This is Douglas Machine’s economical, small footprint Invex® 3S case/tray packer, in operation at PACK EXPO.
Invex® is a line of machines intended to give lower volume packagers access to the attributes of high speed Douglas machines -- flexibility, repeatability, durability, product handling knowhow, reduced parts count and ease of maintenance. Although at up to 17 cases per minute, the 3-station Invex® 3S is plenty fast in an exceptionally small footprint.
The key is a mechatronic design that makes effective use of innovative servo module technology. The servo modules, supplied by Schneider Electric’s packaging specialist, ELAU, contribute to reduced installation cost and the cost, space and complexity of electrical cabinets and cabling.
The 18 servos also require only two power supplies in the electrical cabinet, with just two cables leading from the cabinet to machine-mounted modules. Compare that to 18 cabinet-mounted drives for conventional servo motors, with either 36 cables snaking through the machine to the cabinet -- or up to 54 cables for brake-equipped motors.
That allows Douglas to reduce assembly time, offering the customer faster delivery. For 18 servos, the cabinet measures just 48” x 36” compared to 72” x 72” for an 18-axis machine using conventional servos.
