Robots Allow Potato Supplier to Upgrade Easily

Four robots supplied by Fanuc Robotics and used for packaging at Greenvale, the UK's largest supplier of fresh potatoes, have proved to be highly flexible over their 10 years of operation. Undergoing three major system upgrades over the 10 years, to meet customer packaging and volume demands, the four Fanuc Robotics robots continue to provide a strong return on investment.

The robot systems, two each at Greenvale's Cambridgeshire and Berwickshire sites, were designed and supplied by food automation specialists Abar Automation. A strategic partner of Fanuc Robotics UK, Abar Automation has supported the systems over their lifetime and managed the re-engineering on each occasion as required. Each Abar DL-16 Container Loading Cell is the same and currently picking and placing pre-pack 2.5kg and 5kg bags of potatoes into Merchandisable Units (MU's) at 60 bags per minute.

Originally, the systems had been designed to handle 30 bags per minute from a twisted-tape bagging machine but improved packaging and capacity demands have seen this increase. The robots have been moved and upgraded at least three times to accommodate different packaging formats. If the company had instead chosen a pick-and-place machine on a conveyor system, the cost of re-engineering, where possible, would have been higher. Greenvale's Cambridgeshire site has a production capacity of 2,400 tonnes per week - through implementing lean practices and investment, this capacity is equivalent to what three plants would be operating at ten years ago.

Flexibility remains a core importance in justification of plant, but equally important is the amount of space taken up, or available, relative to an increase in production. The small footprint of the Abar robot cells was another important criterion for Greenvale, as space is limited and costly. In addition, the Fanuc Robots have been reliable, with just one service a year.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa...
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin...
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more