Edson De-Strapping Infeed Management System: Optimizing Stack Preparation for Case Packing
Written by Josh Goulet, account manager for Edson
In today’s high-speed packaging environments, efficiency, accuracy, and safety are paramount. The Edson De-Strapping Infeed Management System is designed to streamline the preparation of knocked-down flat (KDF) case stacks for case packing operations. Automating the removal of straps, labels, and unwanted shipping materials ensures seamless integration with Edson’s case and tray packers while complementing nearly any existing case-packing setup.
A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION FOR KDF STACK PREPARATION
Handling stacks of KDFs is typically a labor-intensive process, requiring workers to manually remove shipping straps, labels, and packing materials before the cases are ready for use. The Edson De-Strapping Infeed Management System eliminates this manual effort by leveraging a FANUC robot, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of human error.
The system is designed to:
- Locate, cut, and safely dispose of straps securing KDF stacks
- Remove shipping labels to prevent mislabeling or tracking errors
- Eliminate dunnage and other packing materials to ensure a clean stack
- Verify product accuracy with an optional barcode scanner, ensuring the correct KDF cases are loaded onto the infeed conveyor
- Manage waste disposal efficiently, ensuring that removed straps, labels, and other materials are properly collected and disposed of, reducing clutter and enhancing workplace safety
Once the stack has been properly prepared, it is aligned and fed into a case packer, ready for seamless packaging operations. The system is also fully compatible with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), enabling even greater automation in packaging workflows.
KEY BENEFITS
EFFICIENCY: AUTOMATING STACK PREPARATION
Manually preparing KDF stacks is time-consuming and can create unwanted downtime when performed by human operators. The Edson De-Strapping Infeed Management System automates the entire process, ensuring that case stacks are consistently prepared for downstream automation without delays. This increased efficiency directly translates to higher throughput and improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
ACCURACY: PRECISION IN MATERIAL REMOVAL
By utilizing advanced vision technology, the system precisely identifies and removes straps, labels, and other unwanted materials. This level of precision reduces improperly prepared stacks, leading to fewer disruptions in the case packing process and improved packaging consistency.
SAFETY: REDUCING MANUAL HANDLING RISKS
Traditionally, operators had to manually cut straps, remove labels, and clear away dunnage every 5-10 minutes. These tasks are both physically demanding and hazardous. The Edson system eliminates these risks by:
- Reducing repetitive strain injuries associated with continuous motion tasks
- Eliminating laceration risks from manual cutting tools
- Improving overall workplace safety by removing dangerous manual interventions
WASTE MANAGEMENT: STREAMLINING MATERIAL DISPOSAL
Beyond de-strapping, the system effectively manages waste disposal by collecting removed straps, labels, and dunnage, preventing material buildup in work areas. This not only keeps operations clean and organized but also improves compliance with facility-wide waste reduction initiatives.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION INTO PACKAGING LINES NEW & EXISTING
Designed to integrate effortlessly with Edson’s case and tray packers, this system ensures that KDF stacks are always properly prepared for automated operations. Additionally, its adaptable design allows for integration into existing non-Edson case packing systems, making it a versatile solution for facilities looking to enhance productivity without a complete system overhaul.
This solution is particularly well-suited for case packing applications within the tissue industry, as well as many other packaging sectors, ensuring smooth and efficient operations across multiple industries.
CONCLUSION
The Edson De-Strapping Infeed Management System is a game-changer for case packing operations, providing a robust solution that enhances efficiency, accuracy, safety, and waste management. By automating the critical but tedious task of stack preparation, it enables manufacturers to reduce downtime, improve packaging quality, and create a safer, cleaner work environment.
Whether paired with Edson’s case packers or an existing system, this highly adaptable solution is a must-have for facilities looking to optimize their packaging processes and stay ahead in today’s competitive manufacturing landscape.
Visit Edson.com to learn more.
Josh Goulet is an account manager for Edson.
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