Unilever operates puck system

London - Brand manufacturer Unilever is using an Autarky Automation-developed puck reject, return and store system to increase productivity and reduce maintenance costs.

The system, which has been installed at Unilever’s Home and Personal Care factory in Leeds, forms part of an integrated high-speed filling, capping and labelling line, which is used for a wide range of roll-on deodorant brands.

For example, Dove, Sure, Impulse and Lynx deodorants use Unilever’s inverted-container design, where the pack stands upright on the cap.

At the start of the production process, empty containers are automatically placed in the pucks, where they remain during the filling, capping and labelling operations.

At the end of the line, the containers are removed from their respective pucks and are packed, prior to shipping.

Empty pucks are automatically returned to the initial pack orientation unit using the reject, return and store system.

During changeovers, the pucks are diverted to Autarky Automation’s custom-built puck washing, drying and storage facility, which comprises a stainless-steel tank, a high-pressure cold wash and a cold-air blower. This facility has the capacity to store up to 900 cleaned pucks.

Autarky Automation’s puck system uses standard conveying and handling modules from the Industrial Automation Division of Schuco Design, including separate lift and alpine units that raise pucks to the washing and storage areas located above each production line.

Each of the 26 motor drive units on the three lines uses a lubrication-free belt and clutch arrangement, rather than traditional chains and sprockets. This is claimed to be quieter and smoother, even at faster speeds, and requires little maintenance.