The world is full of everyday inventions capable of extraordinary things. These mundane marvels remind us to get creative and push the limits of ordinary technology.
Consider a Vertical Transport Unit (VTU), for example. Yes, on most occasions a VTU simply moves a product from one level to another, but it can do so much more. To that end...
Here are five things our VTUs do that will blow you away (plus a bonus, to really knock your socks off).
Stop at Multiple Positions
Our VTUs stop at as many pick-ups and drop-offs as needed
Sometimes it’s true that “less is more.” However, when you need a conveyor to stop at levels A through H…well, in that case, more is more.
Our Multiple Position VTUs stop anywhere you want.
By using a servo- or stepper-driven electric motor, our VTUs glide to multiple stopping points with precision.
Combine Two or More Decks in One VTU
Our VTUs can control multiple decks inside a single frame
The sofa-bed…the clock radio…shampoo with conditioner; the idea of putting two-in-one isn’t exactly revolutionary. That being said, moving twice the amount of product vertically is a game changer.
If one is good and two is better, then three (or more) is the cat’s meow. Glide-Line Dual Deck VTUs (shown here) can accommodate as many transportation decks as you want to shift multiple products vertically at the same time.
Our Dual Axis VTUs not only have two lifts contained in a single unit, but they actually actuate independently. For example, one carriage can move a pallet up, as the other acts as a passthrough. Or, maybe one deck goes down while the other one goes up—the choice is yours.
They Configure to Any Size
Our VTUs configure to any pallet/product size in 1mm increments
Restricting a design to accommodate a standard VTU size is no way to do business. Just ask Henry Ford, whose customers could get a car painted any color, “so long as it is black.”
Last we checked, a VTU isn’t a Model-T.
Our VTUs configure to any pallet/product size in (very accommodating) 1mm increments. Glide-Line’s servo- or step servo-driven VTUs support the deck in not just one, but all four corners; the result being, we can easily adjust the size of the entire unit—and we don’t charge extra for custom sizes.
No size restrictions on either the product or elevator? Now that’s mind-blowing.
Create Additional Work Space, Vertically!
Our VTUs accommodate layers of conveyors
Optimizing the use of horizontal floor space is a priority for most of our customers. So it blows us away how a VTU adds workspace without demanding a substantial footprint.
For instance, our VTUs can feed product to workstations layered above the main line. Or, as another configuration, VTUs enable vertical bypasses that go over the top of workstations to avoid slowdowns.
Accommodate Higher Heights
Our VTUs can be built taller (and more economically)
When it comes to VTUs, one of the most frequent question we’re asked is, “How tall can you make it?” That’s a fair question—traditional pneumatic VTUs have height restrictions. And typically, the taller the pneumatic VTU, the more it’s going to cost.
At Glide-Line, we create VTUs that do more than just lift. It’s our mission to fill the “innovation gap” so our clients can enjoy creative vertical transfer conveyor solutions.The great news is our VTUs are electrically driven, meaning we can manufacture them taller, for better value. When height is a priority, a belt-driven electric VTU is the way to go. Other practical limitations such as building height will likely be the constraints vs. VTU design characteristics.
As for that bonus thing our VTUs do? They save you money as well as space! Learn more about our custom Low-Cost Mini VTU.
Leave a Comment