Husky's SlideChutes offer new approach to lid handling

Husky has launched its new SlideChutes in-mold automation system, providing an innovative solution to problems associated with traditional lid handling methods. "Our customers complained to us about current methods to handle, orient and stack lids," Bruce Catoen, Husky's Vice President, Packaging, said. "Very few advancements have been made in lid-handling technology over the past 15 years.

Husky has launched its new SlideChutes in-mold automation system, providing an innovative solution to problems associated with traditional lid handling methods. "Our customers complained to us about current methods to handle, orient and stack lids," Bruce Catoen, Husky's Vice President, Packaging, said. "Very few advancements have been made in lid-handling technology over the past 15 years. Most molders still use free-drop, spin bowls and spin bars to handle round parts. Rectangular lids, on the other hand, require the use of costly robotics, which affects cycle time. These methods take up floorspace, generate too much scrap, slow cycle times and cause 80% of system downtimes. With this in mind, we developed our SlideChute automation." Similar to a robot, SlideChutes remove parts on a linear axis. But the major advantage for SlideChutes over a robot is that the system's low-profile take-out plate requires a fraction of the takeout stroke and less mold stroke, allowing faster cycle times -- total part removal times of less than 0.5 seconds are achievable. Because SlideChutes are contained within the machine's gates, floorspace is not a factor. A typical side-entry robot would normally double the workcell width. Ideal for square, rectangular or round parts, SlideChutes maintain vertical part orientation after ejection for easy downstream handling. There is no need for unscrambling and reorienting the lids before stacking. As well, SlideChutes minimize scrap by eliminating part contamination and damage typical of free-dropped parts. Husky currently has a 4x8, 110 mm round lid system running in its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Bolton, Ontario, Canada for demonstrations.