e & v Systeme has developed a high-performance packaging machine with a pick-and-place palletizing robot that places filled and closed cartons quickly and orderly on load carriers. To ensure the high overall performance of both system components, the machine manufacturer relies on synchronous servo motors, drive controllers, motion controllers and the matching AS6 automation platform from Stöber and thus receives the complete drive and automation technology from a single source. e & v Systeme in Oberbayer has been supplying customized labelling and end-of-line packaging solutions since 1999; in addition to semi-automatic and fully automatic systems, the range also includes, for example, setting machines with case erectors and case sealers. In addition, there are case packers for trays, carton machines for folding cartons, palletizers for canisters and buckets and pick & place palletizers for filled cartons.

When it comes to purchased parts, e & v Systeme relies on selected suppliers and attaches great importance to flexibility, delivery reliability and consistent quality. This is because the required components have to be on site reliably and quickly when needed and fulfill the desired tasks precisely. One of the partners is Stöber Antriebstechnik from Pforzheim. For the new packaging machine in combination with a pick-and-place palletizing robot, the engineers focused on the overall performance of the packaging machine and palletizing robot to ensure smooth running, reliability and user-friendliness. This required a complete solution for the drive and control train. This included four PE4EZ4 series planetary geared motors for screw drives. The high-precision planetary gearboxes are directly married to the dynamic servomotors without motor adapters. This saves installation space and reduces weight, reduces running noise and offers high dynamics. For quick and easy installation, the specialist offers a one-cable solution with the Hiperface DSL absolute encoder integrated in the motor. Fast process data transmission via Ethercat ensures high resolution and accuracy. The interface meets high safety requirements and maintenance technicians can prepare remote diagnostics quickly and easily via the internet.

Complete program from Stöber installed. © Stöber drive technology

The motor was combined with a double-axis controller from the SI6 drive controller series in modular technology; the modular technology concept provides an economical solution to the tasks in this packaging system. The SI6 can process encoder information of up to 64 bits. In conjunction with the integrated, high-resolution encoders of the servomotors, this means maximum positioning accuracy. The highly dynamic series achieves short settling times with rapid setpoint changes and load jumps. It also relies on the STO (Safe Torque Off) function for safety and is certified in accordance with EN 13849-1 at the highest performance level e (category four).

This system is controlled by the MC6 motion controller, which is ideal for robotic functions. With e & v systems, this is designed as a touch panel. Language switching is included, as is user administration. The employee can operate the machine in a user-friendly manner with customized settings and intervention options.

The four-axis-controlled suction system - the high-precision planetary gearbox is directly married to the dynamic servomotor without a motor adapter. This saves installation space, reduces weight, is quiet and dynamic. © Stöber drive technology

The Automation Control Suite AS6 development environment includes all the motion control functions contained in Codesys V3. High-performance drive and motion libraries are available for program creation, allowing the application to be implemented with significantly reduced programming effort.

With this four-axis-controlled transport unit, the packaging machine manufacturer ensures low susceptibility to faults and achieves a high output. The cartons run over a driven roller conveyor with separation via pneumatic stoppers. At the same time, the system automatically removes empty pallets from a magazine and conveys them to the filling station. Lifting forks raise the pallets to working height and the cartons to be processed to the pick-up position. The four-axis-controlled suction system picks up the cartons. Layer by layer, it stacks the cartons on the pallet according to a pattern calculated by the software. The system then lowers the full load carrier and transports it out of the machine. pb