Kongsberg PCS Maximizes Productivity Through Automation With Latest Feeder & Stacker Reveal At drupa

PRESS ROOM

31 May

Written By Debbie Mckeegan

Friday, May 31, 2024 : Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to innovation and productivity with the unveiling of its latest automation solution at drupa. The newly updated Kongsberg Feeder & Stacker v1.2 is designed to revolutionize production efficiency, significantly reducing downtime and expediting turnaround times.

At the heart of this cutting-edge technology is a substantially larger vacuum plenum plate, coupled with several novel features that streamline setup and virtually eliminate the need for manual adjustments. This advancement translates to a notable boost in throughput, making it an indispensable tool for modern digital finishing.

Nimil David, Kongsberg PCS Product Manager for Automation and Robotics, introduced the updated Feeder & Stacker in Hall 8A of the Messe Düsseldorf, describing it as "one of the most advanced automated sheet handling solutions for large format digital finishing."

“The Feeder & Stacker was developed specifically as a pallet-to-pallet solution to seamlessly increase productivity,” said David. “Its combined automatic loading and unloading capabilities significantly speed up short-run production by eliminating one of the most common bottlenecks in the process: the need for operators to manually handle materials. This enables continuous production. With this updated version, we have maximized the plenum plate size and optimized other components to deliver peak efficiency during loading and unloading."

An active coverage area exceeding 95% eradicates the need for job-specific plenum plate adjustments, thereby enhancing setup efficiency and further accelerating production cycles.

Key Features of the New Kongsberg Feeder & Stacker:

Advanced Vacuum System: Enhanced by powerful new blowers ensuring optimal airflow, the system delivers superior material handling capabilities.

Ease of Use: The larger plenum plate covers the entirety of the sheet, minimizing manual adjustments and streamlining operational processes.

Optimum Pick-Up Power: The expanded vacuum area ensures comprehensive coverage and effective material pick-up.

Improved Productivity: Reduced setup times expedite turnaround, driving higher productivity levels.

Enhanced Reliability: Fewer adjustable and moving components translate to extended maintenance intervals and quicker servicing procedures, maximizing uptime and operational continuity.

“As customers look to the future of their own businesses, they are focusing on automation to maximize their potential,” added David. “Removing manual handling between steps not only increases the speed and accuracy of material location and removal but also eliminates human errors that can lead to damage and costly mistakes. These latest advancements in our Feeder & Stacker technology are designed to address these challenges and empower converters to maximize throughput.”

Capable of handling sheet sizes up to 3200 x 1600mm (126 x 63 inches) and all typical packaging and display materials, the Kongsberg Feeder & Stacker seamlessly integrates into production workflows, thus reducing the frequency of pallet changes and enabling continuous material handling.

“The automated Feeder & Stacker is specifically engineered to ensure no damage to the board or the print as it moves to the cutting table,” David continued. “The Kongsberg table quickly registers cuts and delivers the material to the pallet with perfect stack alignment, ensuring consistent production for the subsequent workflow steps.”

David also highlighted that this launch is part of Kongsberg PCS’s broader strategy to advance automation technologies, with drupa attendees also offered a preview of the new seven-axis, rail-mounted Robotic Material Handler system.

“We are hugely excited to be at drupa, showcasing how our cutting-edge technology empowers businesses to unlock their full potential, maximize productivity, and optimize return on investment,” he concluded.

For a firsthand look at the latest Kongsberg automated Feeder & Stacker, and to explore other innovations from Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, visit stand B43 in Hall 8A of the Messe Düsseldorf at drupa, running until June 7.