Demand-orientated material in full flow

Automation specialist IEF Werner can equip component palletisers in the varioSTACK series with up to six shafts, it is stated, for flexible factory automation and demand-orientated material flow.

This autonomous, modular system is said to be suitable for a diverse range of applications, including the automotive component sector, as well as the pharmaceutical and health and beauty industry. In the UK, customers also benefit from the technical and commercial guidance and expertise of RARUK Automation when specifying and integrating equipment into existing or new production lines.

Starting with a more traditional two-shaft version of the varioSTACK, customers have the ability to handle two types of tray – one for ‘raw' components and one for finished parts – said to be ideal for smaller lines with less reliant automated equipment.

Product changeover within line cycle

When production lines need an uninterrupted supply of components, the automation specialist can equip the palletisers in the varioSTACK series with up to six shafts. Among other things, this allows product changeover within the line cycle – without interrupting production.

The operator can process several product variants simultaneously and the system has a second pallet table for this purpose. Both component types are placed on the respective tables. In this way, it is possible to switch between the two variants without any loss of cycle time, it is stated.

“During operation, the operator can preload a second product by simply inserting a new product into an empty shaft and then assign the new programme to the shaft via the control system. The compact design of the varioSTACK component palletiser system suits applications with limited space.

“The varioSTACK pallet handling model complements the range and is ideal for connection to any robots or customer-specified product handling equipment. It too allows for stack changes without interruption to the production cycle.”

Short cycle times within cleanroom conditions

Many products, especially in medical technology, the pharmaceutical or health and beauty sectors, are processed in cleanrooms and the varioSTACK CF. together with an integrated IEF Werner product handling solution. allows manufacturers to benefit from short cycle times within cleanroom conditions – Class 8 according ISO 14644-1.

“The varioSTACK CF can pick up loaded trays weighing up to 20 kilograms and the tray changing time is less than 5 seconds. The product handling gripper can pick up components weighing up to 5 kilograms (including the gripper) and has a repeat accuracy of ±0.05 millimetres.”