Interpack 2023: Endoline Robotics to demonstrate fast and versatile Case Packer. Stand E34, Hall 8b

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We are pleased to announce we will have representatives from Endoline Robotics at Interpack 2023.

Interpack is the world’s largest and most important trade fair for the packaging sector and related process industries. With 2583 exhibitors from 55 countries, for packaging machinery, there’s simply nothing as big as interpack!

Showcasing the Delta 3000 Top Loading Case Packer at the forthcoming Interpack, Endoline Robotics (stand E34, Hall 8b) is set to demonstrate the benefits of automation, and the quick return on investment which can be achieved.

Like the company’s palletising systems, the first range launched under the Endoline Robotics division, each case packer is designed and built by Endoline to accommodate various packaging types: bottles, pillow packs, SRP packaging etc.

With a variable throughput speed depending on the application, the case packing systems can also be suited to match a product’s shape and orientation. As with all Endoline systems, the case packer is modular in design and can be fully integrated into existing production lines.

Each Endoline system can also be integrated into a manufacturer’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to provide a turnkey operation with real-time data reporting capabilities. Through OEM partnerships, Endoline are also able to integrate additional elements into a line, including stretch wrapping, conveyoring and labelling systems making the line seamless and fully automated.

If you are visiting Interpack and would like to meet with us please send us an email to arrange an appointment.

Endoline will be showcasing the Delta 3000 Top Loading Case Packer at the forthcoming Interpack.


Endoline enhances robotic and automation range with case packer system

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Strengthening its commitment to creating end-of-line fully automated solutions which directly meets the needs of its customers, Endoline announced at the PPMA Total Show, the introduction of robotic case packing systems to its growing portfolio.

Using the foundation of its robotics division, forged in 2019 through a strategic partnership with FANUC UK, and Endoline’s 40 years of engineering excellence, the addition of robotic case packing technology enhances the company’s reputation as an automation powerhouse.

Not only does the move respond to growing calls from manufacturers for automation with increasing robotic integration, but for systems which are tailored to directly suit business needs – from compact factory footprints to challenging environments – with a good ROI.

Like the company’s palletising systems, the first range launched under the Endoline Robotics division, each case packer is designed and built by Endoline to accommodate various packaging types: bottles, pillow packs, SRP packaging etc.

With a variable throughput speed depending on the application, the case packing systems can also be suited to match a product’s shape and orientation. As with all Endoline systems, the case packer is modular in design and can be fully integrated into existing production lines.

Each Endoline system can also be integrated into a manufacturer’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to provide a turnkey operation with real-time data reporting capabilities. Through OEM partnerships, Endoline are also able to integrate additional elements into a line, including stretch wrapping, conveyoring and labelling systems making the line seamless and fully automated.

“Endoline are renowned for designing and engineering high-performance reliable case erectors and sealers, often for difficult and complex applications,” commented Suraj Patel, Sales Manager for Endoline Robotics. “Adding high performance robotic palletising, and now case packing systems, is a natural progression for the company and we already have a pipeline of orders.”

Andrew Yates, Managing Director of Endoline, concludes: “With the addition of the case packing system, we can now offer turnkey systems covering each step of the end-of-line packaging process – from case erecting and loading through to sealing and palletising. I am delighted that, once again, the PPMA Total Show provides us with a platform to showcase how we are working to support the direct needs of our customers.”

Endoline has announced the introduction of robotic case packing systems to its growing portfolio


Endoline Robotics features in Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine

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Our UK Sales manager, Suraj Patel, discusses the progress of ERL since its launch and plans for the future of the company in the latest edition of Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine (MEM).

Looking at key developments since our launch in 2019, how business continued despite the pandemic and the process and solutions we offer from design to manufacture.

To read the full 2 page interview please visit https://www.memuk.org/latest-issue and go to page 60-61.

Image credit @sdecoret

New – Frequently Asked Questions

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As the number of enquiries for robotic palletising solutions continues to rise, Endoline Robotics have launched an FAQ section on the website to guide customers through the decision making process. For some companies, installing a robotic palletiser can be a big step and they want to ensure that their investment is not only future proof, but they can expect a good return.

Endoline Robotics works with each and every customer to help them make the right decision for their business and have created an FAQ document which offers a good starting point on the process we take and the responses to the most common questions asked.

To discuss you robotic palletising needs contact sales@endoline-robotics.com

All the Nuts & Bolts

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Fully integrated Endoline Robotics palletising operation increases efficiency for global supplier of precision products

A fully integrated, robotic palletising line, created and installed by Endoline Robotics, has automated a previously manually intensive operation for a global leader in the supply of precision fastening and assembly solutions, while increasing efficiency and making considerable time savings.

The company, who supplies products including screws, nuts, and bolts to worldwide distributors, hardware stores and retailers, was seeking a robotic palletiser for one of its production lines packing a range of different fasteners.

With different carton boxes running on the line, the customer required a solution which would not only automate the entire labelling and palletising process and create a uniform stack of carton boxes, but also work with an inspection system to ensure that the correct boxes are palletised, leaving no room for error.

As a strategic partner of FANUC, Endoline Robotics commissioned its 1003 palletising robot. Featuring a FANUC M-710C/70 arm, Endoline specified a bespoke mechanical gripper to be fitted onto the system to guarantee the reliable pick of every box.

Demonstrating its engineering capabilities, Endoline Robotics integrated a Markem Imaje Print & Apply system into the line along with a bar code reader, all of which was fitted with software to make the line work seamlessly together.

At the start of the line, Endoline installed a pallet de-stacker for automatic pallet positioning. A manual operator delivers 12 pallets at a time to a full pallet conveyor which is then fed to the de-stacker. The robotic palletiser sends a signal to the de-stack every time it needs a pallet, and, when the pallet stack is empty, the system requests a new stack to be loaded.

At the same time, the filled boxes are transported on a powered roller conveyor through the labelling system and the bar code reader which signals that the correct contents are to be palletised. Endoline integrated a stopper into the conveyor for consistent labelling and reading of every box as well as a rejection system to reject any products that shouldn’t be palletised. At this point, the waiting robotic palletiser lifts the box from the conveyor, onto a pallet.

When the palletising process is complete, the system delivers the finished pallet to the low level discharge conveyor.

Not only is the consistency of every pallet maintained, but Endoline also had to manage changes to the configuration of the stack when a new box size was introduced, rotating boxes 90 degrees for side-apply labelling. As Endoline Robotics’ UK Sales Manager, Suraj Patel, explains: “Two different box sizes were required to run on the line – a full size and a half size box. Boxes on the pallet need to be stacked so that the label was facing outward and, due to the size differences, the full size box was labelled on the shorter side, while the half size box was labelled on the longer side.”

The entire line has dramatically increased efficiency for the company and, due to the integrated software by Endoline, runs entirely self sufficiently without the need of human intervention.

Suraj concludes: “We are delighted that, through the installation of this line we have met and exceeded the customer’s objectives to increase efficiency and reduce the risk of manual errors, allowing the customer to redeployed employees to focus on less laborious tasks on the factory floor. The integration of all the equipment also ensures that every box is stacked neatly and contains exactly what is on the label.”

 “This installation is testament to the fact that Endoline Robotics, through our engineering capabilities and partnerships with FANUC and other OEM’s can create a bespoke, robotic solution which directly meets the needs of our customers.”

Endoline’s robotic palletising solution features a FANUC M-710C/70 arm and a bespoke mechanical gripper to guarantee the reliable pick of every box

 

The fully integrated, robotic palletising line, installed by Endoline Robotics, has dramatically increased efficiency while cutting time for the company


FANUC Open House Event 2021

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Building on the success of its first ever open house in 2019 and its debut virtual offering in 2020, FANUC UK will host an automation event in November this year.

Taking place between Monday 1st – Friday 5th November, FANUC is inviting guests to visit its UK headquarters in Antsy Park, Coventry. There will be a full line-up of speakers as well as a demonstration programme spanning three distinct themes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, which is bookended by two open days for exploration of its facility on the Monday and Friday.

Endoline Robotics Ltd will be a guest exhibitor at the Open house, and the UK Sales Manager, Suraj Patel, will be available to discuss automatic robotic palletising solution, which are powered by FANUC.

To register for the open house please visit the FANUC UK website.

Suraj Patel, on the right, with the Endoline Robotics 1001 palletiser.

 

PPMA: Endoline Robotics to demonstrate, flexible, entry-level palletising robotic solution. Stand D60

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Showcasing its entry level, ‘Plug & Play’ robotic palletising system at the forthcoming PPMA Show, Endoline Robotics is set to demonstrate the benefits of automation, and the quick return on investment which can be achieved.

The food and beverage industry is facing an acute labour shortage due to post-Brexit rules and the impact of Covid-19. As a direct result, demands for robotic integration within food manufacturing sites has dramatically increased.

On the back of its strategic partnership with FANUC UK, Endoline Robotics is answering calls for flexible robotic solutions which improve productivity and efficiency, through its 1000 series of three robotic palletising solutions.

From this series, visitors to stand D60 will be able to view the entry-level, 1001 robotic palletiser which is ideal for small-to-medium productions.

With huge advantages over stationary systems, the compact, 1001 features a FANUC robotic arm on a platform, and can be easily moved and quickly incorporated into different production lines within a manufacturing facility as and when demand dictates.

Designed to handle various pre-defined products with quick changeovers, the 1001 receives product directly from the production line and palletises on a pallet stationed on the floor. Once the operation is complete, the system signals the operator to remove the full pallet and add a new one to be palletised.

At speeds of up to 12 cycles per minute, the FANUC robotic arm provides precise product handling of carton boxes, display boxes, trays, multipacks, bags, and totes.

Ideal for manufacturers who previously rejected palletising automation due to concerns around flexibility, the 1001 can dramatically increase palletising speed and efficiency, offering a quick ROI. Industry 4.0 ready, the system can also monitor key performance indicators and manufacturers can extract performance data.

“Our customers are increasingly requiring robotic systems; however, they also seek flexible solutions which won’t be left redundant if their businesses change,” comments Andrew Yates, Managing Director of Endoline Robotics. “The launch of the 1000 series of palletising robots strengthens our strategic partnership with FANUC, and by demonstrating the many benefits of the entry-level 1001 robotic palletiser at PPMA, we hope to help manufacturers understand the efficiencies which can be gained through automation.”

At the PPMA Show, Endoline Robotics will share stand D60 with parent company, Endoline Automation, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary.

Endoline Robotics will showcase its 1001 robotic palletiser at the forthcoming PPMA Show

 

The 1001 robotic palletiser is part of the 1000 series of three robotic palletising solutions


Endoline Robotics creates series of financial solutions to aid robotic uptake

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Endoline Robotics has launched unique flexible finance options on its robotic palletising range to help manufacturers take the automation plunge.

With a solution to fit all requirements, from rental systems to pay-per-pallet, the ‘Pal’ finance options have been designed to de-risk automation plans and enable manufacturers to spread the cost of their investment.

Based on the increasingly popular principle of Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) where providers offer robots as a service to an organisation for managing repetitive tasks, Endoline’s Pal financial solutions negates the need for initial capital investment.

As an expensive commodity, many manufacturers, particularly those who work seasonally, have shied away from investing in robotics due to the difficulties in achieving a quick return on investment. However, as the only G7 country with a robot density below the world’s average, the UK is ranked as the 20th most productive country in the world.

Manufacturers now need to take full advantage of the robotic technology available to them and exploit the benefits so as not to fall even further behind.

As a FANUC strategic partner, Endoline Robotics manages the installation of robotic palletising systems within UK manufacturing plants.

Under its new ‘pal’ finance offering, Endoline will offer customers the following:
Go-Pal, an outcome-based contract, with no capital investment, enabling manufacturers to only pay for the number of pallets produced and Rent-Pal, which provides both short- and long-term rental solutions.

Further de-risking the purchasing process, Endoline are also offering a ‘Try Before You Buy’ option, where manufacturers are invited to run product trials before placing an order.

“A good robotic palletising system will optimise productivity, reduce waste and address rising manufacturing labour costs.” Comments Andrew Yates, Managing Director of Endoline Robotics. “For some manufacturers however, cost is still a factor.”

“Our Pal finance solutions, and Try Before You Buy initiative, should empower manufacturers to automate their palletising operations with an investment plan which meets their requirements exactly.”

Image 1: Endoline Robotics has launched unique flexible finance options on its robotic palletising range to help manufacturers take the automation plunge


Endoline Robotics appoints new UK Sales Manager

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Suraj Patel has joined Endoline Robotics as UK Sales Manager.

Appointed to grow the robotics company, launched by Endoline Automation in 2019, Suraj will work with manufacturers across the UK to address their palletising needs.

Working closely with Endoline Robotics’ strategic partner FANUC, Suraj will manage the supply and installation of the robotic palletising systems.

The automation of end-of-line palletising systems represents a major growth area for UK manufacturers. Endoline Robotics’ palletising solutions takes the strain of monotonous and repetitive tasks off manual workers, freeing up their time to complete more value-added tasks.

Suraj’s role will see him demonstrate the benefits Endoline Robotic palletisers can yield, while raising the profile of the company. Suraj brings a wealth of experience in working with UK manufacturers, particularly within the food sector, as a result of his six years with Mettler-Toledo International.

Suraj comments: “I am delighted to join Endoline Robotics. I have been aware of the great reputation of Endoline Automation throughout my career, they are synonymous with creating high quality end-of-line solutions, and I am looking forward to being part of their robotics story.”

“While Endoline Automation has achieved great success on a global platform, they remain a family run business at heart, and this was hugely appealing to me.”

Suraj Patel has joined Endoline Robotics as UK Sales Manager

 

Robot adoption key to raising UK productivity levels

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By Andrew Yates, Managing Director, Endoline Robotics

UK manufacturers must tip the balance in favour of automation to avoid falling even further behind international competition.

As the only G7 country with a robot density below the world’s average, the UK has just 91 units per 10,000 employees. According to a recent report*, not only is the UK using fewer robots, but the country is lagging behind in the productivity stakes, and is currently ranked as the 20th most productive country in the world.

The UK led the First Industrial Revolution by embracing new technologies and the opportunities these created. However, unless British manufacturers significantly increases its adoption of robotics and automation, and take full advantage of the technology available, foreign productivity will increase and the UK will be left trailing behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Earlier this month, the Chancellor announced a super-deduction tax allowance on plant and machinery to give the sector the boost it needs. From April 2021 until March 2023, any business investing in plant and machinery can take advantage of the 130% tax break which will provide 25p off company tax bills for every £1 spent on qualifying machinery.

Manufacturers now need to exploit this and realise the benefits robotic integration can yield.

Demand for robotics within the UK has undoubtedly increased. In fact, in 2019, capitalising on its 40 years of success in automating global food manufacturing facilities, Endoline Automation launched a sister company – Endoline Robotics. However, since delving into the world of robotics with strategic partner FANUC UK, the company recognises that UK manufacturers still need further education on the paybacks of robotic systems.

While most do understand the efficiencies gained from automation, the belief that it is expensive is still a barrier, particularly for SME’s and manufacturers on short term retailer contracts. However, when you consider that, as a country, we are around 30% less productive per hour than a German manufacturer, then the financial impact of not automating is clearly far greater.

Today, robotic systems can not only boost productivity and efficiency, they are tangible assets which can be moved or easily re-programmed to meet changing demands. Robotic palletising systems in particular, as they are outside high-care areas, are extremely flexible and can take the strain of monotonous and repetitive tasks off human workers, freeing up their time to complete more value-added tasks.

For many, return on investment (ROI) can be a deal breaker. When looking to achieve ROI inside a year, manufacturers shouldn’t be swayed by price alone. A well-engineered solution will provide low cost of ownership for many years at a fraction of the cost of manual labour.

Therefore the risk we face is not robots taking over the UK workplace, but the risk that, unless UK manufacturers begin embracing the benefits of automation, other countries will continue to seize the initiative and take advantage of new technologies, not least the growth and jobs they bring, while the Britain continues to trail behind.

* Balloon One