End of line packaging
Primary beverage packaging
Primary food packaging
Secondary packaging
Automated guided vehicle (AGV)
Blow stretching machine
Cap feeder and capper
Carton erector
Delta picker
Filler
Horizontal form, fill, and seal machine
Labeling machine
Pallet handling machine
Side loader
Stretch film wrapper
Thermoform, fill, and seal machine
Top loader
Vertical form, fill and seal machine
Volumetric filling machine
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Overview
Achieving more with intelligent sensors
The packaging industry requires sensors and sensor systems that are tailored to complex, frequently changing tasks, while meeting the increasingly challenging standards for trademark protection, safety, and documentability.
From the rugged, moisture-proof photoelectric sensor, glass identification via intelligent image sensors, and checking the position of packaging elements through to protecting robotic loaders with safety laser scanners – SICK sensors and systems meet the requirements of the packaging industry.
Trends & news
Permanent control of continuous webs - so nothing goes wrong
In the consumer goods industry, especially in printing and packaging, the processing of continuous webs is a real challenge. Exact guidance of the material web, correct material tension in the machine and cutting the web at the right spot at the end are all essential for efficient and precise process results. SICK solutions help with every one of these process steps – for example with registration sensors or automation light grids which were made for such tasks.
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Label Checker quality control system checks for the presence of the use-by-date
Quality control is becoming ever more important. In the food industry, guaranteeing use-by-dates, in particular, is of the utmost importance to manufacturers – as demonstrated time and time again by media reports on food scandals. That is why the German organic food producer Midsona Germany chose the Label Checker from SICK.
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3D localization with the Belt Pick SensorApp for pick-and-place tasks
The ability to ensure hygienic primary packaging of sensitive open food is incredibly important within the food industry. This is why SICK is working with the robot manufacturer Stäubli to make this process possible within a robot cell. The TriSpectorP1000 3D vision sensor from SICK and the four axis FAST picker TP80 HE from Stäubli solve picking processes while the conveyor belt is in motion. 3D parts localization is implemented by the Belt Pick SensorApp and SICK AppSpace.
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Challenges
Flexible Automation – Detecting and Measuring
Differently sized products and individual customer requirements require flexible machines and a broad spectrum of intelligent sensors to detect objects and measure physical sizes. SICK's smart sensors feature automated teach-in and diagnostic capabilities, and make a significant contribution towards meeting these challenges. Predictive maintenance reduces downtimes. Smart Tasks provide process efficiency with the right information at the right time, directly from the sensor. This makes Industry 4.0 a reality.
Safety – Ensured
The modular construction of modern packaging machines and plants requires an intelligent and flexible safety concept. SICK safety solutions ensure the protection of personnel and machines, optimize production and reduce machine footprint requirements. Our central task is to develop and offer safety technology services which are standardized all over the world. These include commissioning, repair and modernization. As an accredited inspection center, SICK offers the inspection of protective measures worldwide in accordance with valid standards and regulations.
Quality Control – Monitoring and Controlling
In all areas of the packaging industry – whether it is pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverages, household goods, or hygiene – reliable quality is one of the key corporate targets. In order to ensure constant high quality with high throughput speeds on packaging machines, a quality control system is needed that meets the highest requirements. Whether it is standard sensor technology, complete systems or services, SICK offers state-of-the-art intelligent sensor solutions for all areas of the packaging industry. After all, quality is never an accident.
Track and Trace – Identification and Tracking
Reliable identification of objects is the foundation for traceability with serialization and aggregation and for continual quality improvement. In addition, complete system solutions are required for inventory management and reusability of returnable containers and packaging. To do so, SICK offers intelligent sensor solutions, ranging from compact devices that are easy to integrate, through configurable standalone solutions, and right the way up to programmable high-speed cameras. SICK calls on various technologies to ensure its integrated and mobile read devices can detect bar codes, 2D codes, and RFID.