INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING LINE · MECHANICS, ELECTRICS AND CONTROLS – TURNKEY SOLUTION
From concept to finished machine: KM-Automation was the turnkey supplier for an edge-banding machine that applies protective edge banding to stacks of sheets in the middle of an existing packaging line. We were responsible for the mechanics, the electrical switchboard and the control system – and delivered a complete, turnkey solution to the customer.
The customer
IB Andresen Industri packs stacks of sheet metal for transport and storage. The edges of the sheets must be protected against damage caused by pressure during transit. This required an automated machine that could be integrated precisely into the new production line – and a supplier capable of taking responsibility for the entire solution, from design to commissioning.
The task
The customer required a turnkey solution, with a single partner responsible for the mechanical, electrical and control systems – so that they would not have to coordinate between several subcontractors and would have a single point of responsibility for the final result. The machine had to operate at the same speed from both the left and right sides, adapt to different sheet sizes and allow the operator to deselect edge banding on individual stacks. Safety had to be integrated into the line’s overall emergency stop circuit, and operational disruptions must not require a physical service visit every time.
The technique
KM-Automation supplied the complete solution. The mechanism is designed as a symmetrical edge banding machine, with the left and right sides operating synchronously – featuring three linear axes per side, a feed motor for the edge banding and a separate cutting motor, all mounted on a fixed base frame bolted to the floor. The electrical cabinet has been designed, built and wired for both the left and right sides. The control system has been developed on a Siemens platform with edge detection that registers the stack of sheets, and a sensor in the chain conveyors that triggers the start and stop of the edge banding as the stack passes. Signal exchange with the line control system ensures that the machine responds to the position of the sheet stack and stops as soon as the trailing edge is reached. Safety is integrated into the line’s overall emergency stop circuit, and an online connection enables remote support – meaning that most operational disruptions can be resolved without the need for a physical service visit.
The dividend
The customer was provided with a single supplier, a single point of responsibility and a single integrated machine that could be integrated into the packaging line and put into operation. The packaging line now operates in a continuous, automatic cycle, with the edge-banding machine providing consistent protection without causing production bottlenecks. Via the HMI panel, the operator can select whether a specific stack requires edge banding or not, and the machine handles the rest automatically. Manual work has been eliminated, quality is consistent, and remote support ensures high uptime.