Mix-packing

Individualised product offering, increase in variety of versions and, at the same time, increasing cost pressure in production and distribution up to the point-of sale. How can these challenges be met successfully?

The right approach comprises the production of mix packs in the final packaging process in line with the requirements and with flexible configurations. Transnova-Ruf has diverse solution options.

1. Mix-packing on-line in the production process

In the event of the parallel production of several types, line combination in a mixed packaging cell suggests itself. In this case, the various types are safely detected and, afterwards, packed in the desired position in the case with the help of flexible sensor and robot technology.

SAMPLE APPLICATIONS:

SAMPLE 1

Mix-packing of two types using one Unipicker cell. The product is detected via a Vision system.

SAMPLE 2

Mix-packing of two types of waffles via a sequencer in which the sequence of the types can be determined freely with subsequent layer formation and top loading process. Output of up to 300 products per minute

The total line utilisation can be optimised via intermediate buffers. The surplus volume of a type of which a disproportionately low volume is mixed in (e.g. type A) is buffered. Once the required volume for the production shift has been produced, the line switches to a product of which a disproportionately high volume is mixed in (B) and the requirement of A is removed from the buffer and introduced into the mix-pack centre.

SAMPLE 1

Product storage for intermediate buffering of products in the production process

SAMPLE 2

Mix-packing centre based on a Transnova-Ruf Robot-Flex-Line

2. Mix-packing as an offline process in distribution

Off-line solutions decoupled from production for an automated mix-packing process in distribution:

  • Depalettising of unmixed cases
  • Unpacking of the products and introduction to a mix station
  • Feeding of empty cases in the pack cell
  • Mixing and packing of the products
  • Palettisation of the mix cases

SAMPLE APPLICATIONS:

STEP 1

Step 1: Unpacking of the unmixed products from the sales trays

STEP 2

Step 2: Depositing the products on the buffer route

STEP 3

Step 3: Mixing of the products (in this case: 5 types) with the sequences in any random sequence

STEP 4

Step 4: Repacking the products as mix packs in the sales trays