APS 1035 - Palletiser

Swift and precise movements

The central column is actuated by brushless motors, which guarantee highly dynamic, reliable and precise movements of all axes of operation. The employment of this technology within palletisation systems, which are characterized by repetitive actions, turns into higher reliability, fewer maintenance operations and lower operating costs.

Innovative technology

The machine automation and control are entrusted to the innovative Sercos Fieldbus technology, featuring an intuitive user interface for quick and easy management of end-of-line palletising operations. A touch-screen display with advanced graphics and a complete array of utilities for real-time machine diagnosis and technical support further enhance the machine control features. In addition to that, the HMI will display automatically all possible palletisation patterns just by entering the pack size and specifications, and the number of layers required.

Robustness and reliability

The accurate design of the column and of the horizontal beam, along with the creeping on recirculating-spheres skids, ensures fluid and uninterrupted movements, with nearly no dynamic buckling and virtual absence of vibrations: this is the key factor to be able to guarantee a lengthy life cycle of the mechanical components.

Top-level safety

The APS range of SMI palletisers is equipped as a base supply with the brand-new dedicated “safety PLC”, which allows to program all protection systems in a flexible, reliable and efficient manner. The PLC monitors the accurate functioning of all safety devices, integrating their performances, for a safe intersection between areas of handling inside the machine perimeter. This system enables to dramatically reduce machine downtimes, both in an emergency and during the pallet loading operation, the cardboard sheet loading operation, etc., thanks to dedicated solutions for each area of intervention. Maintenance operations are simple and easy, and the palletising systems adaptation to future safety rules will be quick and troublefree as just an upgrade of the PLC software will be required.

Low operating costs and slashed maintenance

APS palletising systems easily integrate into existing packaging lines or into new plants and can be set in motion immediately, since each single module composing the palletiser, conceived as an independent unit, is connected through a network to the central body. Thanks to this designing feature, each module is assembled, pre-cabled and tested at SMI production plant, thus minimizing assembly and start up operations at the customer’s site. For example, the central body can be easily disassembled, conveyed or stored in a small room, and later re-assembled and set in motion again in less than 5 hours. The mechanical simplicity, the employment of robot-based components and the structural optimization allow a remarkable reduction of the maintenance costs and of the energy consumption, as well as the extension of the machine life cycle.

* The stated values are not binding, as they have to be confirmed by SMI according to the user’s production conditions.

Single-lane infeed with simple preformation

Layer-forming system with a single-entry infeed including 1 double rubberized cadencing belt and 1 line/layer-forming product infeed belt The system, designed in accordance with FCR (Full Cost Reduction) methodologies, is tested in SMI factory and is supplied to the client fully assembled and cabled. The start-up consists of connecting the connectored cable of signals, power and sercos to the central module of the APS.

Fixed column with picking grip

Single column based on two Cartesian axes motion, along which a horizontal beam runs vertically on recirculating-sphere guides. The horizontal axe of operation is made up of the beam, along which, again on recirculating-sphere guides, the picking grip. The grip picks the pack rows up from a conveyor belt positioned at waist height and, with swift and precise movements, deposits them on the pallet in the desired spot. Vertical and horizontal motions are driven by brushless motors, which ensure perfect trajectories during the whole palletisation process.

Pallet magazine

Adjustable fork magazine for empty pallets, capable of: 1) loading the pallets into the magazine in both directions; 2) releasing the pallet to the line both headways and sideways (both right and left), in order to ensure the layout top flexibility. The pallet magazine is usually combined with a roller or chain conveyor belt (according to the pallet loading and releasing direction). Storage capacity: some 12 pallets with standard height (i.e. euro 144 mm).

Pallet roller conveyor

Frame in zinc-coated steel and rollers with 76 mm ø 150 mm pitch, motorised through a 5/8 inch chain. Electronically reversible central motorization. The system is tested in SMI factory and is supplied to the client fully assembled and cabled. Available in different lengths: 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 2500 mm and 3000 mm.

* The stated values are not binding, as they have to be confirmed by SMI according to the user’s production conditions.