BEUMER Group Introduces Modular System for Palletizers

The BEUMER Group has completely redesigned and overhauled its paletpac range of robust palletizers. The modular machines now have identical or similar components and modules and – wherever possible – are based on the same design. The total number of components has been reduced and faster deliveries are possible. If replacement parts are needed later, it will happen faster.

BEUMER configures the modules according to each customer’s requirements, tests them in-house and installs them on the customer’s premises, saving time and money.

“Our paletpac series is keyed to the characteristics of the packaged goods and complies with the customers’ requirements for packing patterns and pallet dimensions,” said Kay Wieczorek, divisional director of product business at BEUMER.

The systems gently handle packaging units of all kinds. “We’ve redesigned our BEUMER paletpac and given it a modular structure,” said Wieczorek. “This has a number of big advantages for our customers.”

For example, the performance of the machines can be modified later if necessary, and if there is ever a need for retrofitting or repairs, the new design saves a lot of time.

Simpler Installation

The new model range not only makes configuration easier, it also simplifies installation. “Previously, it was necessary to use forklifts with a capacity of up to eight tons,” said Wieczorek. “Now a capacity of five tons is sufficient.”

The modules are designed so that they can be picked up from two different sides. This simplifies assembly in confined spaces. Customers formerly received two large modules; now they get three that are more compact, which makes handling simpler. “We now only need standard shipping containers,” said Wieczorek.

Optimized Components

BEUMER has redesigned all the modules in its paletpac series in terms of function and utility. It has optimized the motors and drives in the belts and streamlined the design at transfer points, making transport processes much gentler. The size of the assemblies has also been modified for greater efficiency, boosting the performance of certain modules.

The new paletpac has been equipped with a larger deposit table. With maximum layer dimensions of 1,500 x 1,300 mm, it can accept bags filled with bulk materials on euro pallets or pallets with other formats.

The developers have also redesigned the pusher, which is used in all paletpac models. The undercarriage is the same for both single and double pushers, enabling users to increase the performance of the system later without making big adjustments to the modules.

“Different packing patterns are also possible,” said Wieczorek. “This starts at the layer preparation level. The machine places the bags on the lifting gear in alternation. If the material in the goods is nevertheless unevenly distributed and cannot be equalized when the bags are fed, the BEUMER paletpac can be supplied with a turning device in the lifting gear. Rotation of the bags by 180° prevents uneven stacking.”

Control System Adapted to the Available Space

When they modernized the paletpac, BEUMER’s developers also improved its footprint. The control cabinet bays have a standard configuration, but a space-saving offset arrangement is also possible if required by the customer. The enclosure for the lifting gear also saves space. “We gave this series a slim design,” explained Wieczorek.

The Human Machine Interface (HMI) is located on the maintenance platform at the layer preparation level. If the operator needs to make adjustments, he or she can see the whole machine at once. Additional control units, for example in the area of the lifting gear, can optionally be installed for even greater convenience.

Focus on Energy Efficiency

For drive technology, the paletpac relies on the MOVI-C modular automation system from SEW. This centralized approach requires less space in the control cabinet and reduces the number of components in the bay. Energy savings of 20 to 30% can be achieved by means of a common DC link in the frequency converters and optimized motion sequences. Energy storage units are another option. “These are an efficient means of eliminating peak loads. They also cut operating costs for users and reduce the carbon footprint,” said Wieczorek.

BEUMER Group GmbH & Co. KG, Beckum, Germany + 49 (0) 2521 24 317 www.beumer.com