SITUATION
The customer wanted to expand its COVID test kit assembly operations by automating the packaging line, replacing slower, unpredictable equipment. The line needed to run autonomously, aside from operators loading feed systems and clearing reject bins, at an output of 70 parts per minute with minimal rejects.
SOLUTION
Thermoform In-Feed Conveyor- Supplies thermoforms to the denester station.
Tube & Funnel Placer- Picks the tube from the tube and funnel indexer and places the parts into the thermoform on the main blister indexer.
Tube Rotate- Rotates the tube part until its label is in the correct position.
Cap Placer- Picks caps from the cap indexer and places them into the thermoforms on the main blister indexer.
IFU Placer- Picks instructions-for-use (IFU) inserts from the IFU indexer.
Unload/Reject- An EOAT places good parts into the good-parts chute, while a second EOAT places rejected parts into the reject chute.
DESIGN FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS
- Four integrated feeder bowl systems for tube, funnel, cap, and IFU parts
- Integrated labeling system applies the label to the tube part
- Vacuum heads and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) pick and place components from the cap indexers onto the main blister indexer
- Reject and overflow bins on the machine’s exterior
- Class 3 guard enclosure
- Output: 72.5 PPM
- Stack light indicators and audible alarms show current machine state
- Allen-Bradley 10” PanelView HMI
- HMI with icon-based controls, manual override mode, and live cycle rate/station display
Approximate Machine Dimensions: 275”L x 338”W x 117”H
Power Requirements: 480 VAC, 3-Phase, 60A
Pneumatic Requirements: 80 PSI, 20 SCFM
