1
Roll Transfer
The first robot aligns its expandable end-of-arm tool with the end
of the winder takeoff mandrel. A pusher tool on the second robot
moves each roll along the mandrel until it can be transferred to
the first robot.
Roll Handling Automation
Robotic Roll Handling and Palletizing for Roofing Materials
This end-of-line packaging cell uses two FANUC R-2000 robots to
transfer, reorient, stack, and prepare variable-width rolls of roofing
material for shipment.
From Winder Takeoff to Finished Pallet
The rolls enter the robotic cell from a rotating winder takeoff unit
with the roll cores positioned horizontally. The two robots work
together to remove the rolls from the mandrel and stack them on a
shipping pallet with the cores positioned vertically.
Once a pallet load is complete, three-strand chain conveyor and roller
conveyor transfer it to an automatic stretch-wrapping station before
shipment.
How the Robots Work Together
Each robot performs a specific part of the robotic roll handling and
palletizing process.
2
Slip-Sheet Placement
A second end-of-arm tool moves slip sheets from the rack to the
empty pallet and places another slip sheet over each completed layer
of rolls.
3
Empty Pallet Handling
A third tool picks an empty pallet from the pallet infeed conveyor
and places it in the robotic palletizing position for the next load.
Integrated Equipment Built for the Application
Motion Controls Robotics also manufactured the rotating winder takeoff
and roll-staging tower, empty pallet dispenser, and slip-sheet rack used
in the system.
See the Roll Handling Cell in Operation
Watch the two robots coordinate roll transfer, pallet preparation, and
layer building.
Planning a Roll Handling Application?
Talk with an MCRI Applications Engineer about robotic roll handling,
roll reorientation, palletizing, and end-of-line packaging.
