Kongsberg PCS maximizes productivity through automation with the latest presentation of feeders and stackers at drupa

An updated version of the automated material handling device streamlines production

Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS) showcased its latest automation innovation at drupa, highlighting the company’s commitment to developing digital solutions that maximize productivity.

Featuring a significantly larger vacuum plate and several new features that minimize setup and the need for manual adjustments, the improved Kongsberg v1.2 feeder and stacker helps significantly reduce downtime and enable faster turnaround times, which significantly increases throughput.

Hall 8A of Messe Düsseldorf was buzzing as Nimil David, Product Manager for Automation and Robotics at Kongsberg PCS, unveiled the upgraded machine, describing it as “one of the most advanced automated sheet-handling solutions for large-format digital finishing.”

“The feeder and stacker was designed specifically as a pallet-to-pallet solution to seamlessly increase productivity,” Nimil said. “Combined automated loading and unloading significantly speeds up short-run production by eliminating one of the most common process bottlenecks, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle materials and enabling continuous production. In this updated version, we have maximized the size of the expansion plate and reduced other components to ensure optimal efficiency during loading and unloading.

“An active coverage area of ​​over 95% eliminates the need to adjust the expansion plate for each job, improving configuration to further speed production and deliver even greater speed – and value – throughout the workflow,” he said.

Drupa visitors will be the first to see all the new Kongsberg Feeder & Stacker features for themselves, including:

New Advanced Vacuum System – Reinforced with new powerful blowers for optimal airflow, the new vacuum cleaner provides excellent material handling capabilities

Ease of use – thanks to the larger expansion plate covering the entire surface of the sheet, manual adjustments are minimized, resulting in more streamlined operation

Optimum collection power – the enlarged vacuum area provides comprehensive coverage and ensures the most effective collection of cut materials

Increased Productivity – Reduced setup time speeds up execution, increasing productivity levels

Improved reliability – Fewer adjustable and moving components in the new feeder and stacker translate into longer maintenance intervals and faster service procedures, maximizing uptime and business continuity

“As customers look to the future of their businesses, they are focusing on automation to maximize their potential,” Nimil said. “Eliminating any manual handling between steps not only increases the speed and accuracy of locating and removing materials, but also eliminates the risk of human error that can lead to damage and costly errors. These latest advances in our feeder and stacker technology are designed to provide an automation solution designed specifically to solve these problems and enable converters to maximize throughput.

Capable of handling sheets up to 3,200 x 1,600 mm/126 x 63 inches – as well as all common packaging and display materials – incorporating a Kongsberg feeder and stacker into your production workflow means fewer pallet changes and continuous material handling.

“The automatic feeder and stacker has been specially designed not to damage the cardboard or print when transferring it to the cutting table,” Nimil added. “The Kongsberg table then quickly captures the cuts and delivers the material to the pallet with perfect stack alignment to ensure consistent production in the next step of the workflow.”

Nimil said the launch of the improved feeder and stacker was the latest innovation from Kongsberg PCS to highlight its commitment to automation, and the company gave drupa visitors a preview of its new seven-axis rail-mounted robot handling system.

“We are incredibly excited to attend drupa and showcase how our cutting-edge technology helps businesses unlock their full potential, maximize productivity and optimize return on investment,” he said.

To see Kongsberg’s latest automatic feeder and stacker in action, or other innovations from Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, visit stand B43 in Hall 8A of Messe Düsseldorf at drupa until June 7.

For more information on Kongsberg PCS’ range of digital finishing solutions and tools, visit www.kongsbergsystems.com.