Copal Handling Systems introduces the C1 Container Unloader & Palletizer. With this machine a container full of boxes can be semi-automatically unloaded and palletized, at an average speed of 1,800 boxes an hour. A top speed of 2,700 boxes an hour is possible depending on the dimensions and stacking pattern of the boxes. So this machine saves a lot of time and physical effort.
No physical effort, surely cost savings
Economic viability and improving working conditions have been a leading factor in the development of this innovative machine. Loading and unloading containers normally costs a lot of time and manpower and so also a lot of money. Furthermore there are stringent Health & Safety regulations (Working Conditions Act) to prevent overloading and permanent injury of employees. Assuming an average of eighteen hundred boxes an hour and one operator, the Container Unloader & Palletizer does the job in less than half the time thereby saving 75% of costs. Numerous other costs can also be strongly reduced with the C1.
Operation & automation
Special software has been developed for the Container Unloader & Palletizer. For instance, the boxes can be placed on the pallets in any desired pattern, with a choice of Euro or block pallets. Repetitive actions have been highly automated. The machine continuously measures distances in the available space, thereby preventing damage. The operator can control the system using two joysticks while seated in a comfortable seat. He can monitor the whole process on a screen. The C1 is an intelligent machine, is solidly built and requires little maintenance. The machine can be connected to a WMS system.
Topgripper & pullplate
The topgripper picks up the boxes from the top side with height-correcting suction pad arms. For the top row of boxes, immediately under the container's roof, the topgripper uses additional horizontally placed suction pads, and then places the boxes on the roller conveyor. A second version has also been developed and patented, the so-called pullplate, which supports the cartons on the underside. The pullplate is used for heavy and fragile goods. The C1 can be fitted with either system.
Payback period
The innovative unloading system pays itself back within two years if used for about eight hours per working day. Innovations in the Copal Container Unloader & Palletizer have been registered in patents and the machine is CE and Tüv certified.
Technical data
The C1 can unload and palletize 900 to 2,700 boxes an hour, depending on box dimensions, up to a height of 1.80 metres (excluding pallet). The machine is 8.30 metres long, 2.25 metres wide, 2.25 metres tall and weighs 4,200 kilograms.
Future prospects
The machine is assembled in The Netherlands ('s-Heerenberg). For the time being Copal anticipates producing 50 machines a year. To realize this the old premises on the Lengelseweg, 's-Heerenberg, are being replaced by a completely new factory and office.
Copal C2
In the meantime Copal is working on a new project, the C2, which is a container unloader with an automatically extendible conveyor belt. This machine can handle mixed containers and products other than cardboard boxes. Patents have been applied for this machine too. The C2 will shortly be ready for production as well.
Wim Bosman (72), former owner/CEO of the Wim Bosman Group, a globally operating logistics service provider, is involved with Copal as major shareholder and investor.
Copal Handling Systems
Goorsestraat 9
7041 GA ’s-Heerenberg
The Netherlands
info@copalgroup.com