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Automated Packaging for Ceiling Tiles

Company: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: IE
Optional: CMPSC

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Overview Armstrong World Industries manufacturers acoustical ceiling tiles that are 2x2 (ft) or 2x4 (ft) in size. In the packaging operation, 8 to 12 tiles are stacked in a pile and a protective cardboard sleeve is placed around the stack. The entire sleeved stack is then shrink wrapped and labeled for the Customer. The sleeving operation is currently a human, manual operation. Armstrong World Industries wants to develop a prototype process that can: a) Automatically "square up" a stack of tiles in a pile. b) Measure the "squareness" of the stack to verify stack tolerance is met (TBD) prior to sleeving. c) Carefully, accurately, and consistently place a protective cardboard sleeve around the stack. d) Accomplish this by maintaining current or better throughput rates. e) Measure successful throughput