On display “ACMA Smart Handling- Demo solution”, a simulation of a robotic distribution line for the management of flat-based asymmetrical chocolate pralines, integrated with the CW 600 wrapping machine in “bunch” style. Also on display is “Material Gate”, a unit for testing wrapping materials, with which tests will be carried out with sustainable materials.
Greenmation, industrial automation for a sustainable future
At Interpack 2023 Coesia presents GREENMATION, Coesia’s response to the current trend prompted by the consumer demands towards reusable and recyclable packaging solutions, whilst manufacturers face labor shortages and production cost increases. “In this complex situation, Coesia believes that the answer to this profitability-threatening challenge lies in supporting a revolution in production which is capable of combining the principles of automation and sustainability in the industries of Food & Beverage, Pharma & Personal Care, and Cross Industry Automation,” says Alessandro Parimbelli, Coesia Chief Executive Officer.
The Coesia booth will be structured into three areas (Food & Beverage, Pharma & Personal Care, and Cross Industry Automation) where technicians and experts will present the latest solutions presented by the Group: ACMA, Atlantic Zeiser, CITUS KALIX, EMMECI, FlexLink, G.D, GF, HAPA, NORDEN, R.A Jones, and VOLPAK.
ACMA Smart Handling – Demo solution
Developed in partnership with Schneider Electric, the demo solution that ACMA presents at Interpack 2023 is an automated robotic distribution for Confectionery made of two different product handling stations, showing ACMA’s engineering capabilities in the management of automated pick and place of flat-based products with shape and surface irregular. In this line simulation we will have products coming randomly, then the first robot will sort and orient the chocolate pralines in rows (also thanks to the support of a camera directly connected to the robotic arm). The second one, equipped with a multiple gripping hand, inserts the product correctly oriented inside the CW 600 feeding conveyor, finally wrapped by the latter in bunch style.
The line is also supported by smart systems for real-time production process control, a camera system developed in collaboration with the Coesia Engineering Center (CEC), allowing the monitoring of the movement of the chocolate pralines during the line process. This tool can give the operator a clear view of what is happening to a specific portion of products in the various steps of the process, making any problems along the way easily identifiable and supporting flow optimization.
The advantages: flexible solutions governed according to a “green” logic
The solution proposed by ACMA responds perfectly to some customer requests from customers in the Confectionery sector, including having flexible robotic modules that can be adapted to different production needs. Furthermore, the integration of robot and machine control within a single control unit has allowed ACMA to obtain a more compact solution in terms of overall dimensions. Accessibility is also maximum: the management of the robotic system can in fact be integrated with the HMI panel installed on the CW 600 from which the operator controls the entire system.
In addition, important is the fact that all the Schneider Electric components present in the line bear the Green Premium™ mark, featuring the known environmental impact thanks to an LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) analysis carried out on the component itself and the availability of environmental and complete certifications – even beyond existing regulatory requirements – to ensure traceability and correct end-of-life management; moreover, energy consumption is reduced thanks to the adoption of brushless motors and accurate sizing.
CW 600 OptiMate and PerforMate: technology at your fingertips
CW 600 F is the machine chosen by ACMA to represent the company’s portfolio at Interpack. It is a multi-style technology for packaging flat-based chocolate pralines which on this occasion will have a “bunch” wrapping style, capable of working with different wrapping materials, including mono-materials such as aluminium, PP, PVC and cellophane. At the same time, the flexibility of the machine allows the handling of multi-layer or paper-based materials, thus responding to market demands, which increasingly ask to package products with sustainable materials. With this wrapping style, ACMA wants to show the precision of its machines thanks to the necessary correspondence between the shapes of the chocolate praline and the designs presents on its wrapping. At Interpack, CW 600 is equipped with Coesia OptiMate Premium and PerforMate digital solutions.
OptiMate is the HMI developed by Coesia for the direct management of machines easily and intuitively, acting as a single interface for accessing ACMA digital services, including remote assistance for diagnostics and troubleshooting (Advanced Remote Assistance). The Premium version integrated into the CW 600 has additional features, making easier operations such as ordinary maintenance, predictive maintenance and format changeover, guided through step-by-step procedures.
PerforMate is an integrated IoT platform allowing real-time monitoring of the machine and production lines through an intuitive and customizable interface based on customer needs, accessible at anytime and anywhere. PerforMate offers functions such as real-time monitoring of production and analysis of bottlenecks, thus becoming a powerful tool for managing the entire production line while ensuring data security.
From the laboratory to the industrial development of flexible and sustainable solutions
ACMA supports its customers with research activity through the Sustainability Lab, which has produced unique innovations on the market such as Material Gate – a patented testing unit to experiment new wrapping materials in twist style.
In this way, ACMA can support the green revolution on several fronts: on the one hand, it supports the producers of wrapping materials for primary packaging in the development of sustainable and machinable materials; on the other, it precisely identifies the adjustments to be introduced on the customers’ existing machinery, so that they can handle the new materials with equal efficiency. At Interpack, Material Gate is shown for the first time in operation, carrying out tests with sustainable materials produced by leading companies in the material production sector and partners in the research process.
ACMA is at Interpack 2023, Messe Düsseldorf, from May 4th to 10th, 2023.
Coesia booth: Hall 6, booth D31-E57
