The column palletizer is an automated device that uses a unique single-column structure to efficiently and neatly stack products on pallets for easy storage, transportation and subsequent processing.
Working principle
The core of the column palletizer lies in its vertical column and the robotic arm that rotates around it and moves up and down.
Its basic workflow is as follows:
Product feeding: The products to be palletized (such as bags, boxes, bottles, etc.) are accurately delivered to the working area of the palletizer through a conveyor belt, usually the product grabbing point.
Grabbing products: The grabbing device on the palletizer (the end effector, such as a gripper, suction cup or clamp, etc., which will be customized according to the product type) descends to accurately grab one or more products.
Lifting and rotation: After grabbing the product, the robotic arm rises vertically to a certain height to ensure that it will not collide with the stacked products or pallets below when rotating. Subsequently, the entire robotic arm rotates horizontally around the central column to move the product above the target pallet.
Positioning and placement: The robot arm descends to the specified height and position, the gripping device releases, and the product is accurately placed at the preset position on the pallet.
Stacking cycle: The palletizer repeats the above gripping, moving and placing cycles, stacking the products layer by layer according to the preset palletizing mode (pallet type) until a pallet is full.
Pallet type switching and pallet handling: When a pallet is full, the system will send a signal to automatically or semi-automatically replace the empty pallet. At the same time, the palletizer can switch different palletizing schemes (pallet types, number of layers) through the program according to production needs to adapt to different products or packaging specifications.
Due to its design characteristics, the column palletizer has many significant advantages in the field of automated palletizing:
Small footprint: This is its most prominent advantage. With a single column structure, the equipment itself occupies a very compact space, which can maximize the use of limited plant area, and is particularly suitable for space-constrained production environments.
High efficiency and high throughput: It can achieve fast and continuous palletizing operations and significantly improve production efficiency. Some high-performance column palletizers can complete hundreds of grasping cycles per hour.
High precision and stability: The precisely controlled servo motor drive and stable column structure ensure the accuracy of palletizing and high repeatability, making the stacked stacks neat and stable, reducing the risk of stacking during transportation and storage.
Easy and flexible operation:
Usually equipped with a friendly HMI (human-machine interface), operators can easily set, modify and switch different palletizing schemes, reducing the operating threshold.
The pallet type can be highly customized, and can be freely set in a variety of arrangements and stacking layers according to product size, packaging characteristics and transportation requirements.
By replacing different grasping clamps, it can flexibly adapt to various types of packaging such as cartons, bags, barrels, bottles, etc.
High economic benefits: Compared with some larger and more complex robotic palletizing systems, column palletizers usually have lower initial investment and maintenance costs, lower energy consumption, and therefore a shorter payback period.
Improve work safety and reduce labor intensity: Automated palletizing replaces manual handling and stacking, greatly reducing the risk of work-related injuries caused by repetitive and heavy physical labor (such as lumbar muscle strain, sprain, etc.), and ensuring the health of employees.
Column palletizers are widely used in the following industries that require automated palletizing due to their high efficiency, compactness and flexibility:
Food and beverage industry: Palletizing of packaged foods (such as biscuits, instant noodles), beverages (bottled water, canned beverages), dairy products and other products.
Daily chemical industry: Automated palletizing of boxed or bagged products such as detergents, cosmetics, and personal care products.
Chemical industry: Palletizing of bagged fertilizers, cement, plastic granules, powdered materials, small barreled chemicals, etc.
Pharmaceutical industry: Palletizing of products such as medicine boxes and medical equipment boxes.
Building materials industry: Palletizing of small building materials, tiles, floors and other products.
Feed industry: Automated palletizing of bagged feed.
Logistics warehousing: As the automation link at the end of the production line, the packaged products are stacked on pallets for subsequent storage or outbound delivery.
Other packaging industries: Column palletizers are ideal for any scenario where bags, boxes, bottles and other packaged products need to be efficiently stacked on pallets.
Column palletizers are an important part of modern intelligent manufacturing. With its compact and efficient features, it provides reliable automation solutions for many companies, helping to improve production efficiency, reduce operating costs and improve product quality.
Based on the product information, usage conditions, installation site environment, and layout provided by the customer, we provide customized solutions for free.
For complex on-site conditions or special workpieces, Tongli can provide on-site investigation and measurement services to make appropriate solutions.
All accessories have passed factory testing and meet specifications, enabling continuous and unobstructed operation.
Having a professional equipment installation team, with excellent skills and tools, we provide fast and reliable robotic arm installation services.
