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iCam-Based Linear Pick-and-Place Mechanism Maintains Control of Empty Cartons

Transferring empty cartons from a high-speed forming machine into a smart carton identification and loading system helps to maintain control of the lightweight boxes prior to use.

JLS designed and manufactured this carton handling system for high-speed, low-noise operation.
JLS designed and manufactured this carton handling system for high-speed, low-noise operation.

JLS Automation, a manufacturer of hygienic robotic packaging solutions for a broad spectrum of applications, including primary product handling, case packaging, and cartoning, recently added a vision-guided carton loading solution to its product offering. The patent-pending Peregrine uses JLS TRAK technology to transport cartons between grippers for robotic loading.

“We have incorporated the linear servo motion technology of the JLS Trak to manage the carton size and position within the system,” says Craig Hafner, chief technology officer, JLS. “The machine even has the capability to handle different carton sizes concurrently as the focus has been to accurately manage the cartons within a small footprint with quick and repeatable size change.”JLS designed and manufactured this carton handling system for high-speed, low-noise operation.JLS designed and manufactured this carton handling system for high-speed, low-noise operation.

A potential shortcoming of the approach was the transfer from the carton former into the grippers. If the cartons were dropped or handled roughly, it could create a weak link or bottleneck while transporting the cartons.

To resolve this issue, JLS designed and built a carton handling system using a two-axis linear pick-and-place mechanism. The system is lightweight and fast to meet strenuous production requirements, according to the company. To minimize the need to stock a new part for maintenance and repair of the system, JLS used similar components featured in some of its other machines. After some evaluation, designers made their selection.

A primary component required for this carton handling mechanism included cam followers designed and manufactured by Intech. Intech’s PowerCore concave cam followers provided a maintenance-free operation, which was necessary for the conditions that the JLS system would experience during production. Compared to metal parts, the components also operated more quietly since they didn’t require lubrication, and because of this, JLS also eliminated the possibility of contaminating the cartons with grease.

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