Automation of packaging lines is a step that an increasing number of entrepreneurs are deciding to take. Innovative solutions are also not bypassing the food industry, which willingly implements robotic workstations to increase the efficiency and precision of its operations. We explain what packaging automation looks like in the food industry and why it is worth deciding on such an investment.
How Does Packaging and Palletizing Automation Work in the Food Industry?
An automated packaging line begins when a finished food product arrives on a conveyor belt. Where they are arranged according to a specified formation, for example in rows. Appropriately divided products then go to the first packaging phase, where bottles are wrapped in heat-shrink film, and meat products are placed in trays and foils with labels. This is primary packaging, which is handled by automatic packaging systems. After securing the individual product, it goes to the secondary packaging zone. This is where robots create packages or collective packaging such as multipacks or boxes. This process also includes necessary labels containing the product name, manufacturer’s data, production and expiration dates, and production batch number. Robots print and apply these labels to the outer packaging. Meanwhile, each label is recorded in the system, ensuring full traceability of the production process. Highly specialized machine design, which the Taskoprojekt engineering team handles, allows for the creation of packaging lines fully adapted to the specifics of the food product and the Client’s expectations regarding the type of final product protection
In order for food products packed in collective packaging to leave the production hall and go to the Customer or distribution center, it is necessary to transfer them to a pallet. Palletization in the food industry is responsible for so-called tertiary packaging, which protects the product during transport. Palletizing automation consists of the robot arm gripping cartons and multipacks and transferring them to the pallet. All under the eye of cameras and with the support of position sensors. Palletizing robotization allows for standardization in arranging goods on the pallet, which significantly increases the efficiency of this process, allows full utilization of available space, and does not exceed the permissible weight.
Benefits of Automated Packaging and Palletizing
Mass production packaging is a huge burden for employees due to the monotony and repetitiveness of the work. In such routine activities, it is easy to make a mistake or commit an error. Meanwhile, robots maintain full attention regardless of whether it is the first or forty-first hour of work. Robotization of food production allows for maximizing efficiency and maintaining it at a constant level. Robots work around the clock, do not need breaks or vacations, which allows for more confident planning of production volume not only on a weekly basis, but also annually! The benefits of production automation are also related to employee safety. Robotic stations containing food packaging machines operate completely independently. The employee does not have to worry about their health during packaging or securing the pallet for transport. Instead, at a safe distance, they observe the machine’s work and manage its functionality.
Automation is a step toward a standardized and fully traceable packaging and palletizing process. For the investment to be profitable and actually impact the company’s efficiency, it must be tailored to the specifics and scale of operations, as well as the Client’s expectations. Production line automation requires an individualized approach and professional support from experienced engineers. Are you considering implementing robotic packaging stations? Contact Taskoprojekt. Learn about our implementations, share your expectations, and we will create a packaging line project tailored to your company.