Pacline Overhead Conveyors takes Empty Carton Handling UP Another Level
Pacline Overhead Conveyors takes Empty Carton Handling UP Another Level At the upcoming ProMat Show in Chicago, (March 23-26) PACLINE Overhead Conveyors will be demonstrating a material handling system utilizing the PAC-LINE™ conveyor with a unique robot for the automated loading and unloading of empty cartons and totes. If your warehouse or distribution center handles split case (or less than carton) picking operations, this application will be of particular interest to you. This PACLINE empty carton handling system utilizes the signature PAC-LINE™ enclosed track overhead chain conveyor in combination with the UR10 Universal Robot. The UR10 robot, with motion tracking software, is configured to automatically load and unload cartons to and from the carriers on the moving overhead conveyor. This robot facilitates a modern, employee safe, “collaborative” design that is easy to use, cost effective and will serve to reduce labor costs thereby providing a solid return on investment. PACLINE’s approach to carton handling for split case or less than carton operations allows centralized carton building and carton delivery direct to workers throughout the picking areas. For over 35 years Pacline Overhead Conveyors has provided material handling solutions aimed at helping customers improve key performance measurements such as productivity, cost control, safety and ergonomics. Integrating robotics with PACLINE’s proven/standard conveyor equipment represents a new opportunity to improve productivity in warehouse and distribution center operations. PACLINE’s signature conveyor, the PAC-LINE™ enclosed track system is one of the most versatile conveyors in the industry. The PAC-LINE™ system has been used in a wide range of applications from manufacturing to warehousing where the longest single system included over 3 miles of track...
Two Jobs, One Conveyor
Two Jobs, One Conveyor The Challenge When a leading automotive parts manufacturer needed to install a powder coating line for condenser coils, they had two issues to resolve: First, they needed to conserve both the floor space and oven size as much as possible. Secondly, they needed to have a quality control system that would allow them to identify and address paint and assembly issues without disrupting the curing process. The Pacline Conveyor Solution This company used a Pacline Power and Free Overhead Conveyor as a solution. The system was designed with two separate conveyor tracks. One track carried parts for paint processing on 24″ spacing. After processing, these parts moved onto a separate track where they were then rotated for “close pack” accumulation on 7″ spacing in the curing ovens. On the process line track a Quality Assurance system was integrated that allowed the parts manufacturer to view paint and assembly quality without disturbing the separate curing line track. Results Overall, the system length was reduced by two thirds on the curing line allowing for reduced floor space and more importantly, a 60% smaller oven. Pacline Power and Free Conveyor trolleys are over 20% smaller than most, which helped to further reduce accumulation space in the oven. In addition, the PACLINE trolley configuration allowed for accumulation around a tight 180 degree curve in the oven, without any bumping. An additional challenge with this system was establishing drive speed and pusher dog synchronization between the separate process and cure chains. However, PACLINE’s conveyor software addressed these issues with seamless integration resulting in a complete system that runs smoothly and efficiently. Learn more about our Power and Free overhead...
Length Matters
Length Matters Moving long parts through multiple processes in manufacturing. Ever notice the size of those overhead highway signs that we all rely on to get ourselves to where we need to go? As a manufacturer or material handling organization you may wonder how items such as these – up to 50 feet long – can be maneuvered through various assembly and finishing processes. ROCAL Inc. located in Frankfort, Ohio was facing this issue in the manufacturing of their large highway signs. ROCAL produces a wide range of signage products including highway signs, regulatory and specialty signs. Part of the production process for ROCAL’s aluminum signs involves a wash and chemical treatment process of the individual panels that are bolted together to make the final sign. When ROCAL came to PACLINE, this part of the process was being done outside of ROCAL’s facility and they wanted to find a way to handle this process in-house rather than outsource it. So the challenge was how could ROCAL carry panels up to 50 feet long within their existing manufacturing plant in a manner that would both be time and cost efficient. The PACLINE CONVEYOR Solution After consulting with PACLINE engineers, a compact layout was configured that both automated the feeding of panels through the washer and treatment process, while minimizing the overall footprint of the system. To meet all the requirements of this application a Pacline Power and Free conveyor was selected. This conveyor system offers the flexibility of using both manual and powered sections. In addition, the powered portions can automatically buffer carriers by accumulating them in the same manner as...