The new RoRo StretchPack® machine at Atlas Roofing replaces a tunnel wrapper and a manual wrapping line.
Atlas Roofing Corporation is a leading manufacturer of building materials, operating 36 production facilities across North America. The EPS insulation panel facility in Arlington has upgraded its packaging process with a RoRo StretchPack® XL S2 packaging machine from Tentoma.Paul Soriano, Maintenance Manager at the site, explains: “Our previous method was manual bagging or using a tunnel style wrapper. The tunnel-wrapper does not provide a weatherproof package”. The primary purpose of the packaging is to keep EPS panel bundles secure and weatherproof. In addition, some customers require logo-printed packaging film. Atlas Roofing’s engineering department evaluated the market to find a packaging solution that met the requirements of the EPS production line.
One packaging machine for two production lines
Atlas Roofing initially installed the RoRo StretchPack® XL S2 to automate the packaging of EPS insulation panels that were previously handled manually. Paul comments: “We receive good service support from Tentoma, including remote support from technicians since the machine can be connected via an internet connection”.
To maximize packaging capacity, the RoRo StretchPack® line was upgraded shortly after installation. The machine was modified and reconfigured to also wrap insulation panels from a second production line, where the existing packaging equipment had become obsolete and was due for replacement.
As the two lines produce panels in different sizes, product dimensions are transmitted via PROFINET, allowing the RoRo StretchPack® machine to automatically adjust to the incoming products. With two film sizes installed on separate film units, the machine automatically switches between films based on product dimensions and film print requirements.
“The capabilities of this machine will allow us to expand our ability to package additional products in the future”, Paul continues. “The automated machine allows us to bag more product while reducing labor compared to manual bagging. The weatherproof packaging allows us to store the product outside prior to shipping to save space inside of the facility”.
Benefits for Atlas Roofing
- A fully automated packaging line
- Two wrapping lines merged into one
- Increased packaging capacity
- Weatherproof packaging for outside storage
Read more about RoRo StretchPack® on www.tentoma.com