TPT July 2021

AR T I C L E

Fives Group

• It is quite straightforward to improve the performance further, by simply increasing the robot payload to decrease the number of pickings in medium/large tubes. • It’s possible to implement ‘mini bundle’ solutions without affecting the performance In addition, there is a 50 per cent changeover time reduction, since it only involves adjusting the bundle conveyor before strapping, without needing to adjust the carriage and the forks as well. The power consumption is also estimated to reduce by 10 to 15 per cent thanks to the regenerative robot controller, contributing to implement growing environmental policies.

Figure 3: Hexagonal packs of carbon steel round tubes picked up by the magnetic clamp

Space saving Thanks to its small size modules, the Robopack systems take up 25 per cent less space than traditional fork-style brothers, and can also easily fit in normally unused plant spaces such as the areas between pillars. Fast commissioning The Robopack standard-module concept helps to reduce the engineering efforts needed to reach a customer’s requirements, thus offering shorter delivery time, thanks also to – in this specific system – the non-fundamental working direction, often a late-to-arrive detail. For the same reason, the small and light modules make the installation easier, quicker and safer than forks, leading to a 30 per cent commissioning time saving. Low maintenance The use of robots involves a significant maintenance cost reduction, due to less moving parts and greasing areas, with an overall part wear reduction and subsequent lower rupture risk and spare parts need. Should it occur, thanks to its modular design, a restricted number of different spare parts would be needed, avoiding most of the common downtime causes, with a positive impact on the working capital. In addition, robots come with maintenance plans with known and limited costs, providing all the guarantees of a mature technology and industrialised standard product. Finally, parts that require maintenance are easily accessible, reducing the need for skilled manpower. Caring for surface quality The Robopack systems are perfectly suitable for stainless steel and automotive applications, where the product quality

preservation is mandatory. Thanks to the anthropomorphic technology, the bundle loading is carried out gently from the top instead of tubes being roughly downloaded by the forks. In addition, all tube contact surfaces can be coated by plastic or rubber, avoiding scratches and preserving tubes from contamination. Safe and noise reduction Robopack ensures high safety standards because the robots provide a full set of integrated and certified safety modules along with low maintenance requirements, which help to reduce the likelihood of injury. Thanks to less moving parts, gentle tube handling and top loading, the overall noise is strongly reduced thus improving safety and operator ease of work, meeting increasingly stringent work safety regulations. Conclusion The Robopack system is the most advanced packaging system on the market, according to Fives. It combines the use of robotic technology with a strongly modular design offering a highly flexible, efficient, cost saving, quality oriented, safe and noise improving solution. As well as packaging, Fives is further developing the robotic technology, applying it to other finishing processes such as beveling in the future.

Fives Group – France www.fivesgroup.com

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JULY 2021