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Frequently asked questions
Answers to all your questions on automation and robotics
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about our automation solutions, including cobots and other industrial robots. Whether you want to know more about capabilities, implementation or maintenance, we have the information you need. If your question is not answered, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you!
Top 5 most frequently asked questions
What is a cobot?
A cobot, or collaborative robot, is an advanced robot designed to work safely alongside humans in a shared workspace. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which often operate in enclosed areas for safety reasons, cobots can operate directly alongside operators without additional shielding. Thanks to sensors, advanced collision detection and other safety measures, cobots can stop immediately on contact with a person or object, ensuring safety. In addition, cobots are often more flexible, easy to programme and can perform multiple tasks. This makes them ideally suited to dynamic production environments where flexibility and efficiency are key. Want to know more about the possibilities of cobots and other industrial automation solutions? Then visit our solutions page for more information.
What is the difference between a robot and a cobot?
The main difference between a robot and a cobot (collaborative robot) lies in their working environment and cooperation with humans. Traditional industrial robots often operate in enclosed, shielded spaces to ensure safety, as they can exert large forces and are usually not designed for direct contact with humans. Cobots, on the other hand, are specifically designed to safely cooperate with humans in the same workspace, without additional shielding. They are equipped with sensors and collision detection that ensure they stop immediately upon detecting an obstacle or person.
In addition, cobots are often easier to programme, providing more flexibility in production environments. While industrial robots are usually used for repetitive and heavy tasks, cobots can be easily adapted to different processes. Want to know more about how our innovative and flexible automation solutions can improve your processes? Then contact us or read more about our automation solutions and realized projects.
What is a palletiser and how does it work?
A palletiser works by automatically collecting products coming off a production line and then accurately placing them on a pallet. This is done in specific layers and patterns, ensuring stable and space-saving stacking of products. There are different types of palletisers, such as:
- Industrial palletisers: These use mechanical arms and platforms to move and stack products.
- Cobot palletisers (also called robotic palletisers): These use industrial robots to grab products and place them on pallets. This type of palletiser is more flexible, especially when handling different types and sizes of products.
At Van Made, we work with both systems, but we see more and more companies switching to cobot palletisers because of their flexibility and ease of use. Our solutions are carefully integrated into your existing production line and ensure an optimised palletising process.
- The benefits of a palletiser:
Increased efficiency: A palletiser automates the stacking process, significantly increasing production speed. - Reduced labour costs: Manual palletising is labour-intensive and error-prone. A palletiser takes over this work, allowing staff to focus on other tasks.
- Reliability and consistency: By using automated systems, pallets are always loaded in the same, optimal way, reducing the risk of damage to products during transport.
Want to know more about how our palletisers can improve your production processes? Then take contact with us or take a look at our solutions-page for more information on our customised solutions and how we can optimise your processes with innovative automation.
How does case packing work in the manufacturing industry?
Case packing is an automated process used to place products in boxes or packages for efficient shipping or storage. This process is crucial in the manufacturing industry, where speed and accuracy are essential to meet demand.
Steps in the case packing process:
- Product feeding: Products come off the production line and are collected for the case packing process. This can be done manually or automatically, depending on the production line set-up.
- Collecting products: Automated systems, such as conveyor belts or robots, pick products in the right quantities. This is often done according to predefined patterns to ensure that boxes are filled efficiently and stably.
- Positioning: Once the products are collected, they are taken to a case packing station. Here the products are accurately positioned for packing.
- Packing: The case packing system automatically places the products in the boxes. This can be done using various technologies, such as robots or mechanical arms, which place the products safely and quickly in the packaging.
- Sealing the boxes: After packing, the boxes are automatically sealed, often with tape or another sealing method, to ensure the products remain safe during transport and storage.
- Labelling and packaging: Boxes are labelled for identification and tracking. They are then placed on pallets or prepared for shipment.
Benefits of case packing:
- Efficiency: Case packing systems increase packing speed, increasing overall production capacity.
- Cost savings: Automating the process reduces labour costs and minimises human error.
- Consistency: Automated systems ensure a consistent and accurate way of packing, ensuring product quality and integrity.
At Van Made, we offer customised case packing solutions tailored to your specific production needs. Our systems integrate seamlessly into your existing processes, allowing you to benefit from innovative technologies and increased efficiency in your production. In the this video see how we installed a custom-made Cobot Case Packer at Linder Backwaren GmbH!
Want to know more about how our case packing solutions can optimise your processes? Then feel free to contact with us!
What is the difference between palletiser and palletising?
Palletiser
A palletiser is a specific type of machine or system designed to automatically stack products on pallets. This device can take different forms, such as industrial palletisers or cobot palletisers, and it is responsible for organising and positioning products in layers on a pallet. Palletisers can use different technologies, such as mechanical arms or industrial robots, to move products safely and efficiently. Watch a video of our completed Cobot Palletiser for stacking boxes coming from two production lines here.
Palletising
Palletising, on the other hand, refers to the entire process of stacking products on pallets. This includes not only the use of a palletiser, but also all the steps prior to palletising, such as collecting products, positioning them and organising them effectively into layers. Palletising thus encompasses the workflow and methodology involved in creating a stable and safe pallet for transport or storage.
Conclusion
- Palletiser: The machine or system responsible for automatically stacking products on pallets.
- Palletising: The process of collecting, positioning and stacking products on pallets, including the use of a palletiser.
At Van Made, we offer solutions for both palletisers and the palletising process, so we can help you optimise your production and logistics processes. Do you have any questions or want to know more about how we can support you in palletising? Feel free to contact with us!
Other questions
What is robotics in industry?
Robotics in industry refers to the use of automated machines and robots to support or completely take over various manufacturing and assembly processes. This includes both physical tasks such as moving materials, assembling parts, and more complex processes such as quality control and packaging. Industrial robots can be programmed to perform highly accurate, repetitive tasks, greatly increasing production speed and efficiency.
At Van Made, we use, among others, cobots, or collaborative robots, which are specifically designed to work together with humans on the shop floor. Cobots are distinguished from traditional industrial robots by their safety and user-friendliness. They are flexibly deployable and easy to programme, meaning they can be quickly adapted to different production processes.
Applications of robotics in industry
1. Palletising
One of the most common applications of robotics in industry is palletising, where robots are used to stack products on pallets for transport or storage. This process can be time-consuming manually and is labour-intensive. However, an automated palletiser can speed up this process while maintaining consistency and accuracy. At Van Made, we provide customised cobot palletisers that are specifically tailored to the needs of your production line. Want to know how our palletisers work? Then take a look at this video at a customer's premises.
2. Case packing
Another common application of robotics is case packing. This involves robots efficiently packing products into boxes ready for transport. Automated case packing systems allow companies to pack faster and more accurately, leading to lower labour costs and fewer errors.
3. Quality control
Robotics is also widely used for automated quality control. Advanced sensors and vision systems allow robots to check products for deviations or errors, ensuring the consistency of the final product. This is especially valuable in industries where precision is key, such as the food or pharmaceutical industries.
The benefits of robotics in industry
- Increased productivity: Robots can work for long periods without breaks, leading to a significant increase in production speed.
- Higher accuracy and consistency: Robots perform tasks with unparalleled precision, reducing the likelihood of human error.
- Flexibility: Cobots can be quickly adapted to different processes, making them ideal for companies that need flexible production processes.
- Improved safety: Collaborative robots, such as Van Made's cobots, improve workplace safety. Cobots are designed to work safely alongside humans, without the need for large safety guards.
Robotics at Van Made
At Van Made, we specialise in developing customised automation solutions using robotics. Our cobots and automation solutions can be integrated into existing production lines to make your manufacturing process more efficient, safer and cost-effective. Check out our page on our solutions for more information on how our robotics solutions can optimise your processes.
Want to see for yourself how robotics works in industry? Then check out this video In which we installed a tailor-made solution at one of our clients' premises.
What are the advantages of mechanical engineering in manufacturing?
Mechanical engineering offers significant benefits to companies in the manufacturing industry, especially when it comes to improving efficiency, flexibility and cost savings. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Tailor-made solutions
One of the biggest advantages of mechanical engineering is that it can be fully tailored to the specific needs of your production process. At Van Made B.V., we design and develop machines that integrate seamlessly into existing production lines, allowing you to benefit from customised automation solutions that address your unique challenges. Find out more about our customised solutions?
2. Improved efficiency and productivity
Tailor-made machines can significantly speed up production processes. Automation helps to perform repetitive tasks more efficiently, leading to higher output and less downtime. This is especially important in sectors where production speed and accuracy are crucial, such as food processing or logistics. See our cases to see how we have increased the productivity of other companies.
3. Long-term cost savings
Although the initial investment in customised machinery may be higher, it delivers significant cost savings in the long run. Automation helps to reduce labour costs, minimise the likelihood of human error and reduce wastage of raw materials. In addition, a more efficient process ensures better use of resources and energy, leading to further savings.
4. Increased flexibility
Another advantage of mechanical engineering is the flexibility it offers. Machinery can be designed to support different products or processes, making it easier for companies to switch between production lines without major adjustments. This makes companies more resilient to changing market conditions or customer demands.
5. Better quality and consistency
Custom-built machines ensure consistent quality in your production process. This reduces the risk of defective products or variations in quality. Automation systems, such as our palletisers and case packing solutions, contribute to reliable and consistent output.
6. Innovation and competitive advantage
By investing in tailor-made machines using the latest technologies, companies can implement innovations faster and strengthen their competitiveness. Our robotic solutions and cobot palletizers help companies stay ahead in their industry.
At Van Made B.V., we help companies in various industries optimise their production processes with innovative mechanical engineering solutions. Want to know how we can support your business with automation? Then feel free to contact with us or check out our videos to see how we help companies work more efficiently.
What is the difference between case packing, case erecting and case closing?
The terms case packing, case erecting and case closing refer to different stages within the packaging process of products. Although these terms are often mentioned together, each refers to a specific step in the process of packing and preparing boxes for transport. Below, we explain the difference:
1. Case Packing
Case packing is the process of automatically placing products into a box or package. This is often done in an automated production line, where the products proceed directly to sealing and palletising after filling. At Van Made, we offer customised case packing solutions, carefully integrating the systems into your existing production line. Case packers are versatile and can handle products of different shapes and sizes, which is especially useful in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals and logistics.
Check out our case packing solutions for more details on how this process works and how we can optimise your production.
2. Case Erecting
Case erecting refers to the process by which flat cardboard boxes are automatically transformed into a fully open box, ready to be filled with products. A case erector automates this process by folding the cartons and closing the bottom, saving time and labour costs. This is a crucial step in any packaging line, as it ensures a streamlined throughput of empty boxes ready for the case packing process.
At Van Made, we offer efficient case erecting systems that fit perfectly with our other automation solutions. Take a look at our case erecting solutions.
3. Case Closing
After filling the box with products during the case packing process, the box is sealed at the case closing stage. Case closing can take different forms, such as sealing with tape or sealing the box with glue, depending on customer requirements and shipping conditions. Automatic case closers ensure that each box is securely closed, keeping products protected during transport and storage.
Check out our case closing systems to learn more about the technologies we use for box closing.
Summary of differences:
- Case erecting: Forming flat cardboard boxes into open boxes ready to be filled.
- Case packing: Filling these boxes with products, often in an automated process.
- Case closing: Securely sealing the filled boxes ready for transport or storage.
Are you curious to know how our integrated solutions for case erecting, case packing and case closing Be able to optimise your packaging line? Then take contact with us and challenge our team!