When moving larger and/or awkwardly shaped products directly on a conveyor, putting products on a more conveyable pallet capable of handling the contact driven by accumulation is typically the right conveyor system design. But unique products require unique solutions. Glide-Line’s Zero Contact Zoned Conveyor design solves this challenge. A Zero Contact Zoned Conveyor solution can offer a better way to accumulate a product without a pallet.
Traditional product accumulation handling techniques work best for products placed in pallets. The pallets keep items in place as they work their way down the assembly line. But how about large objects placed on a conveyor without a pallet? You can’t accumulate airplane wings back-to-back. You need a solution that ensures products remain separate.
This is what makes Zero Contact Zoned Conveyors a strong alternative design to consider. Zero Contact Zoned Conveyors do not use a single-belt. Instead, products are placed on separately-zoned conveyors. With products not touching each other, damage from accumulation is not an issue. With each zoned conveyor powered by its own dedicated motor (usually a small DC motor), the Zero Contact Zoned Conveyor zones only run only as needed. When a conveyor hits a stopping point, the conveyor is switched off using a sensor. This triggers the subsequent zoned conveyors to stop so products remain separated.
This alternative method provides much more controlled handling of products. While putting product on pallets remains a viable alternative and works fine in many cases, developing a system built around Zero Contact Zoned Conveyors offers a more elegant material handling solution.
Adaptation is necessary when building the right conveyor system design. But don’t worry about customization with Glide-Line! We can customize our Zero Contact Zoned Conveyor line to fit the needs of your end-user. Not only can we help you choose the right conveyor solution, you can configure it quickly using our IMPACT! configuration software. With endless options, Glide-Line is a cost-effective choice for developing a solid solution to your challenging product accumulation needs.
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