One of the biggest challenges faced by applications engineers today is the time it takes to receive accurate pricing and model numbers. You spend time using an online configurator from a conveyor manufacturer, downloading the step files and setting up mates and references in SOLIDWORKS to meet the requirements of your automation system. The conveyor software is typically built for only one thing: communicating one particular conveyor’s specifications to your conveyor design software.
But what about pricing? What about changes? What about accurate model numbers? All of these take time to communicate with the manufacturer’s salesperson, re-download step files, and re-mate them to your design.
When you don’t have time to go back and forth, you might build in a 15% contingency in pricing and time to account for this. But with an in-context configurator, you know right away if your numbers, part numbers, and calculations are accurate for the solution you’re building. Having accurate estimates for your twin-strand conveyor modular system during the sales process is priceless (reverse pun intended!).
Glide-Line’s in-context configurator is called IMPACT! – and we’ll bet you can tell why.
IMPACT!’s number one advantage is dynamic pricing and modeling. Design or layout changes made in SOLIDWORKS update immediately with variations in pricing and part numbers when you’ve used IMPACT! to supply the data. The 3D CAD solid modeling process timeframe is reduced by more than 100%, streamlining changes and engineering for you and your entire team. You get the high detail and accurate CAD files you need for quoting and delivering solutions to your clients.
The CAD blocks are so detailed you can design around them with no fear of working with generic CAD files that are slightly different from real life. The impact on your time, your team, and your business are clear.
Dynamic pricing and modeling are incredibly useful when applied to your automation conveyor system design process. The foundation of Glide-Line’s multi strand pallet transport conveyor is a twin-strand conveyor designed to transport work piece pallets (like these) from workstation to workstation. These conveyors are configurable with multiple connection options as well as various power input options, including 24VDC motors. You’re able to meet a variety of automation system requirements with these configurations, highlighting the innovations and flexibility of your pallet conveyor automation system to your customer.
For example, if you’re engineering a system to assemble tail light housings for use in a vehicle, a twin strand conveyor might be the best solution for your customer. Between the workstations for assembly, adding a vision and inspection system using a dual strand conveyor eliminates the need for more complex conveyors while assuring the quality of the product being built. You’re even able to eliminate back pressure using the Glide-Line ZP, a zero-pressure accumulation conveyor. Here are some other advantages to these modular conveyors:
Instant quotes through IMPACT! make your job easier when planning for a twin-strand conveyor system for your customer. Learn more in our recent IMPACT! video series.