Dear Sir or Madam,  

Tailor-made automation for the planing process of plastic sheets.
When heavy, large-format plastic sheets need to be processed precisely and efficiently, it all comes down to the perfect interplay of handling, conveyor technology, and the machining process. For the automated feeding of a planing machine, we have developed and successfully implemented a handling solution that intelligently links all process steps.

From destacking to feeding and turning-over to the outfeed of the finished workpieces, the system ensures a continuous and coordinated material flow-tailored precisely to the customer’s requirements.

The system handles every step of the plastic sheet processing around the planing machine. First, the sheets are destacked by the gantry trolley 1, subsequently the dimensions are verified and the sheets are placed on an angular transfer conveyor with an integrated alignment mechanism. From there, they are precisely fed to the planing machine, which processes the first - upper - surface of the sheet.

After machining and another verification of the dimensions, the sheets are conveyed out of the planing machine via a roller conveyor. A lifting rake lifts the workpieces from the roller conveyor at an optimized cycle time and transfers them to a toothed belt conveyor. There, the workpiece is inspected, and the next step in the process is determined.
If the second – lower – surface of the sheet still needs to be machined, a drum turner rotates the workpiece by 180 degrees unless the upper surface needs to be planed again. The panel is then fed back to the planer via the angular transfer conveyors. Once machining is complete, the workpiece is transported via the conveyor system to the second gantry trolley which places it on an empty cart.

In this way, destacking, alignment, machining, workpiece inspection, turning, and outfeed are integrated into a coordinated overall system.

From lightweight 20 kg sheets to plastic sheets weighing up to 2,500 kg, and from thin materials to solid sheets of 180 mm thickness: The completed system covers a wide range of products with a single production line. The varying weights, material thicknesses, and workpiece formats place high demands on handling and material flow. At the same time, all process steps must be optimally coordinated to reliably meet the required cycle times.

To meet these requirements, we begin our work even before the contract is awarded. Using 3D layouts, feasibility analyses, and cycle time studies, we establish transparency early on, verify technical feasibility, and evaluate the interaction between the individual process steps. In this way, we lay the foundation during the planning phase for a tailor-made solution that is not only technically sound but also functions reliably in day-to-day production. 

Even after commissioning is complete, we continue to work closely with our clients to optimize the processes in every respect. Those who observe and understand can also bring about change.

Every production system is unique - that’s why we develop automation concepts that are precisely tailored to our customers’ requirements.

From the initial feasibility assessment to 3D layout designs, cycle time analyses, and the successful implementation, we guide our customers every step of the way towards the right automation solution.

Are you planning a new machining process or looking to automate your existing production? 

Let’s work together to find the solution that best fits your products and processes. We look forward to learning about your requirements and developing an automation concept with you.

Your HORSTKEMPER Team