At the drinktec, Krones is showcasing the new EvoLite Bloc. The EvoLite pack strapping machine has been directly synchronised with the Robobox pack grouping station and the new Modulpal Pro 1AD palletiser. Any nonconforming packs are removed from the flow by means of a new rejection unit located at the transition to the Robobox. Electronic digital displays visually simplify any change-over to a different type of pack. The EvoLite Bloc is made up of three components:
EvoLite pack strapping machine
The pack strapper produces packs with an integrated carrying handle for maximised resource-economy. As compared to shrink-wrapped packs, producing a LitePac of six plastic bottles offers ultra-high potential savings in terms of both packaging material and energy, with cost economies per pack of up to 74 per cent. EvoLite does not need a shrink tunnel or a handle applicator, thus cutting energy consumption by up to 90 per cent while also substantially downsizing the machine’s carbon footprint. The EvoLite packer comprises a container infeed module and a container strapping module. In the infeed module, the containers arriving in a continuous flow are distributed between two lanes. Four strapping units then produce the LitePacs in the container strapping module.
Robobox pack grouping station
The Robobox is a compact, flexible functional unit for fast and reliable grouping of packs of non-returnables. It distributes and turns them, thus offering maximised scope for any variant of layer formation. As the grouping system can be provided with up to two concatenated modules, it can be optimally adapted to suit any line output. A gripper ensures positive guidance for the packs throughout the entire turning and distributing procedure. It is thus very easy to introduce new layer patterns and to handle a broad spectrum of pack variants without elaborate change-over routines.
New Modulpal Pro 1AD non-returnables palletiser
The new Modulpal Pro 1AD non-returnables palletiser has been designed for top speeds of max. 500 layers an hour with a low-level infeed. A completely new concept for the functional movement sequence involved is instrumental in achieving this high output. The Modulpal 1AD palletiser’s two main basic modules have each been installed at a column, and are positioned next to each other: the transfer station accepts the waiting layer from the Robobox, and the loading station deposits it on the pallet. The Modulpal Pro 1AD boasts a sturdy construction and low-maintenance durability, cuts operating costs since no compressed air or lubrication is needed, and operates with fully automatic format change-over.
The EvoLite Bloc has been awarded the enviro seal of approval
Krones has created what is probably the world’s most compact packaging and palletising solution for six-packs (of predominantly large-size containers) in the shape of the EvoLite exhibit. And with minimised energy consumption into the bargain, because no shrink tunnel is required. All three machines integrated have been awarded the enviro seal of approval. With this monobloc, Krones is setting a new benchmark in terms of material and energy consumption for packing six-packs of non-returnables.
Photo Krones AG:
In the new EvoLite Bloc, the EvoLite pack strapping machine has been directly synchronised with the Robobox pack grouping station and the new Modulpal Pro 1AD palletiser.
