Efficient Palletizing in the Food Industry

In the food industry, solutions are in demand that increase efficiency, meet strict hygiene and safety requirements, and enable gentle product transport. Therefore, manufacturers are increasingly investing in modern automation that fulfills these complex requirements. One solution is the VarioFlow plus – a chain conveyor system from Bosch Rexroth, which, in combination with pre-existing automation and integration from Hitmark Robotics, enables excellent results in palletizing, depalletizing, and order-picking processes.

Palletizing, Depalletizing, Mixing – Automated Processes for the Food Industry

The challenges of the food industry – such as variable batch sizes, diverse packaging solutions, and the need for rapid changeovers – require sophisticated solutions for pick-and-place automation. Consequently, more and more companies are opting for comprehensive robotic lines that not only accelerate processes but also ensure their reproducibility and consistently high quality.

This type of implementation is offered by Hitmark Robotics – an integrator of industrial solutions specializing in the automation of end-of-line packaging. The company designs and implements palletizing robots, picking stations, depalletizing systems, and complete transport and control systems. A recent example of this is a production line realized in collaboration with Bosch Rexroth.

VarioFlow plus – Safe Transport of Demanding Products

In the implementation for a dairy producer, the main challenge was to ensure the safe and smooth transport of cartons and crates without damaging them. The VarioFlow plus chain conveyor system, with a system width of 320 mm and a smooth chain surface, is used – ideal for sensitive goods that must be handled with care.

The Rexroth solution consists of:

• 10 VarioFlow plus chain conveyors with a total length of approx. 57 meters
• 10 gear motors
• 10 active transfer bridges
• Aluminum profile rails with a slide rail for gentle product transport with a wide guide surface

The cardboard boxes are delivered directly to the line from the packaging machines, lifted vertically, and transported at a height of approximately 2.5 meters. This system layout allows for continuous production while simultaneously leaving free space underneath the system, which is used for both employee traffic and for operating transport carts.

Robot Palletizing – Precision That Pays Off

At the end of the line, there are stations that prepare packages for collection by the palletizing robot. Here, the system automatically separates the products and arranges them according to a defined pattern. Thanks to the integration with the automation system developed by Hitmark, it is not only possible to smoothly connect the line to the robot but also to continuously monitor operating parameters and quickly reconfigure in case of packaging or format changes.

Why do Hitmark Robotics and Bosch Rexroth work together?

Bosch Rexroth supplied a highly developed transport system; Hitmark Robotics handled its integration, automation configuration, and connection to the palletizing system. Both companies share a common vision:

To create solutions that function reliably, flexibly, and scalably, even in the most demanding industries.

Key Benefits of the Implementation:

• Minimized risk of damage to transported goods
• Optimal use of space
• Consistent performance
• Ability for rapid expansion or reconfigurationion
• utomatic preparation of packages for palletizing
• Reliable operation even under difficult production conditions

The Future of Automation Begins with Well-Thought-Out Transport Solutions

Modern automation must be forward-thinking, consider the actual needs of the facility, allow for flexibility, and at the same time enable safe processes.

The combination of Hitmark Robotics' expertise and Bosch Rexroth's reliable products, such as the VarioFlow plus chain conveyor system, provides an optimal solution. And if palletizing, mixing, or transporting food and its packaging becomes a bottleneck in your company, it is worth exploring which solution is right for you.