Extrusion International USA 5-2022

46 Extrusion International 5/2022 K 2022 Modular Automation Concept I ncreasingly shorter product life cycles, a shortage of skilled workers and the trend towards individualization require flexible automation solutions tailored to customer require - ments. The answer to this is the new Kiefel Speed Automa- tion (KSA) from Kiefel, which is based on a modular system. In addition to customer-specific automation solutions, with the KSA the company offers completely modular and there- fore flexible standard automation for the KMD series, espe - cially for the SPEEDFORMER KMD 78.2 Speed. The company is presenting the solutions this year at K 2022. The KSA is optimally matched to the KMD series and can be integrated into existing systems as well as into new ma - chines. This allows the production of packaging with various modules to be automated and modernized. A KSA module forms stacks from partial stacks, e.g. of food trays. Another module is the carton erecting and closing unit. It removes car- tons from a box magazine, erects them, and, if necessary, in - serts a protective bag for hygienic packaging of the products. The stacked packaging is automatically inserted into these. As soon as the carton is full, the bag and carton can also be automatically closed and transported onwards as required. The KSA range also includes an automatic labeling unit. The palletizing unit consists of two palletizing stations. This makes it possible to palletize in one station while the other is being emptied. If the products are not to be packed in cartons, the sleeving module can be used. Here, one or more stacks are packed and shrink-wrapped. Easy integration of the KSA in the KMD series This means that intelligent, modular automation solutions are available for the most common applications, which con- tain fewer product-specific format parts and can still be op - timally adapted to customer requirements. This offers high product design flexibility. The tool layout has little or no im - pact on automation and the footprint of the KSA is minimal. The smooth integration of the KSA modules into the KMD machines means that the additional costs that usually arise with retrofitting are avoided. The standard KSA solution from Kiefel is designed for the fast cycle times of the KMD machines. Another bonus: The KSA makes it possible for just one person to operate the machine. Some of the automation modules can also be integrated into the SPEEDFORMER KTR series tilting machines. Sustainable packaging with the KMD 78.2 Speed At the K 2022 Kiefel's packaging specialists will be demon- strating a SPEEDFORMER KMD 78.2 Speed producing a tray made from an rPET film with a thickness of 0.35 mm – light, stable and sustainable. The steel rule machine is just as at home in large series production as it is with smaller quanti- ties. The machine's highlights include high productivity and process control, as well as intuitive user guidance. The interaction of servo motor drives, the optimized sym- metrical toggle lever systemand particularly robust cast steel tables ensure high efficiency along the entire service life. The KISS-CUT system guarantees maximummachine uptime and precision with its high punching quality and reliability. The separately driven plug assist provide material savings, high levels of process control and outstanding product qual- ity. During machine development, the focus was on energy efficiency, for example of the heating elements or the drives, which all have an energy recovery system. The new KMD generation not only saves energy, but film too. The film feed table with rollers prevents scratches and und particle contamination and ensures reliable and safe film transport. The forming surface of the machines makes Settings, adjustments and test runs are carried out intuitively via the new HMI KSA modules, such as the bag inserter or carton sealer shown here, can be connected to existing and new KMD machines The KMD 78.2 steel rule machine will be demonstrated live at the K trade fair (All pictures © KIEFEL GmbH)