palletcentral

22 PalletCentral • September-October 2020 palletcentral.com performing a dull, dangerous and dirty job that is hard to fill. Similarly, the cost per piece is comparable to the prior process, but the lack of labor issues and the ability to redeploy workers to less physically demanding duties within the company has been beneficial as well. This cost/benefit equation becomes more favorable when the robot system is operational two or three shifts versus one. "The robotic pallet disassembly system has allowed us to utilize more recycled lumber, in order to provide quality product at a highly competitive price," said McVantage Packaging, LLC President, Eddie Daniel. "The reliability and dependability of the robot has greatly increased recycling capabilities and has boosted production; all the while, providing a more ergonomic work environment for employees." Future Innovation for Greater Advantage While the robotic solution is still relatively new, decision makers are planning on adding another shift to the system's workload. The initial cycle time goal was 60 seconds, but thanks to knowledgeable robot programming, combined with sawmill knowledge, McVantage Packaging workers have been able to adjust parameters, getting cycle time to an impressive 30 seconds, producing more reusable wood. According to Joe McKinney, installing the robotic dismantling solution for wood pallet disassembly into the Tuscumbia plant was a "huge adjustment," but the hard working McVantage team, trained by Alliance Automation experts, has maintained a high level of productivity, making implementation well worth it. Sarah Mellish, is Marketing Content Specialist at Yaskawa America, Inc., Motoman Robotics Divison 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.

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