June 21, 2010 – Intelligrated announces the Alvey Robotic Retrofit Program for its in-line case palletizers. The program includes installation of one or more jointed-arm robots to create a hybrid palletizer that combines robotic flexibility and repeatability with the speed and reliability of conventional palletizer layer deposition. Benefits of the Alvey retrofits include gentler positioning and rotation of product, automatic line changeovers, pattern changing flexibility and extended operational life - at a lower cost than a new robotic palletizing solution. Retrofits are completed on-site by removing the slat divider and existing case turners from the Alvey in-line case palletizer and installing one or two robotic arms for pattern forming.
Intelligrated offers each customer a choice of robotic arm OEM and operating software. Every robotic retrofit includes design and manufacturing of end-of-arm tooling, OIT (Operator Interface Terminal) screens, infeed conveyor and PLC programming. Flexible pattern forming from the OIT allows operators to handle changing packages and multiple SKUs quickly and easily. Patterns can be programmed to orient high-graphic packaging, creating ready-to sell pallets quickly and easily. With quick product reconfiguration and instant line changeovers, the Alvey Robotic Retrofit achieves gentle packaging rates in excess of 100 cases per minute.
