PRE-TEC’s Turnkey Material Handling Solutions are on the Forefront of Automation.

PRE-TEC, a division of the Willamette Valley Company, is a robotic systems integrator specializing in turnkey material handling solutions. As one of the largest integrators on the West Coast, the company has designed and installed hundreds of flexible automated systems using six-axis robots. For this post, we’re spotlighting some of PRE-TEC’s custom robotic solutions created for the wood products industry. 

Much of PRE-TEC’s success can be attributed to the company’s determination to produce innovative, custom solutions designed specifically for their customer’s production needs. Their automated systems combine multi-axis robot arms, custom end-of-arm tooling, and safety hardware to address, resolve and optimize the most challenging manufacturing applications. Technicians focus primarily on key applications, specifically dispensing, material handling (load/unload functions), material finishing (deburring, polishing), and wood product applications (painting, tagging, and wrapping).

Here are three automated solutions developed by PRE-TEC that are elevating the wood products industry. 

#1 PRE-TEC’s ROBOTIC SPRAY BOOTH
PRE-TEC was the first in North America to employ robotic automation in a wood products spray application system. Now in its sixth generation, the Robotic Spray Booth reduces waste and keeps mill interiors cleaner by using targeted sealer placement and advanced airflow management techniques. One of our favorite features of PRE-TEC’s state-of-the-art Robotic Spray Booth is the remote access monitoring option – this means faster service and fewer on-site visits to perform diagnostics and troubleshooting! Learn how this six-axis robotic system streamlines throughput with increased paint transfer efficiency. 

BENEFITS » Advanced spray gun technology provides consistent coverage and appearance while reducing waste » Four-stage filtration allows air to be safely released into the plant (no roof penetration required) » Negative air pressure inside the booth results in better containment and a cleaner mill environment » Tip access door lets operators service spray guns without entering the containment booth » Filter media location permits easy access by operators » Remote Access Monitoring option reduces the need for on-site visits to perform diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Learn more by downloading PRE-TEC’s Robotic Spray Booth Spec Sheet.

#2 PRE- TEC’s ALL-IN-ONE STENCIL/STRIPER SYSTEM
Pre-Tec’s Stencil /Striper system is an all-in-one system that stencils your products with your logo, and provides end-stripping identification for your products. The system will accommodate up to three colors and allows producers to quickly change markings, stripes and text, increasing throughput and debottleneck operations. It features a six-axis FANUC robot with a custom end-of-arm tool with a marking head and a spray gun to print logos and product information or apply striping.

BENEFITS » Clear, sharp logo images » Precise product identification » Better paint management » Two functions in one system » Potential for increased through-put 

Download PRE-TEC’s Stencil/Striper System Spec Sheet to learn more. 

#3 PRE-TEC’s ROBOTIC CARDBOARD APPLICATOR SYSTEM
PRE-TEC’s Robotic Cardboard Applicator System uses a six-axis, industrial robotic arm that uses multiple end-of-arm tools to automatically singulate, apply and secure cardboard protector sheets to the sides of OSB or plywood panel stacks. In addition to singulating cardboard, this system performs various tasks, such as folding and stapling. The flexibility and accuracy of the robotic arm allows programming of precise staple patterns and consistent cardboard placement for repeatable results on every load. 

BENEFITS» Reduces workplace injuries by automating a dangerous, manual task. » Requires minimal tending, allowing personnel to be utilized elsewhere for more efficient use of labor. » Increases throughput and offers the potential for 24/7 operation. Learn more by downloading PRE-TEC’s Robotic Cardboard Applicator Spec Sheet.

Please visit www.wilvaco.com to learn more about WVCO’s other divisions.

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