The Robotic Cardboard Applicator System from PRE-TEC offers Oriented Strand Board (OSB) manufacturers a way to protect their products during transit and helps keep inventory costs low. PRE-TEC developed an innovative set up for this application; Tool Changers from ATI Industrial Automation increase productivity, but keep the system’s footprint small. 

PRE-TEC’s system is convenient for manufacturers. It provides a one-step, value-added, finishing process that helps to ensure the OSB arrives at its final destination in perfect condition. OSB products are distributed by rail, truck, or ship, where moisture and extreme temperatures can warp the exposed boards. Manufacturers incur significant chargeback fees for defective boards; thus protecting the OSB loads is a critical step in managing inventory costs. Prior to the implementation of this system, protective cardboard sheets were applied post-production by hand, if they were used at all.

ATI’s Tool Changers are integral in providing flexibility to this application. Electrical power and air must be supplied to the end-of-arm tooling, but ATI’s diverse selection of Utility Modules can easily accommodate these requirements. What’s even more enticing is that the reliability of ATI’s Tool Changers ensures that each system will yield repeatable results for millions of cycles. 

The Robotic Cardboard Applicator System features two Master plates and Tool plates used in tandem to maximize the productivity of the robot. One Master-and-Tool plate pair picks up and holds the protective cardboard in place, while the other Master-and-Tool plate pair carries the staple gun to the load and secures the cardboard pieces to the finished bundle. With this innovative configuration, the system consolidates two tasks in one step. Processing time for each load is just 55 seconds, much more efficient than wrapping the bundles by hand. The system pays for itself by increasing throughput for customers and minimizing profit loss from damaged inventory. 

Brian Clark, Design Engineer at PRE-TEC, developed the cardboard applicator system. When asked why they chose ATI Tool Changers, he said, “We use ATI products because they work!” In these custom applications, there is a multitude of factors to consider: design, customer requirements, and outsourced components. For PRE-TEC, using ATI equipment means there is one less variable in the equation, and that they can have confidence that the parts will work and last the life of the system. 

ATI’s Tool Changers complement PRE-TEC’s uniquely-configured finishing process by providing flexibility and reliability in a simple one-step solution. For OSB manufacturers who want to maximize the ROI and reduce chargebacks from distributors, the Cardboard Side Protector just makes sense! 

PRE-TEC offers flexible automated solutions, in the form of advanced technology systems that provide process improvements able to meet expectations for speed, accuracy, flexibility, and optimal throughput in all types of manufacturing and assembly environments. 

The PRE-TEC Equipment Division supplies six-axis robot arms, custom built end-of-arm tools, and conveyance systems in the form of integrated manufacturing cells for finishing, material handling, and welding. 

The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of RoboticsTomorrow

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