Posted to News on 28th May 2012, 10:13
PalletPack 460 for fast, flexible and cost-effective palletising
ABB Robotics is launching the PalletPack 460, a pre-engineered package of robotic palletising components featuring the new IRB 460 robot designed specifically for high speed end-of-line palletising. The packaged configuration offers integrated hardware with full documentation, reducing overall project costs and reducing set-up engineering time. It will allow integrators to more easily specify and design palletising systems, and reduce the barriers for end-users to realise the benefits of robotic palletising automation.
Speaking about the new PalletPack 460, Klas Bengtsson, product manager for ABB's picking, packing and palletising offer, comments: "ABB is very serious about palletising. This new function package allows integrators with little robotic experience to enter this market. The PalletPack is so easy to work with, without the need for any special robot programming know-how. Robot, grippers, safety and cell control PLCs, graphical HMI and software all come ready to plug-in and produce."
Available for either high-speed bag palletising or compact end-of-line case palletising, the function package consists of an IRB 460 palletising robot; a Flex-Gripper (either the Claw or one-zone Clamp gripper); an ABB control PLC; an ABB safety PLC; PalletWare support software; user documentation; and the ABB FlexPendant featuring an easy-to-use graphical HMI.
The heart of the PalletPack is the IRB 460, described as the fastest known palletising robot on the market. The 4-axis IRB 460 features a reach of 2.4 meters and 110-kilogram capacity, with a compact footprint that makes it suitable for integration into existing packing lines.
Wizard-enabled set-up and programming
A prime feature of the PalletPack is the programming wizard which makes the programming very similar to that used for a traditional PLC. This enables PLC programmers without specific robotic experience to programme the system, eliminating the complications that can arise when special skills are required.
The programming and operation are carried out via the user-friendly FlexPendant, the standard ABB Robotics HMI. This features a graphical interface with four user-friendly screens: pallet and pick setup, pallet pattern set-up, path profile edition and movement edition.
In summarising the benefits of this innovative new programming method Bengtsson states: "Programming times for the PalletPack 460 can be reduced by as much as 65 per cent compared to traditional methods, shortening the return on investment and making robotic palletising highly attractive to a wide range of end-users. What used to take days now takes only minutes. Robot programmers are an increasingly rare resource, so this package is transformational."
The new PalletPack 460 is fully supported by the ABB Robotics' global sales and service organisation in 53 countries and over 100 locations. For more information on ABB's PalletPack 460, please email [email protected], or visit the website at www.abb.com/robotics.
