Joulin Carton Palletising: From Concept to Commissioning

When it comes to automated palletising, every application has its own unique requirements, including varying carton sizes, weights, layer patterns, and handling conditions. This is where the right combination of expertise and technology is crucial.

This recent Joulin carton palletising project is a strong example of how tailored vacuum handling, backed by hands-on engineering support, delivers reliable, real-world performance.

Turning a Complex Brief into a Working Solution

The project began when Pneumatic Products was approached by a robot integrator looking to solve a challenging palletising application involving multiple carton formats and configurations.

From the outset, it was not just about supplying a single component. It was about understanding the full system and creating the most optimised solution.

Working closely with the integrator’s design engineer, our Pneumatic Solution Specialist, Edwin, led the technical consultation process. He gathered detailed specifications around carton sizes, weights, surface characteristics, and stacking requirements, ensuring that nothing was assumed, and every detail was validated.

Designing a Custom Joulin Solution

With the application defined, Edwin coordinated directly with the US-based Joulin design team to develop a custom vacuum gripper tailored to the project.

Unlike standard vacuum cup systems, Joulin’s foam gripper technology offers a greater degree of flexibility and can handle different carton sizes and layer configurations with a single tool. This was critical for an application where changeovers and variability were part of daily operations.

To remove any uncertainty, real-world testing played a key role. Edwin conducted trials using the end user’s sample cartons to confirm that the proposed vacuum solution would perform under actual conditions. This step ensured confidence before moving forward to the final design and proposal.

Supporting the Integrator Through the Tender Process

With performance validated, Pneumatic Products developed a complete JOULIN solution concept, including a custom vacuum gripper and side channel blower, which the integrator incorporated into their overall robotic palletising design.

This formed part of the integrator’s tender submission to the end user. The flexibility and robustness of the Joulin solution helped strengthen their proposal and ultimately contributed to winning the project.

From Approval to Production

Once the project was awarded and the purchase order was placed, Edwin continued to work closely with both the integrator and Joulin to finalise all technical details.

Joulin then issued detailed design drawings for approval, ensuring complete alignment before manufacturing began. The custom gripper system was produced by Joulin in the USA and shipped to Pneumatic Products for final checks and verification.

This ensured everything met specification before integration into the final system.

Commissioning and Final Validation

Once delivered, the integrator installed the Joulin vacuum system onto their robotic palletiser and began commissioning.

Extensive testing followed, culminating in a successful FAT (Factory Acceptance Test), where the system was validated against the end user’s requirements. With approval secured, the solution was cleared for installation on site.

Why Joulin for Carton Palletising?

Carton palletising environments demand flexibility and reliability, and that is where Joulin stands apart.

Adaptability across product variations
Joulin foam grippers can handle a wide range of carton sizes, weights, and layer configurations without the need for constant tooling changes.

Reliable performance in real-world conditions
Unlike traditional vacuum cup systems, Joulin’s design maintains a consistent grip even when cartons vary in surface quality or alignment.

Custom and standard solutions
Whether the application is straightforward or highly specialised, Joulin offers both standard and fully customised gripper designs.

Built for long-term operation
With a robust construction and low maintenance requirements, Joulin systems are designed to perform in demanding industrial environments.

End-to-End Support That Makes the Difference

What truly set this project apart was not just the technology. It was the level of support throughout the entire journey.

From initial enquiry and concept development through to testing, manufacturing, and commissioning, Pneumatic Products played an active role at every stage. Edwin’s hands-on involvement ensured that both the integrator and end user had confidence in the solution from day one. In complex automation projects, the right product matters, but the right support is what makes it work.

Take the guesswork out of your production line. Speak with our Pneumatic Solutions Specialists today!