Robotics in the printing industry

At palamides GmbH, we recognize the emerging role of robotics in automating and optimizing postpress production processes. The global increase in industrial robot installations reflects the potential robotics holds for use in the printing industry.

The International Federation of Robotics reported in 2022, there were 553,052 industrial robot installations in factories around the world – a growth rate of 5% in year-over-year. Several factors contribute to the widespread adoption of robotics, making them more accessible and versatile. A key change is the consistent decline in the cost of robotics technology, coupled with a continuous increase in variation and capabilities. These trends have significantly lowered previous barriers to adoption, enabling a broader range of industries to leverage the benefits of robotic automation.

Short-Term Efficiency Gains
The integration of robotics with palamides pro series of automated deliveries strategically targets manual, repetitive and physically challenging tasks in postpress production. Processes such as print job handling and palletizing are automated, ensuring seamless and precise processing of diverse print jobs. This not only enhances productivity but also significantly reduces errors associated with manual handling, leading to streamlined postpress production processes, faster turnarounds and improved operational efficiency.

Long-Term Production Advantages
Looking beyond immediate gains, palamides envisions a future where robotics plays a pivotal role in reshaping postpress production. The strategic integration of robots in addressing manual, repetitive tasks aims for precision and consistency. As technology evolves, palamides anticipates expanding the use of robotics to other critical aspects of postpress production, laying the foundation for long-term gains in production scalability.

Minimizing Errors, Maximizing Quality
Robotics isn't just about automation; it's about elevating the overall quality of postpress production processes. palamides recognizes that by reducing manual intervention through robotics, the likelihood of errors diminishes, ensuring a higher standard of output quality.

Ergonomics & Employee Well-being
In postpress production, where manual, repetitive tasks are common, the introduction of robotics enhances efficiency while prioritizing the well-being of employees. By automating tasks that can lead to fatigue or strain, palamides ensures a healthier work environment, contributing to increased employee satisfaction, reduced risk of workplace injuries, and better use of employees’ time on other tasks.

Investment for the Future
palamides GmbH views robotics not as a standalone solution but as a strategic investment aligned with the company's vision for the future of postpress manufacturing. As the robotics industry evolves, palamides anticipates continuous innovation, exploring new avenues where robotics can optimize printing production processes and contribute to its customers’ long-term success.

CTB Solution: Paving the Way for Efficiency
In the realm of production printing, the adoption of robotics is still evolving, with promising signs visible in solutions like the CTB from palamides GmbH and Popp Maschinenbau GmbH. This cutting-edge technology combines sustainability with maximum packing efficiency, introducing a first-of-its-kind solution for the printing industry. CTB streamlines the packing process using a sophisticated robotic arm, automated delivery machine, and carton erector with topper to efficiently pack printed materials to cartons or pallets. The focus of CTB is optimal space and resource utilization, eliminating empty space between stacks, reducing human intervention, material waste and environmental impact.

As technology continues to advance, the benefits of robotics in production printing become more evident. The acceleration of automation adoption in the printing industry will enhance productivity, reduce costs and shift employees to higher-value work.

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palamides GmbH and Popp Maschinenbau GmbH to showcase CTB solution in joint stand at drupa 2024