Nestlé chooses Sidel solutions for Special.T capsules

Nestlé recently installed two CoboAccess™_Pal units from Sidel at its site in Orbe (Switzerland) where it produces Special.T tea capsules, achieving higher pallet quality while benefiting from increased ease-of-operations for the plant’s workers.

The systems were installed in just one week and were customised and optimised according to the Swiss multinational’s specific requirements for the purpose of increasing volume and productivity. Benefits include ease of use, ruggedness, precision, accurate capsule positioning on pallets, and no less importantly Industry 4.0 technology.

The two units feature an industrial automation platform based on the combination of a PC and PLC. This allows for better-controlled picking and trajectories, leading to greater pallet quality and stability during transport. Moreover, CoboAccess_Pal has an HMI based on intuitive tablet approach navigation that facilitates daily tasks for operators as they can access Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and maintenance sheets.

Sidel guarantees full compliance with the European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and has received independent validation from the Apave certification agency (the machine always performs case handling above the conveyor or the pallet station, which ensures that cases never fall on the floor and ensures maximum protection). Other benefits of CoboAccess_Pal is the fact that it can be rapidly moved between lines (in under ten minutes).

Sidel has also extended its cobotic palletizing range recently by introducing CoboAccess_Pal M, a solution featuring a Fanuc CR-15iA robotic arm that allows for a higher payload while running at six cycles per minute. Equipped with DCS (Distributed Control System) software and safe contact stop technology, the new cell is suited to a wider range of applications and market categories.