Vision system assists machine builder in a system for producing novel solar panels

The machine builders at Klebo Technics B.V. in the Netherlands have been known for many years for their extensive expertise in machines and components for ultrasonic welding. But that's not all. “Our customers often contact us about an ultrasonic application but then quickly realize that we offer lots more in the areas of machine, module, and system building”, says Managing Director Johan Klein Leetink. Also included in the mix: the PLOC2D robot guidance system in a machine for producing novel solar panels.

With its twenty employees, Klebo Technics covers all areas from design and manufacturing right through to service and maintenance. Its machines are supplied to companies in numerous industries all over Europe, including large companies in the foodstuffs and pharmaceutical industry.

Customized high tech solutions

There are many reasons for the company’s success according to the managing director: “Traditionally we have been known for our responsiveness and the good service we provide. And we continue to meet these expectations as our machines develop more and more in the direction of high tech solutions. We are also making big development steps in the area of service. We now also analyze machine malfunctions remotely. Our customer's machines stand idle for no longer than necessary”, says Klein Leetink.

Project Manager Dick Rozendal gives another important reason for why customers enjoy collaborating with Klebo: “We don’t deliver serial products, but rather customized solutions. We prefer to get involved as early as the initial planning steps. For some projects, very specific processing methods or component configurations are desired which, based on our experience, are very difficult to implement from a mechanical engineering perspective. By involving us at an early stage, we are still able to suggest changes to the customer. More easily implemented options can often be found. Because we are given a say in projects, our customers receive a machine that offers them added value.”

Novel solar panels on a fiber-reinforced plastic plate

In the factory hall, Klein Leetink and Rozendal proudly point out one of the machines that was discussed early with a customer. “We are building here a module that will be used in a production line for novel solar panels. The innovative aspect of these panels is that the solar cells are mounted on a fiber-reinforced plastic plate. Holes need to be drilled in this plate into which insertion sleeves for the cabling are then inserted”, explains Klein Leetink.

And Rozendal adds: “Initially, the customer wanted to saw the holes using an ultrasonic tool. That's why he got in touch with us. During the discussion it was quickly apparent that the ultrasonic technology would be much too slow for this application. In the end, we jointly selected this drilling solution. The machine drills the six required holes in just 30 seconds and inserts the sleeves.”

Assistance from the PLOC2D robot guidance system

The PLOC2D robot guidance system makes full use of its strengths in inserting the sleeves. Six white sleeves with grooves are placed on the conveyor via a tension spring. The PLOC2D vision system scans the sleeves and identifies their orientations by means of the grooves. This information is sufficient for the robot to get started: it grips all six sleeves, rotates them into the desired position, and inserts them.

That Klebo Technics B.V. decided for a system from SICK comes as no surprise to Klein Leetink: “We like to work with regular suppliers. If the collaboration works and agreements are met, that's the best option. We also receive constructive advice from SICK when needed.” His project manager Rozendal agrees: “In the case of this application, we sent a photo of the sleeve to SICK. They then suggested several solutions right away. When we have more complex queries, someone will often simply drop by and visit us. In this regard, they work almost as well as we do.”

Klebo Technics also does special mechanical engineering work for the foodstuffs industry

The name Klebo Technics has been well known in the foodstuffs industry for some time now. “Our best known machines include so-called absorbent pad placers,” says Klein Leetink and explains: “Everybody knows the typical meat packaging on the supermarket shelves. Integrated into this packaging is a kind of fleece that absorbs the meat juices. We bond the absorbent pad to the packaging using ultrasonic welding."

From 2025, absorbent pads will be banned under EU law. Reason: Absorbent pads that have been cut sometimes leave behind fibers in the meat product. Together with a patent holder who has developed a special packaging, Klebo Technics will soon be offering a new and very sustainable solution for the meat industry.

The fully recyclable Beemagic packaging

The expert Rozendal explains the principle: “This new packaging – with the brand name Beemagic – comprises a mono material and is therefore 100 percent recyclable. Truly unique, however, is the perforated film at the bottom. This creates a double bottom for the packaging. All meat juices that seep through this film remain trapped in the bottom area – even when the packaging is turned over. The big advantage is that the meat does not lie in its own juices, but can be reached by the gas in the packaging. This enables the shelf life to be extended by three to five days. Together with a large retailer, we have already calculated that the company needs to throw away seven million euros less of meat per year thanks to this improvement.”

Use of Beemagic for caviar packaging

While the industry still sees the higher price of the new packaging as a drawback, Klein Leetink expects the new packaging to soon be in very high demand. “Lots more regulations await the industry, and it will not just be about the absorbent pads. For example, it will be necessary to further improve the recyclability of packaging. With our machines, we have now developed the technology to integrate the perforated layer into the packaging. One caviar producer is absolutely delighted with the new concept. He is already using our new technology and the new Beemagic packaging.”

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