PACKAGING
Overcoming challenges in sustainable packaging manufacturing Sustainability in the packaging industry is one of the key aspects in fighting the plastic waste issue and ultimately climate change. The challenges that this presents, require flexible and powerful automation technology to be overcome.
I
F MORE SUSTAINABLE materials are used in
sensor technology. This solution can be placed
Omron supports accurate detection of glue
packaging, it is still of the highest importance to
closer to the sealing bar.
patterns. The high resolution and brightness
ensure the quality of the end product remains
3. Packaging and label quality control
settings allow low-contrast defects to be detected, even in the toughest light conditions
unaffected. Changing to more sustainable materials
Flexible packaging with new elements such as
can result in typical problems on a manufacturing
resealable closures place different demands on
line. To overcome these challenges, automation
packaging integrity and quality testing. Thinner
and robotics technology that works flexibly with
films, bio-based materials, or those with a
Cardboard boxes made of recycled fibres have
different materials is needed.
higher recycled content have a different thermal,
higher porosity and are more flexible.
1. Film jamming
elongation and puncture resistance profile.
Although thinner, recycled films are more
These differences can lead to irregularities in
sustainable, they can tangle quicker. Correct handling with maximum throughput and minimum film consumption is key to overall original equipment effectiveness. Omron’s film tension control system provides synchronised control of tension, feed and cut. This is complemented by (colour) mark detection for film compensation through motion control to
the shape and edges during forming and cutting.
Changing to more sustainable materials can result in typical problems on a manufacturing line
or with difficult to detect materials. 5. Multi-material handling
Traditional palletising solutions are complicated to adapt and program, they take up a lot of space, and cannot be relocated to other parts of the plant when needed. It is therefore advisable to have an integrated collaborative robot (Cobot) solution with dedicated grippers to safely handle a wide range of irregular shapes, porosity levels and delicate objects.
ensure optimal unwinding of the roll. The Omron
Challenges in reading, checking, or verifying label
INTEGRATED AUTOMATION PLATFORM
Packaging Library offers a wide range of function
information on packaging are overcome with
Sysmac from Omron is an integrated automation
blocks for film processing in VFFS machines.
Omron’s high-speed inspection system.
platform that provides complete control and
The system is suitable for multiple lines and
2. Film sealing
management of an auotmated plant.
Thinner film materials offer lower costs and
transparent integration with robotic systems.
improved aesthetics. However, these materials
It offers a multi-camera platform with a single
controller series supports synchronous control of all
are more sensitive to heat when using traditional
controller for multiple-image capture at high
machine devices and offers advanced features such
adhesives and sealing technologies.
speed to reliably detect potential defects.
as motion, robotics, and database connectivity.
The sealing temperature must be controlled
4. New adhesives and gluing techniques
At the core of this platform, the machine
This multidisciplinary concept allows to simplify the
and automatically adjusted to avoid losing
To produce and seal cartons, companies are
solution architecture, reduce programming effort
productivity or sealing defects.
increasingly relying on a strategic and reduced
and optimise productivity. •
Omron addresses this challenge with an
application of adhesives. This requires a high
AI-based temperature control algorithm
level of precision and continuous quality control.
synchronised with machine movement and
With its automated visual inspection system,
Omron – www.industrial.omron.co.za
Flexible Production Integrated Robotic Solutions
• Autonomous teach and go and self-recharging • Automated can fit within a line or factory to achieve end to end automation and traceability • Intelligent can optimize travelling path and work within a fleet of up to 100 robots • Safe fully collaborative and operate along people Would you like to know more? +27 (0)11 579 2600 info_sa@omron.com industrial.omron.co.za
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QUARTER 1 2022 // P&C AFRICA
07-09-21 13:57
