Baking Industry Expo 2019: Bosch to unveil entry-level Pack 102 flow wrapper with robotic integration

13 Aug 2019 --- Bosch Packaging Technology is set to demonstrate its entry-level Pack 102 horizontal flow wrapper using a Fanuc Scara robot at the International Baking Industry Expo (IBIE) 2019. This packaging solution with light automation is ideal for small to medium-sized bakeries and other companies and can produce up to 150 packages per minute.

“Visitors will experience a cost-effective solution,” says Kelly Meer, Product Manager at Bosch Packaging Technology in New Richmond, WI. “Even for an entry-level stage, robotics can be an option. We have a lot of experience in implementing robots into our proven flow wrappers.”

The Fanuc robot runs without interruption and can carry out 50 picks per minute. In total, up to three robots can be included in the Pack 102 system.

Entry-level flow wrapping
The entry-level Pack 102 horizontal flow wrapper with light automation for the bakery industry. The machine stands out for its versatility and can wrap products of various sizes, such as cookies, crackers, croissants or other baked goods. It achieves an output of 150 packages per minute and features a corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel design for easy cleaning. At IBIE, Bosch will be showing the Pack 102 with a single Fanuc Scara robot for pick-and-place. Visitors can watch demo runs of the system with chocolate chip cookies to see the smooth integration of robotics into the proven Bosch Pack 102.Bosch's Pack 102 horizontal flow wrapper using a Fanuc Scara robot.

The robot picks the products directly from two baking trays where about 15 cookies are placed on each baking sheet. It takes individual cookies off the sheet and places them into the infeed chain of Bosch's Pack 102 flow wrapper. Vision is used to find and place the products reliably into the infeed. When a product is broken, the robot can detect it and will not pick it up.

As a result of the vacuum technology, products are handled very gently as they are picked from the baking sheets. “As soon as one tray is emptied, the robot automatically switches to the second tray, making sure that the process runs smoothly without interruption. This kind of automated solution helps to reduce repetitive motions for operators and offers new options for smaller companies who struggle with labor reliability or who want to accelerate their production process,” Meer explains.

Robot integration
Bosch works closely with its customers to find suitable picking strategies. This is especially important when the product characteristics or production conditions are more challenging. For example, sticky products or humid production facilities.

Pick tests with customer’s products help to solve the challenges. At times, the Bosch experts visit customer sites to inspect the environment of the packaging facility. “We have over 20 years of experience with integrating robots into our systems. We not only make sure to find the ideal solution for the specific product application; we also take care of all safety requirements and provide full integration into our flow wrappers,” Meer notes.

The controls for both the flow wrapper and the robot are integrated into one Human Machine Interface (HMI). This ensures that machine operators have one central place to make all adjustments including speed, picking heights, and other parameters.

Trade show season on the horizon
At FachPack, Bosch Packaging Technology will launch its new all-round packaging system, suited for bars, biscuits and bakery products, which can also be adapted for other products. The system features the new Pack Feeder 4 and the new Pack 403 horizontal flow wrapper with an output of up to 800 products per minute. The chain feeding system stands out for its easy cleanability with tool-less belt removal and gentle product handling, the company notes. The Pack 403 achieves consistent flow wrapping results thanks to its upgraded cross and fin-seal units. With decals and scales, the machine is operator friendly and features a removable discharge belt that reliably rejects faulty packages.

At Pack Expo in Las Vegas, Bosch will be showcasing one version of its highly efficient seamless bar packaging systems. The exhibit consists of a high-performance, indirect distribution station, a cardboard inlay feeding unit, a high-speed Sigpack HRM flow wrapping machine and a flexible Sigpack TTM1 topload cartoner.

Also at Pack Expo, Bosch Packaging Technology is set to demonstrate its single-source bag-in-box system expertise, which covers the entire line from bagmaker and settler to product handling, end load cartoner and case packer. The company will be exhibiting two machines, the Kliklok Interceptor and Kliklok MEC, at the upcoming show. The lines aim to respond to customers who are leaning toward automated lines as a solution for the limited number of employees to fill manual jobs, a Bosch spokesperson tells PackagingInsights.

In July, Bosch Packaging Technology announced that it will be sold to private equity and investment advisory firm CVC Capital Partners (CVC) for an undisclosed fee, subject to approval by antitrust and other authorities. Packaging Technology and its Pharma and Food units are to remain intact and all 6,100 associates in 15 countries will remain with the business. CVC was chosen for its “growth strategy for Bosch Packaging Technology and its broad industrial expertise.”

Edited by Joshua Poole