How Do I Control Pallet Motion While My Product Cures?

Traditional pallet accumulation techniques get the job done (belt or chain running constantly, managing positioning with stops). But with this method, there are several flaws. Namely for transporting partially-completed products or products with some type of curing process.

Let’s say you have a partially-completed automotive part moving down the conveyor line. A bonding material has just been applied to secure the item’s electrical components in place. As the item moves down the line, it is curing. In this delicate state, any sort of rough handling is going to be a disaster!

To avoid wasted time, money and effort, consider alternatives to damaging conveyor accumulation. While single-drive conveyors remain the industry standard, there are new methods that could provide gentle handling for delicate product.

How Zoned Conveyors Protect Delicate Products

Delicate products in the assembly processes face substantial risk with standard accumulation techniques. Products that are any sort of semi-complete state (such as products that are partially assembled or curing) can be damaged beyond repair due to rough handling. Even if a cured product does not suffer obvious damage, any sort of impact to the curing process could impact component integrity for downstream operations. The last thing you need is defective products due to a poor handling process.

This is why single-drive / stop accumulation methods are not always the best solution. With this method, a stop on the line creates a domino effect. The first product hits the pneumatic stop. BAM! Subsequent products make their way down the line. CRASH. BAM. BOOM. Dozens of products could be ruined in the process.

So what’s the alternative? Glide-Line's Zero Contact Zoned Conveyors. With zoned conveyors, products never touch each other. The Zero Contact Zoned Conveyor does not use a single belt. Instead, multiple zones carry products from place to place. With zero product contact, there is minimal risk of product damage.

Partially-complete products can safely move down the line. The curing process can complete without material impact. This makes the Zero Contact Zoned Conveyor solution a solid alternative to traditional conveyor design.

Glide-Line Can Help You Configure The Right Solution For Your End-Users

Your end-users likely have specific needs for their materials handling application. Perhaps they need a strong solution for products that cure. Perhaps they have other types of delicate products that require special handling.

No matter your end-user’s needs, we can help you build the best possible production line conveyor systems! Our expertise has translated into the right process for conveyor design and configuration.

But how about if you know exactly what you need? No problem! You can configure your own solution using our IMPACT! configuration software.With IMPACT!, you can quickly figure out what you need, and get it made! Our customized solutions have shorter lead times than our competitors!