Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1301695
PalletCentral • September-October 2020 21 solution was outfitted with a custom designed vacuum-pad style gripper and a proprietary real- time feedback control loop between the saw motor load and the robot movement. The final solution, respectfully called, "the beast" by the McVantage team, was developed by Alliance Automation and took nearly 24 months to complete. The MH225 robot reach, repeatability and high payload help facilitate a flexible yet accurate operation, while the "brains" of the operation, the Yaskawa DX200 robot controller, optimizes process capability and manages all aspects of the dismantling operation. The DX200 is also tied into the total work cell's safety logic system, providing the utmost protection for worker safety. Streamlined Process with Productive Results Now, with a more streamlined process, McVantage Packaging is increasing yield and decreasing waste. This entire sequence starts with stacked pallets of various dimensions being loaded on the dismantling system infeed station without being presorted by size or style. The pallet stack is then automatically tipped, singulated and transported via a chain driven live roller conveyor (CDLR) through a sophisticated sensor-based measurement system that tells the robot dimensional information about the next pallet it will pick-up for processing. When ready, the robot will subsequently pick that pallet, and on-the-fly run it though additional safety sensors for final validation. Once the pertinent information is acquired, the robot moves the pallet through the saw with formula- based motion scripts. The first cut is at the seam between the stringers and bottom boards, allowing them to fall to the exit conveyor. The second cut removes the stringers. Finally, the robot drops off any remaining top board pieces and starts the process over. Two system operators (a push button operator and an overseer of the disassembled wood), plus a fork lift operator are now used to manage McVantage Packaging's streamlined process. This is a significant change from the prior situation, where multiple stations were used throughout two locations. While the system is not doing much more, as it mimics human motion, it is highly reliable because it is