Potting and Spacing
At Artisan Orchids, an orchid grower from the Netherlands, we installed the container system and a potting and spacing robot (gantry). The robot picks 2,500 pots per minute, from two different conveyors.
Then, it places young plants (just potted ones) close to each other on a container. The more grown plants with collars are placed wider apart on a container.
Minimising Risk
We installed one robot that does both potting and spacing. With 1 fork, 8 plants are put away in a row both times. The robot has two depositing positions; one for the potted plants and one for the plants to be widened.
The planting position of the potting line are fitted with a push-on plate for pushing up the row of potted plants. The fork is fitted with individual pinch grippers. This way, each plant is grabbed individually, minimising the risk of interference. The cups are stopped by different pneumatic cylinders. So that exactly 8 plants fit in the container with equal distance between them.
Servo-controlled
The potting and spacing robot is servo-controlled. This allows the movements to be programmed and changed with high precision. This has the great advantage that the robot can be set separately for each plant type or plant phase.
Within a certain plant group, the movements for potting can be different from those for widening. These settings can be stored in the menu functions, which are easily operated via the control display. Because the movements can be better controlled, higher capacity can be achieved.
Design
We have taken great care in the final design. The robot does not obstruct the overview on the work floor. This also results in better accessibility of the machine.
The machine is composed of high-quality materials, so service intervention is low. The frame is made entirely of stainless steel and is modular, keeping manufacturing costs to a minimum.
Artisan Orchids
Artisan Orchids has been growing phalaenopsis on 2.5 hectares in the greenhouse area ‘de Bommelerwaard’ in Nieuwaal since 2006. Artisan sets itself apart with its superior quality orchids. A compact Phalaenopsis with lots of branches and flowers.
Artisan also strives to create a resilient product, an orchid with an extra-long flowering period which allows high-end florists and garden centres to differentiate themselves. They offer a collection of around 40 different varieties in a wide range of colours.
From Vision to Solution
Based on intensive customer contact, we work on integrated solutions. Solutions that utilise labour, time, raw materials, and space as efficiently as possible. At Bosman Van Zaal, product development and realisation are performed in-house by our own multi-disciplinary teams. Our step-by-step approach starts with your vision and ends with our technical solution with lifelong service.
1. Define
What are your wishes and challenges, and what do you define as optimal cultivation and maximum yields? Our multidisciplinary solution team starts by listening and will propose technical installations.
2. Engineer
The final proposal is then translated into smart, inventive, and practical designs by our own team of engineers. We base this on our many years of experience and use the latest technology and insights.
3. Realise
The technical solutions are manufactured in our automated machine park by our qualified production team. We ship worldwide and work with our own staff or in collaboration with (local) partners.
4. Service
After delivery, we stay in contact with your company. We provide employee training, and we offer 24/7 service online and on location, guaranteeing a long and efficient service life of the technical installations.