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SCARA robot and unified machine control

Douglas Machine moves from integrated linear thrusters to robotics and picks a single PLC for both robotic kinematics and traditional machine functions.

Replacing a pair of integrated linear thrusters with a SCARA robotic arm has greatly simplified the container metering system on Douglas Machine’s Contour 60-Series shrink wrap multipackers.
Replacing a pair of integrated linear thrusters with a SCARA robotic arm has greatly simplified the container metering system on Douglas Machine’s Contour 60-Series shrink wrap multipackers.

Douglas Machine recently introduced a design improvement in its Contour 60-Series shrink wrap multipacker. A single SCARA robotic arm is now used to meter cans or bottles into the film wrapping section of the machine. It replaces a pair of integrated linear thrusters that were relied on previously, one running in a vertical and the other in a horizontal plane.

“The previous approach was essentially more mechanical in nature in addition to being more complex,” says Steve Lipps, Senior Director of Product Management at Douglas. “A robot provides greater flexibility and range of motion while reducing mechanism complexity. Belts, pulleys, linear slide bearings, linkages, and grease points are reduced or even eliminated. It also addresses workforce issues because there are fewer parts to maintain, fewer changeover points, and an easier cleaning routine.”

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