Tri-Cell Palletizing System with Transfer Cart, Courtesy of Pearson Packaging Systems

Tri-Cell Palletizing System with Transfer Cart, Courtesy of Pearson Packaging Systems FANUC Authorized System Integrator, Pearson Packaging Systems has designed and constructed a tri-cell palletizing system to support the growing needs of a frozen seafood manufacturer. The customer needed to upgrade its legacy mechanical palletizers, which were unable to support anticipated throughput demands. This long-term customer was looking for a flexible and reliable solution that could handle multiple SKUs and varying case sizes and pallet patterns, all within the existing floor space. Three palletizing cells with M-410iB/140H robots support a 30% increase to 60 cpm, with additional capacity to support up to 90 cpm for an overall production increase of 95%. Full cases are palletized directly onto a slip sheet. A transfer cart replaces extensive outfeed conveying while fork trucks move the completed loads directly from the cell to the downstream operations. Load buffering stations ensure continued operations while the completed pallet awaits takeaway transport. The solution needed to handle up to 82 SKUs and 16 different stack patterns for high-volume and small-batch runs. Downtime from complicated, time-consuming changeovers needed to be minimized. Each robot is equipped with a multi-function end-of-arm tool (EOAT) to pick slip sheets and cases. Independent vacuum zones regulate suction to accommodate different case sizes, weights and quantities without changeovers. A high-speed sortation system with barcode scanner identifies and directs cases to the appropriate palletizing cell, while a spiral gravity conveyor transports rejected cases or small-batch runs to ground level for manual handling. The HMI’s Pallet Configuration Tool enables easy recipe selection and pallet modifications to transition quickly to new product runs. Discover Why Pearson Should Be Your #1 Partner pearsonpkg.com