Cognex vision sensor helps automate loading of transparent cartons.
A major beverage manufacturer uses transparent cartons to package its bottled drinks so that their distinctive branded labels are visible to consumers. However, the need to orientate the bottles so that the right part of the label is visible makes automated packaging a challenge.
In the past, bottles were filled on an automated line, and a team of 15 people manually loaded and orientated the bottles in the transparent cartons. Recently, this producer became the first to successfully automate high-speed carton loading with the use of a bucket auto-load cartoner from AFA Nordale Packaging Systems. Cognex Checker vision sensors are used to orientate the bottles before they are placed in the cartons.
“Orientating bottles at a speed of 30 or 60 bottles per minute would not be a major challenge,” said AFA Nordale engineer, David Langen. “But in this application the beverage manufacturer needs to pack 450 bottles per minute.”
AFA Nordale evaluated sensors from many leading vision companies. All seemed to have problems with at least one of the label types. “For example, one sensor worked with the red labels but not with the black or blue labels,” said Langen. “Another sensor worked with the red and blue labels but not the black labels. Then we tried the Cognex Checker 3G1 and found that it was able to read all of the different labels without any difficulty.”
The cartoner orientates the bottles by simultaneously spinning 14 at a time while 14 Cognex Checker 3G1 vision sensors view each bottle’s label. The vision sensors send a signal to stop spinning each bottle as soon as they see a letter that indicates the label is in the correct position. During machine validation, it was demonstrated that all the label types could be positioned reliably and well within the requirements of the producer.
“Up to now, drink manufacturers have avoided using cartons with windows because there has been no satisfactory solution to the problem of orientating bottles at high speed,” added Langen. “This new machine is the first to solve this problem by combining the latest vision sensor technology with an innovative mechanical solution. The machine meets the beverage manufacturer’s requirement of 450 bottles per minute and has been tested to 600 bottles per minute. In both cases the Cognex Checker 3G1 vision sensors have been able to align every single bottle except for those with misformed sleeves.”
Smart alternative for float switches ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
With the LI level sensor, you can reliably detect leakages and point levels on a permanent basis. The capacitive measuring system has no moving parts. Malfunction or maintenance issues due to deposits on the mechanical parts are therefore eliminated.
Read more...Telco sensors in the pulp and paper industry Gail Norton Instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
The pulp and paper industry poses a major problem for most photoelectric sensors. The high level of contamination in these dusty, dirty and grimy environments makes it impossible for most competing sensors to operate and sense reliably and efficiently.
Read more...Precision acoustic imagers Comtest
Sensors & Transducers
To help users identify and localise ‘mechanical areas of interest’ within short timeframes, Comtest has added a unique new feature to Fluke’s ii910 precision acoustic imagers.
Read more...Efficiency and precision with IO-Link sensors RS South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
RS South Africa has its own brand known as RS PRO, which offers a choice of over 88 000 products across all industries and technologies. The guaranteed quality and breadth of this range make RS PRO the smart choice for your business.
Read more...Smart alternative for float switches ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
With the LI level sensor, you can reliably detect leakages and point levels on a permanent basis. The capacitive measuring system has no moving parts. Malfunction or maintenance issues due to deposits on the mechanical parts are therefore eliminated.
Read more...Optical fork sensor series Gail Norton Instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
The OFS series consists of self-contained optical fork sensors that are housed in a durable, U-shaped aluminum housing, which operates in through-beam mode.
Read more...In-line process transmitter to optimise sterile processes WIKA Instruments
Sensors & Transducers
The new model DMSU22SA in-line process transmitter from WIKA helps to optimise sterile processes in the pharmaceutical and food industries, with less energy consumption, less cleaning effort ,and more safety.
Read more...Automated clean-in-place Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
A clean-in-place (CIP) process is integral to a food and beverage producer’s responsibility to deliver safe, high-quality products to consumers. However, as industries worldwide shift focus towards sustainability, CIP procedures face new challenges.
Read more...Signal conditioning is the protective armour between plant and field Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Sensors & Transducers
Measurement and control of physical properties are the foundation of all critical industrial technologies. Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing manager at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex explains the challenges of industrial signal conditioning and the importance of safety engineering.
Read more...Precise detection of complex rotational movements Beckhoff Automation
Sensors & Transducers
The EP3751-0260 EtherCAT Box module by Beckhoff connects an acceleration sensor with an inertial measurement unit - a gyroscope. This provides accurate detection of acceleration and rotational motion in addition to shock, vibration and tilt measurement, both as preprocessed values and as raw sensor data.
printer friendly version