Frequently Asked Questions About the BOS Box Opening System
Here you will find a list of questions addressed to A.L.S., along with answers regarding the BOS Box Opening System, an automatic package-opening system.
Can the BOS also process cardboard boxes in a disorganized manner?
Yes, since each box is measured individually after entering the BOS, each box can also be cut to size individually. This sets the BOS apart from all other packaging machines; however, in addition to processing incoming goods and returns, it can also be used in the outgoing goods area to reduce volume.
What types of cuts can BOS perform?
Full-view, partial, hinged, tape, elevation, and vertical sections
What types of knives can be used in BOS?
ALS supplies both triangular blades and the patented PAM perforation knife for perforation cuts, as well as special blades for tape cutting.
How do you adjust the cutting depth?
This is adjusted manually on the cutting head. It is recommended to install several—up to four—cutting heads in the system so that they can be controlled to achieve the desired depth.
How can BOS be integrated into central ERP systems?
BOS features a Siemens SPS 7 controller and, optionally, a VPN card, both of which are supported by most ERP systems.
What additional products does ALS offer?
You can obtain all products upstream and downstream in the supply chain. For example, depalletizers, carton inspection and measurement devices, picking and tilting robots, elevators, sealing systems, empty carton disposal systems, etc.
How can BOS move equipment around the gym on a regular basis?
The BOS can be placed on casters, making it movable. Of course, the power cord must be unplugged and secured.
How is the BOS cleaned?
It is best to regularly remove cardboard dust and debris from the cutting process from the system using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner.
How is maintenance performed?
BOS is classified as low-maintenance or maintenance-free. However, ALS offers a maintenance contract that provides for an annual inspection of the system.
What kind of support does ALS provide?
You can contact ALS at any time for support. If you have a VPN card in your BOS, we will analyze the source of the problem online and perform remote maintenance whenever possible. Otherwise, we will provide cost-effective support through telephone consultation or an on-site service visit.
Why must cardboard boxes have minimum dimensions of 160 x 140 x 110 mm (L x W x H)?
The BOS holds the cardboard boxes in place on both sides with clamps. These clamps are approximately 5 cm high. Furthermore, the cutting blade is not positioned at the lower edge of the blade head but in the center. As a result, the blade head extends approximately 5 cm further downward. This adds up to approximately 10 cm; plus a cutting height on the cardboard of approximately 1 cm below the upper edge, resulting in a minimum dimension of 11 cm.
How does BOS determine where one packet ends and the next one begins?
The packages are fed into the system via motorized rollers. The rollers operate at different speeds, which separates the packages so that they are processed at intervals of approximately 5 cm.
What is the total weight in kg/m² per BOS?
The BOS weighs approximately 950 kg and covers an area of approximately 4 square meters.
What is the electricity consumption in kWh per BOS?
The machine must be protected with a 16-amp fuse; the theoretical power consumption is specified as 4.4 kW, which means that if the machine were to run at full load for 1 hour, it would consume 4.4 kWh. However, since all drives never run simultaneously, experience shows that a maximum of one-third—or about 1.5 kWh—is consumed.
Can the BOS (version 2.0, if applicable) automatically detect the thickness of the cardboard packages and adjust the cutting depth accordingly?
At present, there is no way to use measurement technology to distinguish between adjacent materials based on their thickness; however, we are working with partners on this issue. Once a solution is found, it will be retrofittable to existing systems; the cutting depth can then be controlled automatically (by replacing the cutter head). The Siemens SPS 7 PLC we currently supply already includes this capability.
Can the four blades on a blade head be adjusted individually for cutting depth?
We recommend setting each blade head to a different cutting depth and then selecting the appropriate blade head based on the required cutting depth.
How many cuts can a blade make before it needs to be replaced?
Experience has shown that the cutting life of the blades depends on the thickness of the cardboard, the quality of the cardboard material, any adhesive tape used, and the type of cut; depending on the volume of packages, the blades can be expected to last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Can the system open packages that have been crushed, bent, or dented?
An optional upstream defect detection system can be used to divert cartons that cannot be processed.
Is there also a pre-sorting solution for boxes that are not suitable for the BOS?
Optionally, packages that are too small or too large, as well as bags, etc., can be pre-sorted; packages with metal strapping should not be fed into the BOS in the first place.
