Should You Make The Switch?
If you want to switch from a conventional palletiser to a robotic one, you’ll need to provide your team with reasons why. You’ll also need to offer more evidence than saying that it’s safer or that it saves time. Keep reading to explore the benefits that robot palletisers offer in detail. By better understanding exactly what it offers, you’ll be able to make an informed decision whether or not to invest in one.
Robot Palletisiers Cost Less To Run
Robot palletisers usually cost more than conventional models. However, they compensate for this by reducing or eliminating ongoing costs in other areas.
They reduce the number workers needed to help lift, move or boxes or products during palletising, which reduces your spend on wages, insurance and the safety equipment needed to work with conventional equipment. This benefits workers too, moving them away from performing dull and repetitive tasks so they can focus on more stimulating work.
Depending on what brand and make of machine you choose, you can also look forward to reduced power consumption during operation. For example, the Okura Ai1800 Ultra and Ai700 Rapid (both popular models on the market) both use 50% less power during consumption.
Increased Throughput, With Up To 1200 Cycles
Working with robot palletisers means you can expect a machine that runs multiple cycles every minute, every hour of the day. This makes them faster than standard machines and as they're more reliable, you can predict exactly how long it takes to fill a pallet. You also won’t have to account for mandated safety breaks put in place to prevent worker injuries such as repetitive strain injury. With some machines offering up to 1200 cycles hourly, you can look forward to high speed palletising for multiple other palletising lines.
Fewer Damaged Goods
When working with people, mistakes happen whether you like it or not. Robots eliminate this by using advanced end-of-arm tools that adapt their grip with clamps or vacuums, using the exact pressure required.
Robots don't get tired and distracted and aren't pressurised by deadlines. As you can program their speeds each product will be handled with precision and care. Fewer damaged or dropped products or improperly stacked or orientated pallets will reduce your losses.
Easy To Program
Robot palletisers come with more complex programming inputs than conventional palletisers — often with touch screens and colour panels. This makes their programming more intuitive and easy. You can adhere to a set of predefined palletising patterns or design your own, changing the number of layers in each pallet, each layer’s configuration and the speed of palletisation.
Compatible With Many Products & Shapes
Conventional palletisers usually encounter delays when they work with different product shapes and sizes. Switching between boxes, cartoons and crates will create delays. Again, the robot’s end-of-use arm is versatile enough to hold different materials, moving them from conveyor to pallet quickly and safely.
It’s worth bearing in mind that even with a robot palletiser, you’ll need to adhere to certain rules and laws regarding how the palletiser is wired or connected. You could also need added equipment to deliver, or shrink wrap the pallets.
Working with a robot palletising specialist will be key to selecting the right machine for your needs. They’ll ensure it's compliant with your space and is customised to your requirements. Webster Griffin can assist your business with this, so contact them today.
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About Robot Palletisers