How can a robot reduce line stops and increase productivity in your packaging process? In production lines, ensuring that each product arrives at the flowpack wrapper in the right position is essential to optimize the packaging process and avoid errors.
Automatic feeding systems with robots not only automate the transfer of products from the production line (ovens, conveyors…) to the flowpack wrapper, but also offer the flexibility, accuracy and adaptability needed to improve operational efficiency.
What are automatic feeding systems?
Automatic feeding systems are solutions designed to automate the product transfer process between production and packaging, reducing manual intervention. These systems are composed of equipment that sort, align and transfer products to the flow-wrappers with a continuous and accurate flow.
The automatic feeding systems can be configured to accommodate products of different shapes, sizes and product fragility levels. In addition, their modular and configurable design facilitates their integration into production lines. In industries such as food, they are extremely useful for conveying cookies, bread, crackers, toast and other products from ovens or conveyors to flowpack wrappers.
Types of automatic feeding systems
Synchropack has developed three different technologies for the automation of product feeding to flow wrappers.
- Handling Feeding Systems (HFS). The HFS receives the products, organizes them into portions and transfers them in an automated way to the flowpack wrappers. Their main objective is to maximize the efficiency of the packaging process, reducing manual intervention and ensuring accurate and uniform product handling.
- Conveyor Feeding Systems (CFS). CFS automate the transport, distribution and synchronization of products prior to packaging. Their integration into high production lines optimizes product handling and maximizes automatic packaging performance.
- Robot feeding systems (RFS). RFS automate product handling by means of different types of robots, selected according to the weight, speed and level of precision required. They are designed to optimize production processes, improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
In this article we will explore the different robots we develop at Synchropack and the benefits of integrating them with flowpack packaging machinery.
Robot Feeding Systems (RFS)
Robotic feeding systems automate the handling of products by means of different types of robots, selected according to the weight, speed and level of precision required. They are designed to optimize production processes, improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
Thanks to their versatility, these systems can be integrated into different industrial environments, offering solutions adapted to different volumes and types of products.
ANTRO
These anthropomorphic robots are ideal for handling multiple products or heavy loads in medium production processes. Their design mimics the mobility of the human arm, with several joints allowing for high maneuverability. Available in five-, six- or seven-axis configurations, they offer flexibility and precision in automated feeding and handling tasks.
SCARA
The SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) robots are to handle light products in medium production runs. These robots combine X-, Y- and Z-axis movements with rotation, allowing for greater versatility in product orientation. They are ideal for individual packaging or grouping tasks, guaranteeing precision and speed in confined spaces.
DELTA
These robots, known for their spider-like structure, are optimized for high-speed handling of light products. With 3, 4 or 5 axes of motion, they allow fast and precise movements, making them ideal for high-volume production processes.
COBOT
These collaborative robots are designed to work alongside operators in low-production processes, without the need for safety enclosures. With up to six degrees of freedom, they can handle and feed light products in a flexible and safe manner, adapting to different work environments.
CARTE
Specially designed for handling heavy products or long distances, these robots work in the Cartesian axes X, Y and Z with linear and precise movements. Their structure allows them to be adapted to different production needs, guaranteeing stability and precision in product handling.
Benefits of integrating robot feeding systems
The incorporation of robot feeding systems in flowpack packaging lines provides a series of advantages in terms of productivity and operational efficiency. Regardless of the type of robot, its use represents a qualitative leap compared to other more traditional solutions:
- Increased speed and continuity on the line. Robots allow constant and synchronized feeding of the wrapping machine, maintaining the pace of production even on high-speed lines.
- Accuracy in product placement. Each unit is handled safely and positioned precisely. This reduces packaging errors and minimizes product and film waste.
- Flexibility to multiple formats. Robots easily adapt to variations in product size, shape or layout without the need for complex mechanical changes.
- Improved hygiene and reduced human contact. Automation helps to keep the working environment cleaner, an especially important aspect in sectors such as food and pharma.
- Space optimization and increased safety. Thanks to their compact designs and collaborative work capabilities (in the case of cobots), they allow automation to be integrated without compromising operational safety.
Synchropack, packaging specialists since 1988
Robotic automatic feeding systems play a key role in optimizing flowpack packaging processes. From anthropomorphic solutions to collaborative robots, each technology brings efficiency, precision and adaptability to production needs.
Synchropack continues to develop innovations that improve the productivity and competitiveness of packaging lines, ensuring that our customers have state-of-the-art solutions for an increasingly demanding market.
Want to optimize the feeding of your packaging line? Contact Synchropack’s sales team to find out which automatic feeding solutions best suit your company’s needs.
FAQs about the FlowPack Packaging Industry
How do robots help reduce line stoppages?
They automate the transfer and precise placement of products, avoiding errors and stoppages due to incorrect positioning.
What are the advantages of automatic feeding with robots?
It increases the speed, precision, and continuity of the process, minimizing manual intervention and errors.
Can robots adapt to different types of products?
Yes, they are flexible and can handle products of different sizes, shapes, and levels of fragility.
How does a robotic system improve productivity?
It maintains a constant and synchronized flow to the wrapper, avoiding interruptions and waste.
Do robots improve hygiene on the production line?
Yes, by reducing human contact, they contribute to a cleaner and safer environment, which is crucial in sensitive sectors.
Can a robot be easily integrated into an existing line?
Yes, the systems are modular and can be adapted for integration without affecting overall operation.
Are collaborative robots safe to work alongside operators?
Yes, they are designed to work without safety enclosures, ensuring the safety of personnel.
