The FRAMOS Volume Light Grid (VLG) is a robust “plug & play” volume and dimensional measurement system for the logistics industry. The system is now available with a bulge measurement feature to ascertain the size of carton bulges without necessarily knowing the original carton size. By measuring the carton edges the FRAMOS VLG identifies any differences as a defect or bulge.
In automated storage and transportation systems, special requirements for cartons and SKUs regarding shape, mechanical stability and weight are set. If one of these parameters shows a difference, the goods are unsuitable for conveyor systems since the behaviour during transportation is no longer predictable.
Dr. Simon Che’Rose, Head of Imaging Systems at FRAMOS, explains the risk of non-regular cartons or SKU’s: “A worst case scenario for intralogistics is if the shape, orientation and / or position of a product changes during transport. The two main "risks" for the operation of an automated storage system are the loss of tracking within the material flow (on conveyors) and mechanical distortions of handling systems such as shuttles or AGV’s. Both failures will reduce the performance and throughput of the logistic system potentially prolonging the delivery time. The failures could also increase costs due to the damage/downtime caused by unblocking material handling systems and the need to re-work packages.”
The bulge measurement feature of the FRAMOS VLG ensures goods are suitable to be conveyed, allowing them to be safely sorted by sorting machines, such as shoe sorters, cross-belt sorters or tilt-tray sorters and ensuring they can also be safely handled by shuttles or AGV’s. If the goods are within specification they are also able to be safely transported on different conveyor systems such as roller conveyors or belt conveyors. Non-regular goods will be rejected and removed from the automated system in order not to disrupt the flow.
The use of bulge inspection benefits logistics since the throughput of the logistic system will be higher and cost for trouble shooting will be lower. As an additional benefit the storage space can be optimised, since a bulging carton needs more space in the shelf location than a regular one. Target markets for bulge proven applications are carton storage system manufacturers/users, sorting system manufacturers/users, clothing and fashion distribution, food distribution, 3PL, CEP service providers with mixed good transportation. The FRAMOS VLG with bulge measurement feature is available as a ready-to-go product or as a tailor-made system at the customers’ individual request.
At the FachPack 2015 in Nuremberg, FRAMOS presents the latest version of its volume light grid VLG. At Stand 250 Hall 3 the logistics experts show how the FRAMOS VLG with integrated bulge measurement streamlines automated logistic chains.