SIG Pack Systems took advantage of its 150 birthday celebration held in Beringen, Switzerland, to unveil a suspension and modular design platform that is set to save space and expand application potential for its Delta pick and place robots.
The new column-type suspension design means that the SIG XR33 and XR22 Delta robots no longer need a cell system, which has to accommodate the width of the transportation system.
With robot controls integrated into the column, the new modular platform can be positioned to best meet pick and place requirements of industries ranging from biscuit manufacturers to pharmaceuticals. The modular design extends to the transportation system and safety guarding.
Integral to the flexible system is the use of mineral castings in the frame’s construction, said to be a first for packaging machinery. Normally seen in milling and drilling equipment, the mineral castings, which consist of a mix of minerals and epoxy resin bonding materials, provide vibration damping up to 15 times that of steel or grey cast iron. They are also four times lighter than steel.
The FDA approved mineral casting includes a permanently bound anti-microbial layer. The frame is designed to IP 65 wash down rating and features minimal horizontal surfaces. User safety is delivered through large-scale safety doors and the separation of individual robot working areas.
SIG Combibloc also took the opportunity to spotlight its recently launched Combishape system that puts a new angle on carton design. Developed to deliver all-important product differentiation, the aseptic packs have been liberated from their basic rectangular shape with designs including oval, moon-shaped, triangular, pentagonal and octagonal.
The first Combishape line has gone to a leading European dairy manufacturer, with a 2nd line being installed at an international beverage customer within the coming months.