Smart Molding International 1-2023

37 www.smart-molding.com automation labels are checked for presence and position. In the next step, the trays are sealed prior to palletizing and shipping. Ward Automation developed an innovative lid-separating station for this task. It feeds the second robot – also a Stäubli TX2-60 – individual lids. A vision system verifies the position of the lid, and the robot grips it and places it on the tray. A customer-specific application tool applies a tamper-proof seal to the lid and wraps the label around the outside of the lid as an extra security barrier. The tray is rotated 180 degrees and a second label is applied. The robot then lifts the tray and places it on a buffer conveyor. In the final step, a larger Stäubli RX160L robot stacks the fin- ished trays on a pallet. High precision – virtual programming The requisite degree of flexibility is ensured by the robotic cell’s modular design and advanced control system, which allows, the cell to be configured with new parameters in a short time. The machine is capable of handling 3- or 4-inch trays containing 100 or 160 syringes respectively, all within a com- pact space. A decisive factor in the selection of the Stäubli robots was their hygienic design. The HE (humid environment) versions offer the additional advan- tage of being able to withstand regular wash-downs with aggressive cleaning agents without sustaining any damage. The cell documents the inspection and packaging process of each individual tray with individual labelling – very important for traceability – and all GMP-critical data. The system runs trouble-free. The user can now carry out a fully automat- ed 100% inspection of syringes, labels and tamper-evident seals, immediately identifying individual defective syring- es, replacing them, and reintegrating them into the process. In addition, the user can select different parameters for syringe sizes, tray sizes and num- ber of syringes, providing even more flexibility. About Stäubli Stäubli is a global mechatronics solution provider with four dedicated Divisions: Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile, serv- ing customers who want to increase their productivity in many industrial sectors. The company currently op- erates in 29 countries, with agents in 50 countries on four continents. The global workforce of 5700 shares a commitment to partnering with customers in nearly every industry to provide comprehensive solutions with long-term support. Originally founded in 1892 as a small workshop in Horgen/Zurich, today Stäubli is an international group headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland. Stäubli Robotics is a leading interna- tional player in industrial automation, providing engineering and technical support recognized for their efficien- cy and reliability. From SCARA, 6 axis robots and cobots to mobile robot systems and AGV, these powerful, high-precision solutions allow Stäubli to work with clients in many industries to help them tackle the challenges of Industry 4.0. Stäubli www.staubli.com A compact cell: Three robots collaborate in inspecting and palletizing trays holding 100 syringes each, processing 36,000 syringes per hour – with maximum precision and reliability Another Stäubli robot seals the trays with a lid and applies two labels (all pictures: Stäubli)