Example of a complete weighing and packaging line for mini croissants, integrating robotic loading of gadgets into the packs.
The system combines four multihead weighers, four VFFS vertical packaging machines and robotic pick-and-place systems, achieving a total output of 420 packs per minute.
The solution handles weighing, packaging and gadget insertion in a single automated process. Smart product distribution logic also keeps production running if a packaging machine stops temporarily.
Automatic infeed and weighing of mini croissants
The mini croissants coming from the process line are transferred by an elevated belt conveyor system.
The product is distributed to four MBP multihead weighers, models 16C2 DMA and 14C2 DMA, equipped with memory buckets.
The weighers dose the product and discharge it directly into the vertical packaging machines, synchronising weighing and packaging operations.
Automatic distribution feeds the various machines according to the operating conditions of the line.
VFFS vertical packaging: block-bottom Steelo-Bags
The packaging section comprises four MBP vertical machines:
The machines produce block-bottom Steelo-Bag packs with four sealed sides.
This configuration packs the mini croissants in bags with a defined shape, integrating gadget insertion directly into the packaging process.
The combination of the four packaging machines achieves a total output capacity of 420 packs per minute.
Robotic gadget insertion: precision and synchronisation
One of the distinctive features of the line is the integrated robotic system for inserting gadgets into the individual packs.
The plant includes four robotic pick-and-place units, operating in sync with the vertical packaging machines.
The robots pick the gadgets and insert them directly into the bags during the packaging cycle, with no separate stage required.
The system uses a combined weight/vacuum check to verify the pick and manage gadget insertion.
Robotic loading reaches a rate of 60 pieces per minute, staying in sync with the packaging process.
For the customer, this solution eliminates manual gadget insertion and integrates the operation directly into the production line.
Product control and crumb extraction
Packaging bakery products requires special care during product transfer and drop.
For this reason, drop control systems for the mini croissants and crumb extraction devices are installed along the line.
These solutions manage product transfer between the different sections and remove crumbs generated during handling.
Production continuity: packaging machines compensate for temporary stoppages
In a line made up of several packaging machines, the stoppage of one machine can reduce overall output.
MBP has integrated smart product distribution logic that automatically regulates the feed to the packaging machines.
When a machine stops temporarily, the system redistributes the mini croissants to the other operating lines.
The packaging machines still running automatically increase their speed to make up part of the stopped machine’s capacity.
The customer can thus keep production going without shutting down the entire plant, reducing the impact of temporary stoppages.
A single line for packaging and gadget insertion
The MBP solution integrates three key operations: weighing the mini croissants, forming the Steelo-Bag packs and robotic gadget insertion.
Automation eliminates a manual loading stage, while synchronised control coordinates weighing, insertion and packaging.
Smart product distribution helps maintain production continuity even during temporary stoppages.
| Feature | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Product | Mini croissants |
| Total output | 420 packs/min |
| Weighing | 4 MBP multihead weighers |
| Weigher models | 16C2 DMA and 14C2 DMA |
| Packaging | 3 R700 Twin VFFS and 1 R700 VFFS |
| Pack format | block-bottom Steelo-Bag with 4 sealed sides |
| Gadget insertion | 4 robotic units |
| Pick-and-place robots | 4 |
| Declared robotic insertion rate | 60 pieces/min |
| Pick verification | Combined weight/vacuum system |
| Crumb management | Integrated extraction systems |
| Operating continuity | Automatic product redistribution among packaging machines |
