Gentle handling of boxes and cartons

When one of Europe’s biggest tobacco groups bought a Polish company and introduced new machinery and process modifications, they also had to link them with the existing line. FlexLink with previous references in the Group, was chosen to deliver the integration.

Gentle handling of boxes and cartons

Need for change

The producer needed to integrate newly installed machinery with the process line, requiring an essential investment in conveying systems. The potential supplier had to meet several requirements, including system flexibility, elimination of manual packaging operations, and accessible equipment operation.

"We put professional approach first," says the customer's Specialist Designer. "A couple of bids was received, but we found that only FlexLink fully met our requirements. FlexLink offered state-of-the-art technology, combined with considerable experience in industrial automation integration solutions. Another advantage was the possibility to see the FlexLink systems in place at other plants abroad in our Group".

Gentle, scratch-free handling

The FlexLink delivery included box, carton, and pack conveyor systems. Cigarette packs are delicate and need extreme care when handled; a unique flocked chain was chosen to prevent damage and scratching. Thanks to the chain's flocked surface, the fragile packages can feed the packaging machine without scratches.

The conveyors transfer cigarette boxes and packs at the height of 2,5 meters, elevating the conveyor system create unrestricted use of the manufacturing area on floor level. The conveyors which collect cartons and packages from the packaging machine have been equipped with roller cleats to elevate the product to any required height. Installing a friction chain at inclined sections prevents load sliding.

No more manual packing

"FlexLink offered flexible, modular systems which enabled easy and quick reconfiguration. Such a solution is particularly desired for a tobacco plant, as production profiles often change. Additionally, an important cost-effectiveness factor was eliminating manual packaging operations,". says the Specialist Designer.

"FlexLink is a reliable and trustworthy contractor. No doubt we will apply to you for other systems engineering in the future," he concludes.