide vision-enabled track & trace serialization for packaging
lines. These packaging systems integrate scanners, cameras, and PC-based
software, supplied by the track & trace OEM, to read the unique aggregate
code on each unit they manufacture and send that information to a track &
trace software package. In a robotic case packing application, a robot
facilitates the process by holding an aggregated pack pattern over a vision
inspection system to verify the coded units before loading them in the case.
Once the aggregation is verified and the units case packed, the track &
trace system may also have the capability to print a label that itemizes the
contents of a case.</span></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSNdHffGMAk/UvVI0YNROdI/AAAAAAAAAN8/lOwvaA_991U/s1600/TM-CEL-bottle-collation-bottom-camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSNdHffGMAk/UvVI0YNROdI/AAAAAAAAAN8/lOwvaA_991U/s1600/TM-CEL-bottle-collation-bottom-camera.jpg" height="287" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Robotic Case Packer With Integrated Vision Inspection for Track & Trace Serialization</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Track & trace robotic pallet cells work in a similar
fashion. The case labels printed by the track & trace system may include a
unique code for the case as well as information about the case contents. Or
alternately, the unique code may be applied on a separate label. In either
case, this unique code can also be vision-inspected while the case is conveyed
to the robotic pallet cell, or the robot could be programmed to pick the case
and hold it up to a vision inspection system prior to palletizing. The track
& trace software can also keep track of the pallet’s contents as cases are
loaded, and a pallet labeler can be integrated to print and apply the pallet
aggregation information.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The recent passage of the federal<a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr3204eh/pdf/BILLS-113hr3204eh.pdf" target="_blank"> Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA, H.R. 3204) </a>has given pharmaceutical manufacturers a clear direction
forward regarding the implementation of track & trace serialization in
their manufacturing and packaging processes. Many pharmaceutical manufacturers,
anticipating the need to comply with California’s now superseded e-Pedigree
laws, have already begun to specify, purchase, and install robotic, automated
track & trace packaging solutions. Experienced packaging machinery OEMs and
integrators offer an excellent resource to pharmaceutical manufacturers,
providing insight and practical solutions for meeting these emerging drug
packaging standards. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(1) <i> </i>PMMI. (February 2014) “2014 Trends in Robotics Market Assessment,” page 8.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(2) Ibid.</span></div>
</div>
ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-72064824328266676962012-02-24T15:19:00.002-05:002012-02-24T15:22:45.507-05:00Robots with A (Re)Purpose<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have all heard the phrase reduce, reuse, recycle. Use less. Use it again. Return it to its original form to reshape it. It’s easy to apply the logic to aluminum cans, but what about packaging machinery? Add a fourth R, repurpose, and the adage also holds true, and with significant cost-savings.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Traditional packaging machinery is designed such that a different automated system may be needed for each step in the process. As an example, a vial packaging line would include one system to pick trays from a magazine and place them into loading position, a second system to load vials in the tray, a third system to pick and place leaflets onto trays, a fourth system to place lids on trays and a fifth system to snap the tray lids closed. When the manufacturer replaces vial packaging with another application, all of those pieces of equipment no longer have a purpose — in essence they become waste, and expensive waste at that. They cannot be re-used. It is impossible to reduce the tooling cost as each system would need to be replaced to handle a different application. And recycling the metal in the equipment might provide some money back, but nowhere near the amount initially spent.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today, an alternative to traditional packaging machinery exists for manufacturers — robots. A single robot with carefully designed end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) and the correct programming can easily pick and place a tray, pick vials and load them, pick a leaflet from a feeder, place it on top of a tray, pick a tray lid and place it on the tray. A simple device for closing the tray lid may still be necessary, but already the equipment has been reduced from five systems to two. (Admittedly, to do this at any sort of speed, the system would require at least two robots – one to handle the tray placement and loading and one to handle the leaflet and tray lid.) But the real advantage comes to light when the manufacturer changes the product he is packaging.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">True story: A customer of ESS called the other day and said, “That robot cell you sold us? Well we’re not doing that application any more. We want to repurpose our robot.” Because the company originally selected a <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/TaskMate-Robotic-Systems.shtml" target="_blank">TaskMate™ robotic system</a>, which <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Robotics.shtml" target="_blank">integrates a FANUC robot</a> with ESS-designed EOAT, they can now use the robotic cell for an entirely different application. The robot, robot base, and controller need no changes. New EOAT and programming for the robot costs very little compared to the cost of a new system. Only a few weeks after placing the order, the system will be up and running the new application. And when <em>that</em> application comes to an end, the customer will be able to repurpose the robot again. With the correct preventative maintenance, many years may pass before the system is at risk of becoming nothing more than expensive waste. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Manufacturers have many choices of how to “go green” when it comes to packaging machinery. <a href="http://www.fanucrobotics.com/" target="_blank">A bright yellow FANUC robot</a> in a TaskMate cell is one easy way to do so.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TbGZVis3pU/T0eV6B6YqXI/AAAAAAAAAEM/fTDCKOGHLWM/s1600/taskmate-blister-loading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" lda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TbGZVis3pU/T0eV6B6YqXI/AAAAAAAAAEM/fTDCKOGHLWM/s1600/taskmate-blister-loading.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>TaskMate Robotic Systems</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-87971256829513791632011-11-01T15:01:00.000-04:002011-11-01T15:01:51.637-04:00The Ergonomics of Automation<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As an integrator for <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Robotics.shtml" target="_blank">FANUC Robotics, North America</a>, ESS has given a good deal of discussion to the advantages of increased productivity achievable when manufacturers automate their manual processes. A number of factors contribute to the increased production, including faster speeds, improved material handling, and reduced downtime associated with changeover. The ergonomics of automation are less widely discussed, but reducing workplace injuries also increases productivity and can save manufacturers thousands of dollars in lost productivity and worker’s compensation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Ergonomic Injuries by the Numbers</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), often referred to as ergonomic injuries, accounted for 28 percent of all workplace injuries and illnesses requiring time away from work...</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[i]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> MSDs include sprains and strains, inflammation, degeneration, tears, pinched nerves or blood vessels, bone splintering and stress fractures. Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome fall into this category as well.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A research paper published earlier this year, “An Ergonomic Investigation of the Case Packing Line at Company XYZ”</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[ii]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> provides a succinct analysis of the types of injuries and their impact on a manual case packing operation. The paper concludes that the most common injuries were associated with the wrist and the back.</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn3" name="_ednref3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[iii]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Back injuries are most commonly the result of improper lifting techniques; wrist injuries are caused by cumulative trauma disorders (CDTs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. In this particular study, seven OSHA recordable injuries totaled more than $59,000 in workers compensation claims over a four year period.</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn4" name="_ednref4" style="mso-endnote-id: edn4;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[iv]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> While the paper did not include data for manual palletizing processes, it is not hard to imagine a similar injury rate for that physically demanding process. Data from the BLS further underscores the lost of productivity due to workplace injuries, for example:</span></div><div class="MsoListBulletCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3,277,700 total reportable injuries; 965,000 of those injuries resulted in time missed from work</span></div><div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">379,340 injury reports involved sprains, strains, and tears; 11% of those injuries (43,100) occurred to workers in the manufacturing industry</span></div><div class="MsoListBulletCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">195,150 back injuries were reported; 10% (20,540) occurred to workers in the manufacturing industry </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn5" name="_ednref5" style="mso-endnote-id: edn5;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[v]</u></span></span></span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The study of the case packing line concluded that, “The case-packing process should be further investigated in order to implement changes that will reduce the ergonomic risk factors currently present.”</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn6" name="_ednref6" style="mso-endnote-id: edn6;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[vi]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Automation Solutions</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robotics automation offers a quick and relatively uncomplicated solution to reducing the ergonomic risks of both manual case packing and palletizing processes. <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/V30.shtml" target="_blank">Robotic case packers</a> can quickly collate and load cases of product, and often these systems require less floor space than manual case packing stations. While the case packer still requires human intervention to run the machine and re-load the case magazine, the repetitive motions are handled by the robot, which cannot be injured.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/Pallet-Cell.shtml" target="_blank">Robotic pallet cells</a> also require a human operator, mainly to operate the pallet jack to move pallets into and out of the pallet cell, but the robot handles the case lifting and stacking motions, again reducing the risk of injury to personnel. Even assembly and material handling processes can present an injury risk to employees. Assembly processes very often include repetitive processes that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, as can some material handling processes. For example, hand feeding a high speed blister packaging machine can require anywhere from one to six people to repetitively load blisters with product. <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/TaskMate-Collate-Load.shtml" target="_blank">Robots today have the dexterity needed for many assembly and material handling processes</a>, allowing human personnel to be reassigned to duties that are less likely to cause injury.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>Conclusion</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looking at the bottom line only, by reducing the risk of injury to their personnel, manufacturers can realize decreased downtime due to employee absence as well as decreased worker’s compensation costs. This may lead to increased profitability, which may, among other things, allow manufacturers to avoid relocating their factories to countries with lower wages in order to reduce overhead costs. Factor in the human equation and calculate the number of injuries not suffered by employees, and manufacturers can clearly see the ergonomic advantages of automating manual processes. </span><br clear="all" /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;"><div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[i]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> Bureau of Labor Statistics (11/9/2010) “Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away From Work, 2009.” Retrieved from </span><a href="http://www.bls.gov/"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://www.bls.gov</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> 10/14/2011.</span></div></div><div id="edn2" style="mso-element: endnote;"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[ii]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> Schmidt, J. (2011) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An Ergonomic Investigation of the Case Packing Line at Company XYZ</i>. Retrieved from </span><a href="http://www2.uwstout.edu/content/lib/thesis/2011/2011.schmidtjos.pdf"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://www2.uwstout.edu/content/lib/thesis/2011/2011.schmidtjos.pdf</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> 10/14/2011.</span></div></div><div id="edn3" style="mso-element: endnote;"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref3" name="_edn3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[iii]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> Ibid, p. 34.</span></div></div><div id="edn4" style="mso-element: endnote;"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref4" name="_edn4" style="mso-endnote-id: edn4;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[iv]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> Ibid, p. 49.</span></div></div><div id="edn5" style="mso-element: endnote;"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref5" name="_edn5" style="mso-endnote-id: edn5;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[v]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> Bureau of Labor Statistics “Latest Numbers.” Retrieved from </span><a href="http://www.bls.gov/IIF/"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://www.bls.gov/IIF/</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> 10/14/2011.</span></div></div><div id="edn6" style="mso-element: endnote;"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref6" name="_edn6" style="mso-endnote-id: edn6;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><u>[vi]</u></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> Schmidt, p. 38.</span></div></div></div></div><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-67365412368146762212011-08-30T11:48:00.000-04:002011-08-30T11:48:10.370-04:00The Eyes Have It: Machine Vision and the Art of Pick & Place<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A recent article written by FANUC Robotics about delta-style robots points out, “In an ideal world, parts line up and fit perfectly; however, in the real world work pieces often require a wiggle or visual adjustment.”</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[i]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> In pick-and-place applications, this is especially challenging. Hard automation requires relatively precise positioning in order for the system correctly pick and place objects. An offset of even a few millimeters can potentially cause a missed pick or a botched place. In high speed packaging machinery, this will cause a system stop. One solution to avoid this down time requires a pair of eyes and deft handling to quickly and correctly pick and place. Enter the vision-capable delta style robot. The combination a FANUC M-1iA delta-style vision-enabled 6-axis robot with a flexible conveyor system creates a highly reliable and fast pick-and-place system that requires very little floor space.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In picking applications, machine vision systems continuously take a snap shot of the product moving on the conveyor, which is often backlit to increase the machine vision’s accuracy. As the article explains, “When a product is identified by the camera, its location is combined with the current position of the conveyor belt. As the product enters a robot work area the robot is able to accurately move to the product and either pick it or work on it while matching the current conveyor speed.”</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[ii]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> This allows even oddly shaped objects to be accurately picked and precisely placed at high speeds. Space-hogging expensive bowl feeders can often be replaced with this type of system. <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/TaskMate-Flexible-Feeding-System.shtml">ESS has successfully tested these robotic flexible feeding systems for picking and placing droppers, caps, plugs, wands, filter elements, cosmetic pans, ball bearings and more.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Assembly applications are also taking advantage of vision-enabled robotic systems. A six-axis M-1iA robot offers increased flexibility, allowing parts to be fed from the sides of the work zone, increasing the usable work space.</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn3" name="_ednref3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[iii]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The use of machine vision and flexible conveyors to handle the assembly components further reduces the floor space required for the system, allowing a wide variety of manual assembly processes to be automated. Manufacturers in a range of industries are beginning to embrace machine vision; in fact, ESS has conceptualized and/or manufactured assembly systems for medical devices, diagnostic test kits, filter assembly, cosmetic compact assembly, cap and wand sub-assemblies, and requests for proposals for these types of systems are on the rise. It’s easy to see how machines with vision offer a clear solution in pick-and-place processes.</span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /></span><div style="mso-element: endnote-list;"><div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[i]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Bruce, David. “<span class="bnp-articles-title">How to Automate More Assembly Applications—The Delta Robot Advantage.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Assembly Magazine</i> 18 May 2011. 18 August 2011. <http://www.assemblymag.com/Articles/Howto/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000001050346></span></span></span></div></div><div id="edn2" style="mso-element: endnote;"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[ii]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> Ibid.</span></div></div><div id="edn3" style="mso-element: endnote;"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref3" name="_edn3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[iii]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> FANUC Robotics America, Inc. <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif";">M-1iA Genkotsu (fist) Robot</span></em>. Rochester Hills, MI: FANUC Robotics America, Inc., 07/2009. Print.</span></div></div></div>ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-71499979690749483112011-06-24T14:09:00.000-04:002011-06-24T14:09:42.699-04:00Size Matters<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DoNotShowComments/> <w:DoNotShowInsertionsAndDeletions/> <w:DoNotShowPropertyChanges/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.pmtdirect.com/website/article.asp?id=19716">A recent article in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PMT Magazine</i></a> pointed out the innovations in compact packaging machinery that allow packagers to maximize productivity without maxing out their available floor space. Size matters in packaging facilities, and bigger isn’t better when it comes to machine footprints. As the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PMT</i> article states, “Most packaging professionals can’t recall a time when getting the most functionality out of a piece of real estate wasn’t a concern.”<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[i]</span></span></span></span></a> This concern also applies when upgrading a manual packaging process to a semi-automatic or fully automatic process. A manual work station can require more room than people realize, and in many cases, the automated solution actually uses less space. For example a manually loaded cartoner infeed requires space for the product infeed conveyors as well as the area where one or two workers (or more, depending on cartoning speed) stand to load the product from the infeed conveyor to the cartoner bucket infeed. Assuming the product infeed requires 10-18 inches width for conveying product to the loading station and the workers are an average shoulder width of 16-22 inches, the cartoner infeed would need to be extended, at a minimum, almost three feet per worker (and possibly more). In contrast, <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/TaskMate-Collate-Load.shtml">robotic cartoner loading systems</a> can perform the same task in only 3’ x 3’ of space. And if small size wasn’t enough, a robotic system can handle filling the cartoner infeed 24/7/365 without risking repetitive motion injuries.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Technology advances also allow machine sizes to dwindle. Walt Langosch, Director of Sales and Marketing for ESS Technologies explained to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PMT Magazine</i>, “When you had mechanically driven systems with motors and cams, [the machine] needed large heavy frames...Newer servo- and pneumatically driven machines, on the other hand, require smaller support structures.”<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[ii]</span></span></span></span></a> Langosch goes on to point out that smaller machines mean less heat to be ventilated, and in some cases, less electricity is needed to run the machine. But going too small can present real drawbacks for the packaging process. It is important to <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/">partner with an OEM who has experience in specifying the right size of machine.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today’s machine building technology makes possible solutions that were unthinkable five or ten years ago. Automated packaging systems such as <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/Monoblock-Filler-Capper.shtml">monoblock fillers/cappers</a>, <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/SC-Series-Horizontal-Cartoner.shtml">horizontal cartoners</a>, <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/V30.shtml">robotic case packers</a>, and <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/Pallet-Cell.shtml">robotic mini pallet cells</a> offer solutions to automate manual packaging processes without maxing out the available factory floor space. Retrofitting manual systems to use robotic or other types of automation offers another solution. <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/TaskMate-Collate-Load.shtml">Compact robotic systems</a> are ideal not just for cartoner infeed loading, but pick-and-place kit packing, product sorting, puck loading or unloading, blister or thermoformer loading, and more, all in a very small footprint that integrates easily with existing equipment. As Langosch observed, “If packaging system owners thought they couldn’t automate their manual lines because of space issues, they should take a fresh look at it.”<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_edn3" name="_ednref3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[iii]</span></span></span></span></a> Today, there are more ways than ever to increase productivity while keeping the equipment small.</div><div style="mso-element: endnote-list;"><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[i]</span></span></span></span></a> Parsons, Jim. “The Race for Inner Space.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PMT Magazine</i>. May/June 2011. pp. 48-54.</div></div><div id="edn2" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[ii]</span></span></span></span></a> Ibid.</div></div><div id="edn3" style="mso-element: endnote;"> <div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7912565920295741001#_ednref3" name="_edn3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[iii]</span></span></span></span></a> Ibid.</div></div></div>ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-51593210380627978812011-05-06T16:54:00.000-04:002011-05-06T16:54:59.967-04:00End of Line Packaging TrendsIt seems these days, no matter what part of the packaging process one is talking about, automation is the word. This is also true for end-of-line (EOL) packaging. Increasingly, manufacturers and contract packagers look for flexibility in the equipment they specify for their packaging lines. The impetus for this is two-fold. First, manufactures are looking to do more with less — more productivity and more uptime, with fewer personnel, less floor space and less capital equipment. <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/V30.shtml">Robotic case packers</a> and <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/Pallet-Cell.shtml">palletizers</a> offer a higher rate of speed than most traditional EOL systems, and fewer personnel are required to operate the equipment. A carefully designed robotic system will also greatly reduce the amount of floor space required for the system, especially in multi-SKU lines where conveyors require a substantial portion of the needed floor space.<br />
<br />
Second, retailers who are in the process of streamlining their own operations have started to require manufactures to deliver mixed pallets — pallet loads that consist of multiple products in various case sizes. Robotic case packers and palletizers handle changes in package size and weight more efficiently, and robotic EOAT can be designed to handle multiple product types. Even EOAT dedicated to a single product can increase flexibility as changeovers require no tools and can be accomplished in under two minutes. Automatic EOAT changeover systems, such as the one available from ESS Technologies, make fast changeover even easier, and completely hands-free. Responding to pre-programmed instructions, the robot detaches one EOAT to a special docking station that holds all the EOAT for the system. Once docked, the robot automatically releases the current EOAT and positions itself over the desired EOAT. The robot then connects itself to the selected EOAT and returns to the ready position. Today’s robotic controllers allow multiple “recipes” to be stored, making the switch from one product to another a simple “one-button” process.<br />
<br />
<br />
Robotic case packers and palletizers offer a more flexible and reliable solution for packaging products from single or multiple packaging lines. The low maintenance costs and ease of operation give robotic systems a very fast return on investment (ROI), and their flexibility and high reliability make them useful for many years as they tackle the packaging challenges that non-robotic systems cannot address.ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-41865050370826092722011-04-07T11:17:00.000-04:002011-04-07T11:20:11.073-04:00Feed the MachineInfeed speeds can affect productivity for both primary and secondary packaging machinery. Infeeds that fail to keep pace with the equipment’s production capabilities create costly unscheduled downtime while the machine waits for product, and speed is not the only concern. Improper infeeding will cause a high speed packaging machine to jam, which stops the system and potentially causes damage to the product or the machine. Feeding the machine with correctly-placed components at the proper input speed can be a challenge for packagers who use a manual process to supply the infeed.<br />
<br />
To give an example of the expense that manual loading incurs, during a routine process evaluation, ESS Technologies, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and integrator of high speed packaging lines, reviewed a process for a prospective customer that required three personnel, on three shifts to orient and manually load product into a blister packaging machine at a rate of 10-14 cycles per minute. The total cost of personnel salary, machine downtime due to misfed product, and employee absenteeism caused by repetitive-motion injuries placed the estimated annual cost of operation at around $225, 000 per machine.<br />
<br />
ESS Technologies, Inc., determined that one <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/Products/TaskMate-Collate-Load.shtml">robotic loading system</a>, complete with a <a href="http://www.fanucrobotics.com/">FANUC robot</a>, custom end-of-arm tooling, a product bowl feeder, a secondary orientation device and programming, would offer an ROI of under one year, allowing valuable human resources to be redeployed in other parts of the manufacturing process. In addition, robotic loading of the blister packaging machine allowed the machine to reach a production speed of 14-18 cycles per minute compared to 10-14 cycles per minute achieved by the manual loading process. The robotic machine infeed meets high speed input requirements and provides greater flexibility for product handling, providing a solution to keep packaging lines running at optimum efficiency while reducing labor costs, scrap and re-work.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ht.ly/4vcHJ">A recent assessment by the International Federation of Robots</a> that takes into account the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami effect on northeast Japan concludes with a positive outlook continuing for the robotics market, in spite of the chaos. Robotics offers a complete solution for the automation of primary and secondary packaging lines. As flexibility increases and the cost to install robotic systems decreases, more and more manufacturers can improve production speeds and reduce scrap and rework by incorporating robotic cells to handle machine loading and unloading. The dexterity and speed of today’s multi-axis robots has never been greater, making robotic loading a cost-effective means of keeping up with today’s high speed packaging equipment.ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-51001214646430270932011-03-21T15:29:00.000-04:002011-03-21T15:29:17.560-04:00Servo vs. Mechanical: Which machine is best for you?A recent <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/1124143">LinkedIn</a> discussion amongst members of the Packaging Machinery group debated the virtues and drawbacks of mechanical versus servo-driven automated packaging machinery. Several comments focused on increased flexibility offered by servo machines, which includes allowing changes to be made “on the fly,” and increased production speed compared to mechanical systems. Others noted that the skill level required to service servo-driven machines is very different from the skill set needed for mechanical machines, remarking that industrial mechanics generally understand (or can figure out) the workings of mechanical machines, but not all understand servo motors and the programming involved with using them. But cost is the big difference between servo and mechanical machinery, so it is important to understand when to use servos and when a more cost-effective mechanical solution will work.<br />
<br />
For manufacturers and packagers of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices, cosmetics, and consumer goods, an audit of the packaging process offers the best way to determine which solution should be implemented, <a href="http://www.esstechnologies.com/AppNotes/WP-Six-Steps-to-Evaluate-Process&Automate.shtml">especially in scenarios where a manual process is being replaced by an automated process</a>. It not only allows the company to fully understand the current process, it is helpful when writing the equipment specification and calculating ROI. A complete system audit allows companies to understand their current strengths and weaknesses, and put the money where it will have the greatest impact. In general, servo systems work best in applications with multiple product sizes at fairly high production speeds. Mechanical solutions are often more cost effective in production lines with one or two high volume products that can easily justify the cost of custom tooling. A forward thinking system integrator can design a mechanical system that can be upgraded to use servos in the future. The audit allows the integrator and the manufacturer to have a conversation about which type of machine is best for the application and define the best performing, most cost-effective solution.<br />
<br />
Which type of machine works best for your application? We would love to hear about it.ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912565920295741001.post-32525252362616062532011-02-08T16:47:00.000-05:002011-02-09T16:25:04.885-05:00Welcome To ESS Technologies, Inc. Packaging Machinery BlogTo blog or not to blog, that was the question. After researching the trends and studying the methods, ESS Technologies, Inc. is pleased to present the <span class="emphasize">Packaging Machinery Blog</span>. Our goals for this space are: <br />
<ul><li>Provide information about ESS Technologies, Inc.</li>
<li>Provide a resource for learning to specify the right packaging machinery for your application</li>
<li>Provide insight into the technologies and innovations that create state-of-the-art packaging lines</li>
</ul>In the near future we will be posting articles on precision filling and capping solutions, flexible feeding systems, new product announcements, cases studies, application notes, and more. We look forward to your feedback and we welcome suggestions for articles that you would like to see on this blog.ESS Technologies, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03511536157528384588noreply@blogger.com0