PLEASANTON, Calif., Sept. 25, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Synerlink, the integrator of the packaging machine manufacturer Arcil, offers end-of-line robotic solutions under the Aprium-Technology brand that feature Adept Quattro™ robots from Adept Technology (Nasdaq:ADEP). Used to gently stack cups of yogurts and other food products at very high speeds prior to multipacking or case packing, the flexible Quattro robots are easy to deploy and easy to maintain.
"Before we selected Adept's Quattro robot, we considered other technology," said Charles-Antoine Freiher, Business Unit Manager of the Aprium-Technology brand. "Compared to pneumatic stacking systems, robots have more flexibility to handle a wide variety of product sizes and stacking configurations with very little downtime for changeovers. We choose Quattro because of its payload, speed and connectivity. The fact that Adept's programming language is open and OMAC-compatible makes it very easy to integrate and maintain Quattro."
Aprium-Technology has installed 20 Quattro robots in 8 plants over the past two years, mainly in Europe and North America. Most were new production lines producing dairy products packed in cups that range in size from 30 gr to 1 kg (1 oz to 2.2 lb). The robots, typically configured two or four per line to achieve the necessary throughput, are stacking the cups for multipacks and case packing. The multipacks range in size from 2- to 24-count and the cases range from 16- to 48-count.
"Changeovers are achieved on Quattro within the program," noted Freiher. "The settings for each product and stacking configuration are saved in the robot's memory so operators can quickly recall the correct settings during changeovers. Some changes are achieved fully automatically with no mechanical adjustments or change parts required. Other changes require the tool on the end of the robot's arm to be changed, which can be accomplished in less than two minutes."
The Quattro robot's end-of-arm tooling used to handle the yogurt cups is Adept's proprietary SoftPIC™ gripping technology. These SoftPIC grippers are made of soft silicone that conforms to the shape of the product to provide a strong vacuum path, which enables the robots to handle the products gently and reliably at very high speeds.
"Through our engineering department, Synerlink, we sell complete lines to Danone and to other food processors around the world. It is very important that we provide systems that are very reliable and easy to learn to use so operators can maximize each machine's potential," explained Freiher. "One measure of success is uptime – not just the efficiency level of any one machine itself, but in tandem with other equipment on the full production line. The zones that include Quattro are operating at 98 percent efficiency. The Quattro robot's ability to speed changeovers, ease sanitation, reduce maintenance and simplify operation is all a part of that high efficiency."
The patented four-arm design and advanced control algorithms of the Quattro robot make it the ideal solution for smooth motion, high-throughput applications. The four-arm design helps it achieve a large range of motion and handle payloads of up to 6 kg (13.2 lb) with superior accuracy and smooth motion at high speeds while reducing energy use by 23% compared to traditional three-arm delta robots. Quattro is powered by ultra-compact controls and embedded amplifiers, which speeds cycle times and reduces the footprint of the robot.
"The size of the Quattro robot's controller is very compact compared to other robots. It is also very easy to integrate," noted Freiher. "Quattro also has the best conveyor tracking capabilities of any robot I've seen, which contributes to its high speed and accuracy."
"At Synerlink, we offer integrated solutions in packaging machinery that are years ahead of the competition. That is why we integrate technology specialists such as Adept. We want to provide our shelf-ready solutions to the largest international businesses as well as to more local independent food producers. That's one of the reasons we choose the Adept Quattro," concluded Freiher.
About Synerlink
Synerlink is a global packaging solution provider created by Arcil and supported by elite machinery manufacturers. Decades of experience from the individual companies have been brought together to form a complementary group of worldwide experts in the field of industrial packaging solutions. Synerlink chooses its packaging machinery partners as experts in their domain of activity. The current major partners are Arcil, Aprium-Technology, Dosil, and Tecma Pack. More information is available at www.synerlink-engineering.com.
About Aprium-Technology
Aprium-Technology is a brand developed by Arcil to offer customers end-of-line robotics solutions. Continuous motion with integrated robotics brings efficient high capacity end-of-line solutions that handle up to 360 overwraps per minute. Its flexibility simplifies product change-over and end of production emptying operations with zero product losses. More information is available at www.aprium-technology.com.
About Adept Technology, Inc.
Adept is a global, leading provider of intelligent robots and autonomous mobile solutions and services that enable customers to achieve precision, speed, quality and productivity in their assembly, handling, packaging, testing, and logistical processes. With a comprehensive portfolio of high-performance motion controllers, application development software, vision-guidance technology and high-reliability robot mechanisms with autonomous capabilities, Adept provides specialized, cost-effective robotics systems and services to high-growth markets including Packaging, Medical, Disk Drive/Electronics, and Solar; as well as to traditional industrial markets including machine tool automation and automotive components. More information is available at http://www.adept.com.
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Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements about our expectations for revenues and cash flow and opportunities in our core markets and potential new markets. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about the Company's business. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons. For a discussion of these risk factors relating to Adept's business, see Adept's SEC filings, including the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, which includes the discussion in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Risk Factors.