GTE Innovates with LAP-C Carton Folding Machine

GTE

01 Overview

The LAP-C carton folding machine by GTE-engineering is a fully automated packaging system with a small footprint. The project, led by Mark van den Munckhof, was developed for a GTE customer in the medical industry.

Cleanroom requirement:

To fit a cleanroom, GTE used their Lean Automation Platform circular (LAP-C) alongside Mecademic’s Meca500 robotic arm. This guaranteed a small footprint — an essential requirement as their customer intends to use the machine in a cleanroom.

On why GTE chose Mecademic’s robotic arm:

The Mecademic robot offers a unique solution to precision positioning and manipulation in tight spaces, an intelligent alternative to fixed automation. The small robotic arms are easily integrated into a final product. It can be installed on a production line or used as a desktop tool. It enables a whole new range of processes, products and opportunities previously impossible. It’s, until now, the smallest, most compact and precise 6-axis industrial robot we have found.

Case Study Video

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LAP-C folding machine

The folding machine comprises six stations that automatically separate flat boxes, apply glue, and then fold them. Briefly: The first four stations fold and glue each box using a hot melt adhesive. At the fifth station, an insert is folded and placed into each box. At the sixth and final station, each box is closed and automatically discharged onto a packing table.

02 Product Highlights

GTE’s LAP-C carton folding machine

Small footprint
Can process two box sizes with five different inlays
Built with quickly interchangeable parts that can be replaced without the need for tools

GTE’s LAP-C platform

Small footprint
Typical cycle times range from 3-10 seconds
Can be used for assembling, packaging, or processing

Mecademic’s Meca500 robotic arm

The world’s smallest, most compact six-axis robotic arm
Boasts a repeatability of 5 μm
Device and programming language agnostic

Ready to find out how our products and solutions can increase your production throughput within the smallest possible footprint, without sacrificing precision, or reach?