A major retailer commissioned RNA to design and manufacture an automatic inspection machine to sort mixed batches of coat hanger size tags into individual containers.
Each tag has a size identification character printed at three points on the outer circumference and a corresponding colour. In designing the system, several challenges were highlighted, multiple variants of component colour, multiple identification prints, debris and scrap contaminated batches all combined with a high sort rate of 300 components per minute.
RNA designed and developed a single lane, bowl sorting system incorporating a bowl feeder based feed system in conjunction with a camera inspection to sort the components before sorting them into separate containers for each size designation.
The process starts with loading components from a customer’s tote into a bulk hopper capable of holding approximately 4 hours of the product; the hopper is fitted with a griddle to catch over size rogue components. The bowl feeder is dosed with components from the hopper and presents a single line of orientated components to a separation wheel; the wheel transfers components onto a sorting conveyor at a repeatable spacing single file.
The inspection station incorporates two industrial cameras mounted on opposite sides of the sorting conveyor. Each camera reads the letters and numbers printed on the components as they pass through the field of view. After the inspection process the camera control relays data to the system PLC.
Depending on the results of the inspection, the main system PLC triggers a solenoid to blow the component off the sorting conveyor as it passes the correct chute. The chutes interface with two out-feed conveyors fitted with separation lanes; these transport the components into product specific tote bins.
For this project RNA drew upon its expertise in handling and sorting to develop a bespoke yet cost-effective solution for the customer’s process. Following the customer’s operation and centralization plan, the solution has provided a significant saving in labour costs, reduced inventory and speeded up the lengthy process of manual inspection and sorting. The high-speed inspection system also helps to ensure tag quality supplying the process chain with a consistent supply of product.
RNA Automation design and build bespoke automated systems tailored to meet our customers’ diversified requirements. RNA are specialists in the supply of special purpose machines, providing the industry with nearly 2000 systems annually.
