TTB Automation
Delivering Faster, Hygienic Automation for a High-Volume Packaging Line.
The Technology Business (TTB Automation) was established after many years of experience in the industrial service and automation industry to fulfil the changing demands now faced in the market place. Its goal is to keep customers competitive in an aggressive worldwide market, by minimising downtime, improving productivity, reducing costs and delivering solutions for their next generation of products or services.
Overview
Why the need?
TTB Automation, a specialist machine builder, was commissioned to develop an advanced automation solution for a leading tea manufacturer. The objective was to increase throughput on a high-speed packaging line while maintaining the strict hygiene and food-safety standards required in food production.
To achieve this, the system needed to reliably handle large volumes of teabags and pack them efficiently into cartons – without compromising speed, accuracy, or cleanliness.
Business Challenge
Why the need?
The packaging process involved a continuous flow of teabag stacks arriving at approximately one stack per second. Each stack contains 40 teabags, which must be precisely collated and packed into cartons.
The machine had to:
- Collate three stacks per row
- Load two layers into each carton
- Deliver a finished pack of 240 teabags per box
To achieve this at the required speed, the system required a high-performance robotic solution capable of rapid pick-and-place movements.
However, the project presented several challenges:
- Strict hygienic requirements for food production environments
- The need for a cost-effective robot to maintain competitive machine pricing
- Short project lead times, requiring fast sourcing and delivery
- Ensuring the robot could operate reliably within a high-speed packaging process
Having previously worked with Parmley Graham, TTB Automation turned to its trusted automation partner for support to help identify and source the right robotic solution.
PG Solution
How PG helped TTB
Working closely with TTB Automation’s engineering team, Parmley Graham used its robotics expertise to review the machine’s functional design specification and recommend a suitable solution.
Parmely Graham recommended a high-speed SCARA robot from KUKA, specifically suited to fast, repetitive pick-and-place applications.
The SCARA robot provided several key advantages:
- High-speed performance to match the packaging line throughput
- Precision handling for accurate stacking and loading
- Hygienic suitability for food manufacturing environments
- Compact design, ideal for integration within the machine layout
Throughout the project lifecycle, Parmley Graham provided ongoing technical support, including:
- Assisting with robot selection and specification
- Supporting technical queries during design and build
- Providing expert troubleshooting during commissioning
This close collaboration helped ensure the robotic system integrated smoothly into the packaging machine.
Seamless Supply and Delivery
With tight deadlines in place, efficient logistics were essential.
Parmley Graham managed the complete sourcing and delivery process, coordinating with the robot manufacturer to ensure timely supply. By handling procurement and distribution, Parmley Graham allowed the engineering team at TTB Automation to focus on machine development, integration, and testing.
This support played a key role in keeping the project on schedule.
Representation of the Festo YZ Mechanical Axis System
Solution Impact
How has the new solution improved operations?
The completed automation system successfully delivered the required performance for the packaging line.
Key benefits included:
- Increased packaging throughput
- Reliable high-speed robotic handling
- Compliance with food hygiene standards
- On-time project delivery
Parmley Graham’s support significantly reduced the time required to source the robot and provided valuable technical guidance during development.
Testimonials
The long-standing partnership between TTB Automation and Parmley Graham played a key role in the project’s success.
Parmley Graham’s commitment to customer service and technical expertise continues to make it a trusted automation partner.
"Parmley Graham was invaluable in their support. Their technical expertise was greatly appreciated from the specification of the robot through to technical queries during design, build and commissioning. We find them a good company to work with - the customer care is outstanding.”
"Working with Husqvarna on this project has been a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the power of collaboration and forward-thinking engineering. By combining Festo’s YZ axis technology with Siemens automation and Husqvarna’s commitment to innovation, we were able to deliver a tailored solution that not only meets today’s operational needs but also supports their long-term automation strategy."
A Partnership for Future Automation
Following the success of this project, TTB Automation plans to continue working with Parmley Graham on future automation developments.
Their ability to combine technical expertise, strong supplier relationships, and reliable delivery ensures that machine builders such as TTB Automation can implement advanced automation solutions quickly and efficiently.
Get in Touch
To discuss how the PG team can help, either email us at support@parmley-graham.co.uk or call 0191 478 0404.
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