 |
 |
||||||
[Sep 2005]
Thermal Ceramics Invests in Automated Packaging System for IFB
Thermal Ceramics has completed the installation of a new packaging operation for Low Temp IFB (insulating fire brick) at the plant in Augusta, GA, USA, a move which will provide many quality and process benefits.
The new operation is slightly different from the previous standard packages for IFB. Previously, the typical configuration was 20 x 3in straights or 25 x 2.5in straights per box. The new package size will hold 10 x 3in straights or 12 x 2.5in straights.
On pallets, the 3in pattern will be 8 layers high with 13 cartons per layer for a total of 1040 bricks per pallet. The 2.5in pattern will be 8 layers high with 13 cartons per layer for a total of 1248 bricks per pallet. Thermal Ceramics added that only these sizes are affected at this time, with the remaining sizes being 'transitioned' towards the end of 2005.
The new packaging process is automated from the point the inspector approves the brick as good and it travels down the collection conveyor. There are two conveyors - one for standard packaging and one for project packs. The robot moves the bricks from the collection area to the pallet in a computer controlled operation to build up the layers on the pallet.
The cardboard packages are done in much the same way, with the cardboard being automatically placed in the packaging frame where the box is creased prior to bricks being put into the open brick form. The cardboard boxes, with bricks set in the open form, are then closed and glued. The cartons are then moved by a robotic arm to the pallet according to the design pattern. There is an ink jet printer which prints a label for each box; the label carries the product name and batch number. Due to the equipment design, both types of packaging can be done at the same time.
www.thermalceramics.com
ENDS