UK – Automated packaging solutions provider, Shemesh Automation has unveiled its TKS-C60 complete robotics-enhanced bottling line for cosmetics products.

The company says that TKS-C60 is designed to handle the entire packaging process—feeding, filling, capping, labeling, case packing and palletizing cosmetics products of all shapes and sizes.

The TKS-C60 ensures a seamless, uninterrupted bottling line for a range of products from creams and foundations to fragrances and nail polish at a rate of 60 bottles per minute.

It consists of three ABB Delta Robots for product unscrambling, multi-capping, and case packing, respectively, as well as an integrated advanced vision system.

The line features two lanes and is reportedly capable of packaging different products on the same line by setting up the requisite recipes through a smart HMI screen – a feature expected to improve flexibility.

This is said to be compounded by its ability to identify screw caps, snap-on caps, pump/spray caps, and various other cap types of differing dimensions, alongside the potential to install pucks loaders and unloaders for shaped products.

Its linear feed, as opposed to a rotary one, is expected to smoothen the changeover and cleaning process, with fewer parts to navigate.

Features of the line include the automatic bottle unscrambler, ETNA, which uses an ABB/FANUC spider robot for bottle orientation and is said to be compatible with almost any bottle type commonly used in the cosmetics industry.

With few exceptions, such as robot grippers, the robotic elements are not thought to require changing parts to unscramble multiple different bottle shapes, which is expected to save operators’ time and manufacturers’ money.

Its STRATUM filling machine comes with double-servo driven pistons, which contribute to a reportedly accurate and versatile liquid filling solution – compatible with viscosities between 1 to 500,000 Centipoise to within +/- 0.25% of filling volume, says Shemesh.

In addition, its ATTILUS continuous motion capper comes with bottle tracking and a synchronized gantry two-axis robot based on encoders and servos, which can operate while in motion for optimized production time.

Its integrated Siemens/AB PLC & HMI allow for simple programming and complete control on the part of the operator, according to the company.

The TKS-C60 is designed to handle corrosive products and flammable liquids, such as nail varnish remover, and Shemesh states that the line offers ATEX protection in explosive atmospheres.

Shai Shemesh, president of Shemesh Automation, concluded: “In developing the TKS-C60 we have poured years of engineering know-how into solving a genuine pain point for our cosmetics customers: The ability to efficiently pack multiple product types with one smart line.”

“The TKS-C60 is a fantastic example of how the ability to source an end-to-end packaging solution, enhanced by the very latest robotic technology, from one trusted supplier can unlock major savings for our customers in both time and money.”

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