ROBOT-ASSISTED DEPALLETIZING SYSTEMS

Bring products into the production process fully automatically with the depalletizers from Whystler Automation.

Whystler Automation depalletizing systems

Whystler Automation’s depalletizing systems perform a critical step at the beginning of the production line by efficiently unloading (depalletizing) empty containers such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, jars and other containers. The state-of-the-art machines are designed to handle entire pallets weighing up to 1200 kg and offer a wide range of applications. The depalletizing process begins with the transport of full pallets, followed by the removal of film and straps. After selecting the menu on the operator interface, containers are removed in layers and transported to a buffer belt, while empty pallets are transferred to an empty pallet magazine for disposal.

Palletizing products

These products can be transported via the Whystler Automation depalletizers and finally separated. If your product is not included, please contact us.

BOTTLES

DRINK CAN

AMPOULES

CRUCIBLE

CAN

CREAM TUBE

CREAM CANS

GLASS BOTTLES

Technical data:

Feature	Details
Loading	Passive or active promotion
Capacity	Manual: 55 levels / hour (bottles) and 65 levels (cans); pallet change by operator < 120 seconds Automatic: 67 levels / hour (bottles) and 73 levels (cans); pallet change automatically

The core elements of a depalletizing line

The depalletizer is available in different versions and can be equipped with additional components as required. The core elements of a depalletizing line are:

Frame:

The frame is positioned in the center of the depalletizer and serves as a supporting structure for most components. In the basic version, the rear wall is equipped with a bumper anchored in the floor, which positions the pallet when it is pushed in. In a fully automatic version, it allows the pallet to be removed from the depalletizer using a retrieval system.

Drivetrain:

Mounted on top of the depalletizer, the drive train lifts the loaded pallet. It consists of a system of ropes, pulleys and cable drums that are driven by a geared motor.

Walking beam:

The lifting beams are suspended from ropes in the depalletizer and are the executive element that lifts the pallet. The walking beams can handle full pallets weighing up to 1200kg.

Slider with intermediate layer holder:

This system pushes a layer of containers onto a conveyor belt. The device is equipped with a sensor that detects the top layer of the pallet to be processed. Beforehand, four vacuum grippers automatically pick up intermediate layers and put them aside so that they can later be automatically moved into a storage space intended for this purpose.

Container holder:

The container holder is installed opposite the pusher and further secures empty cans, bottles and jars from tipping over as they are pushed from the pallet onto the conveyor belt.

Separation magazine:

Another depalletizing function offered by Whystler Automation is intended for the disposal of intermediate layers. They are placed on a separation magazine tray and when this is completely filled, the intermediate layers are moved by the slider into the separation magazine.

Container conveyor:

The container conveyors are located between the main depalletizing unit and the filling line. It consists of 3 sections: buffer conveyor, intermediate conveyor and line conveyor. The purpose is to arrange an entire layer of containers in a row so that they can be further transported to the filling machine or canning machine.

Vertical conveyor:

The lowerer is located behind the line conveyors and is designed to transport containers from high to low levels. Rubber pick-ups provide a secure, firm grip and are easy to set up for different size bottles or jars.

Operator platform:

The operator platform is arranged along the main unit and the product conveyor. It provides access to the upper part of the depalletizer and is equipped with a control panel from which the operating settings of the machine can be changed. The platform allows for manual removal of the top frame with special brackets for secure storage.

Available options

Additional functions can be implemented for complete automation and more efficient depalletizing. The depalletizing system can be designed specifically for aluminum cans, glass bottles or as a universal solution for both.

Installing conveyors at the beginning of the line makes it easier to load the pallet into the depalletizer. Directly in front of the passive roller conveyors, a centering section ensures the correct positioning of the pallet. Automatic chain conveyors can serve as an additional buffer area where the pallet can be prepared before entering the line, especially in high capacity filling lines.

Depalletizing capacity varies depending on the option selected. When loading manually, an efficiency of up to 55 layers per hour (bottle depalletizing) or 65 layers per hour (can depalletizing) can be expected. The estimated time for pallet replacement by the operator is less than 120 seconds. With automatic loading, depalletizing efficiency can reach up to 67 layers per hour (bottle depalletizing) or 73 layers per hour (can depalletizing). In this case, the pallet is fed into the depalletizer via automatic chain conveyors.

Special solutions for cans

When depalletizing cans, the protective metal frame on the top of the pallet must be removed. After all layers have been unloaded, the pallet is placed on an empty pallet. The liner can convey end with a twist rinser that cleans the inside of the cans on the way to the filling machine.

Special solutions for glass bottles

For depalletizing glass bottles, Whystler Automation can integrate a container tipper into your technological line. Guide cams ensure that tipped or crooked bottles are removed before they enter a vertical conveyor belt. Vertical conveyors can be equipped with an air purifier that cleans the inside of the bottles while simultaneously tipping them over before they reach the filler.

Are you still unpacking manually or do you want to take the step into automation?

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Continuous improvements to the depalletizers

Since introducing the first depalletizing system, Whystler Automation has made many improvements to its production automation solutions, including:

Replacing sliding back panels with fixed back panels for stable support and reduced gaps between steel plates.
Increasing the number of cable drums from two to four, improving pallet positioning and weight distribution.
Adding additional container holders for safer product transfer to conveyors.
Replacing induction sensors with encoders for more precise control of the depalletizing process.
Automatic pick-up of the metal frame that secures the top layer of cans on a pallet.
Add additional components for seamless pallet access, such as passive roller conveyors, centering units and metal transfer pallets.
Improve the safety of the depalletizing process by adding fully enclosed sides to the separator tray to protect against falling liners.

Whystler Automation supplies depalletizing systems worldwide and is able to design depalletizing lines for any type of pallet size and container, whether customers require can, bottle or jar depalletizers.

References from practice

Would you like to know more about the product solution and individual customization options?

Then talk to us and we will discuss everything personally in the form of a telephone call or an individual meeting. Contact us using our contact form.

We will then contact you promptly and arrange an appointment.

Your Whystler Automation team