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In recent years Sica has developed applications with anthropomorphic robots for the end of line of extrusion lines with the aim of showing up on the target market even as a "solution provider". By adopting this technology, in fact, depending on the type of problem to be solved, Sica today is able to be very flexible in identifying the best solution for the customer in terms of cost and performance.
Always counting on a large range of automatic machines for the most varied pipe packaging and handling requirements at the end of the line, and thanks to the use of robots, where necessary, Sica has already delivered installations capable of solving problems that once would have required long delivery times and brought significant difficulties in reaching the productivity and reliability levels that this sector requires today. In particular, the company has gained a specific technical know-how in designing the most appropriate gripper to the particular manipulation need and type of pipe.
The reasons that motivated Sica to complete its commercial offer with the anthropomorphic robots technology, beyond the positive aspects highlighted earlier, is the series of obvious advantages listed below:
- flexibility: the anthropomorphic robot allows the handling of pipes of different length, placing them on two separate logistic units, while ensuring a high productivity rate and a high degree of customization according to the operating requirements and space available;
- efficiency: the anthropomorphic handler is characterized by highly efficient electric drive units and minimal maintenance requirements, which, combined with an energy-saving vacuum generator available among Sica's solutions, ensures low operating and maintenance costs, and thus high economic returns;
- compactness: limited dimensions if compared to "traditional" units which would perform the same function;
- simple size changeover: only a small number of size change components required, if compared with traditional automations;
- versatility: possibility of implementing additional functions during the system's life, simply, programming it to perform additonal movements and operations;
- ease of integration: the integration of the robot operation inside of the line, both from the software and safety point of view, is simple and immediate and open to changes during the implementation of the initial project, which commonly occurs.
Especially in the field of pipe packaging and packing at the end of line, the use of robot cells has thus simplified the layout of the lines in many cases, allowing both significant savings in terms of space and an increase in the overall reliability of the system totally for the customer's benefit.
Ultimately, today Sica can design and implement systems that include the use of robots, even of manufacturers that the end customer prefers, relying on a team of engineers and technicians which have an adequate know-how and able to implement these installations all over the world.
About the company
Sica is a globally renowned Italian producer of downstream equipment for plastic pipes: haul-offs, saws, belling machines, packaging machines, automation and ancillary equipment. Sica employs around 140 people, feeding an important number of nearby suppliers. It promotes 200 different machine models, has 22 active patents, sells approximately 500 machines per year, exports 95% of its products all over the world and has a turnover of about 30 million euro.
