At 450 cpm, the 'race track' collator's motion is barely viewable by
the human eye. The fully ELAU-automated system mesmerized visitors,
along with the intermeshing of pick-and-place arms, folding and forming
heads, transport and gluing systems.
Not a single chain in the system
There is not a single chain in a Somic machine. All the major
movements are driven by servos. And with some 20 servos, Somic
recognized that their speed objectives could not be achieved by a
conventional control system.
Therefore, some 9 years ago, they began working with ELAU, which has
the capability, unlike PLC-based systems, to provide the flexibility
and capability their customers require.
The system begins with a 60 cpm tray erector, and moves to a 450-cpm
collator, this example running aluminum pet food cups. The ELAU system
enables these high speeds. And the collator is completely
exchangeable, servos included.
Finally, the trays are covered with lids at approximately 40 cpm.
Somic machines are used throughout the snack food, food, beverage,
dairy and pet food industries. Their ability to produce a shipper that
doubles as a merchandiser is just what CPGs and retailers are looking
for in terms of sustainability and marketing. The lidded display trays
assure a clean POS display with no manual cutting.