Swiss specialist introduces flexible system for in-mould labelling and handle assembly

Beck Automation AG, a leading Swiss in-mould labelling (IML) and automation specialist, has recently announced the launch of a new system, the Beck Bailer, which enables the fully automatic assembly of metal handles for industrial plastic pails. The system is highly flexible and can be used to assemble metal handles for pails with a diameter ranging from 175mm to 380mm, covering bucket sizes ranging from 2L to 40L.

What sets the Beck Bailer apart is its ability to handle a wide range of bucket shapes, including round, rectangular, square, and oval, and its capability to run different sizes and shapes of pails with different types of handle designs. The Beck Bailer sets a new industry standard by offering a highly flexible system that can be used to assemble metal handles on different bucket sizes, making it a valuable addition to any production line.

The system has a cycle time of 3.5 seconds per pail, enabling quick assembly of metal handles on different bucket sizes. The buckets are fed individually to the Bailer via a conveyor belt and are then precisely positioned and aligned with the bracket hole. The unshaped metal handles are fed individually via a magazine, automatically separated, and provided with a handle roll. The grip rolls can be fed into the system as bulk material via a spiral conveyor.

The Beck Bailer has a self-operating system that can be used autonomously thanks to its own control system. The wear items on the Bailer are low cost and easy and quick to change out. Unlike competitive systems that use hydraulics to form and assemble handles, there are no hydraulics on the Beck Bailer. The use of hydraulics is a maintenance issue that can result in leaks and scrapped pails.

Moreover, the conveyor is at a fixed height, so there is no need for adjustment for different height pails compared to competitive systems that need to be adjusted for different pail heights. Wire bending movements are servo driven and adjustable via HMI. The entire system is on casters and can be moved and positioned quickly and easily.

The Beck Bailer is commercially available, and systems have already been sold in Holland, Germany, and the U.S. With its flexibility, speed, and low-maintenance design, the Beck Bailer is an excellent choice for companies looking to streamline their production line and increase efficiency. By automating the process of assembling metal handles for plastic pails, companies can reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve overall quality.