Feeding blanks to the labeling machine: Lifting table or robotic arm?

Currently, there are two most common methods for feeding blanks into automated labeling stations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages: ✨ METHOD 1 — HYDRAULIC LIFTING TABLE The sheets are stacked on a lifting table, and cylinders push each sheet into the labeling station and then out to the CNC machines. It's inexpensive and has simple mechanics. However: – Loading blanks is cramped, and a slight misstep by the forklift driver can damage the labeling unit. – Lifting force is difficult to control — too light to lift, too strong to clamp two 9mm sheets at once. – Stacking height is limited. – Only one blank can be fed at a time. ✨ METHOD 2 — INDUSTRIAL ROBOTIC ARM A robot equipped with vacuum suction cups precisely lifts each sheet from the pallet and places it into the labeling station. Higher investment, but in return: – Flexible layout, easy forklift access – Interchangeable picking of different board types from multiple pallets according to each order – Maximum stacking of boards, maximizing factory height utilization.