Function:
This 120 meter-long production line provides radiators, regardless of their dimensions, with custom-sized, fully protective packaging. There are thousands of variations in radiator length, height, width and format resulting in the involvement of a uniquely flexible processing and packing line.

Client:
Superia, Zedelgem, Belgium.
Producer of radiators.

Operation:
The radiators emerge in random sizes and formats from a spray-painting line via a conveyor chain. A camera-vision system identifies the length, width, height, type and sort. A barcode sticker is printed on the basis of this and stuck to the back of the radiator. The radiator is then placed on a conveyor belt. A barcode reader reads the information and communicates this via the network to the host computer so that the connections and decorative frames ordered by the customers can be mounted first. The radiator is then covered in cardboard on all sides in the automatic packaging line. There are seven different cardboard dispensers to achieve this, including folding and cutting systems. Servo technique is significant in this section of the line. During their incorporation, the long strips are automatically creased enabling them to be folded into a U-shape in the next phase. Production of end covers begins in a mold that cuts the strips to size, makes the cuts and incorporates the folding crease. After the end covers have been introduced automatically, an information sheet is printed on A4 paper and stuck to the cardboard packaging after which the radiator is sealed up in cling film by a specially developed film machine with 3 widths of film. Following this, 4 handler robots stack the packaged radiators completely automatically into one of the 23 stacking positions.
The stacks of radiators are afterwards placed on the correct pallet completely automatically or else barred and strapped up. The pallets and packages are subsequently taken to the warehouse by forklift trucks.