Agr International introduces the Gawis 4D ® measurement system with robotic handling

Gawis 4D configured with the AF robotic handling system provides a means to maximize laboratory throughput while achieving the highest measurement precision for preforms and bottles.

As speeds increase, weights are reduced and recycled material is becoming a significant factor in bottle
production, regular testing and measurement of production samples is essential to properly manage
quality. However, with limited personnel and equipment, laboratory throughput can be a challenge for
many production facilities, potentially compromising quality efforts. Agr International’s Gawis AF
robotic handling system, in conjunction with the Gawis 4D measurement system, provides a solution for
meeting both the need for comprehensive testing/measurement of bottles as well as a means to address
throughput demands.

The Agr Gawis 4D is designed to automate quality checks by consolidating numerous dimensional and
thickness measurement operations, typically performed by hand, on individual bottles or preforms into a
single hands-free operation, completed in a matter of seconds. The addition of the robotic handling
system takes this to the next step. With the handling system, the Gawis 4D can not only measure
individual bottles, but also perform measurement on complete sets of bottles or preforms. It can be
operated on a continuous basis, without operator intervention, maximizing testing throughput while
freeing laboratory personnel for other more critical tasks.

The Gawis AF robotic handling system interfaces seamlessly with the measurement system. It can be
purchased with a new system or retrofitted to existing systems operating in the field. Central to the system
is a precision pick and place industrial robot that manages sample selection and placement of samples into
the Gawis 4D for measurement. Operation is fully integrated. All controls and operations including
overall job setup, robot, sample coordination, as well as activation and control of individual test
sequences are handled through the Gawis4D user interface.

For sample management, samples are hosted in a multi-level carousel that is outfitted with rotating tiers
designed to positively position samples for robot access. The tiers can be configured to accommodate
bottles from single or multiple mold rounds, or a complete mold set of preforms. Each tier is fitted with
spring activated sample grips that provide positive bottle control and positioning for the robot yet allow