“The customer needed a descrambler that was extremely flexible, one that could handle virtually any box pattern and almost any box size. Pretty much any case they had, they wanted to descramble quickly.”

Features / Benefits Provided: Singulate pallet layers within a compact footprint Evenly space array of package types prior to print & apply labeler Eliminate product damage occurring with manual case handling

Working with an integrator, a major supermarket distributor automated a warehouse with a Automated Storage & Retrieval System (AS/RS) that feeds single SKU pallets to a de-layering robot. Carton layers required singulation and labeling before being conveyed elsewhere for mixed pallet building.

A new descrambling system was needed to process several hundred SKUs - diverse in size, weight, and packaging type - and to evenly space them within a small footprint in front of the print & apply labeler.

The integrator explains, “In addition to descrambling cases, we needed to ensure gapping and short side leading in a very small footprint with enough time for the tamp head to apply the label.” The integrator chose Intralox’s Activated Roller Belt (ARB) technology to provide automated descrambling and singulation for the fast moving cartons. The descrambler handles multiple cases per layer, multiple layers per minute, complex layer patterns, variable speed, and various package types.

An Intralox registration conveyor was also installed to space cartons without the complex controls required with servo solutions. The registration conveyor provides a reliable location for the edge of each carton enabling the label applicator to consistently perform. The variable speed descrambler keeps up with the de-palletizing robot and the labler while the registration conveyor creates a gap between products in a small footprint. “We know where the leading edge of that case is going to be before it gets to the labeler, so without controls we trigger the tamp with enough time to consistently label each case.

is a proud member of the Integrated Systems & Controls Industry Group of the Material Handling Industry of America

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