Page 16 - MetalForming June 2010
P. 16
Modular, Flexible Conveyors
downtime during critical production cycles.
Long-Sweep Curves
Large conveying systems often use long-sweep curves to transport fragile packaged goods through various processes on their way to the shipping dock—these might be light-gauge metal parts whose surface finish must be pro- tected, or where dents can occur from
excessive jostling. These types of systems typically include long sections of accu- mulated product, which can cause a surging and jerking in the conveyor chain, especially around curves.
To reduce friction and protect the product in long-sweep curves, and to maintain high overall system efficiency, look for curves equipped with ball bear- ings. This curve technology (patented by Rexroth) ensures smooth, trouble-free
transport, and can mean the difference between virtually zero chain or gear- motor safety factor and a safety factor of 2.6 or more.
Again, the increased safety factors resulting from lower-friction design means fewer costly, powered drive units and longer chain and system life.
Drives/Motors/Gearboxes
While leveraging conveyor-module enhancements to reduce friction will conserve energy during operation, to truly optimize energy savings it’s impor- tant to consider the efficiency of the powered drive itself, including the effi- ciency of the gearbox and motor. For large conveying systems, seemingly small differences can add up to sur- prising additional cost. For example, many custom-built and commercially available conveyors employ a worm gear that translates power at 60 percent effi- ciency and a motor operating at 78 per- cent efficiency, for an overall system efficiency of approximately 46 percent. But manufacturers that invest a little more upfront for a bevel-gear system that translates power at 95 percent effi- ciency and a motor that operates at 81 percent efficiency will boost total system operating efficiency to 76 percent.
With increased pressure to minimize environmental and energy footprint, and the cost savings that can result from mak- ing a few smart choices, it makes sense to take a closer look at how you conveyor selection, to optimize parts handling, packaging and other operations required to move your stamped parts and assem- blies. The need to stay flexible and keep pace with rapid change will only grow, as will the need to squeeze as much cost as possible out of every factory process.
Conveyor systems often are consid- ered commodities that simply move product from place to place. That can be a costly mistake. Low-friction, high- efficiency systems will give manufac- turers the flexibility needed as require- ments change, as plant and cell layout changes, and as new equipment is brought in. That conveying flexibility can save thousands of dollars annually in total ownership costs. MF
HTSSJHY J[JW^\MJWJ
3JY\TWP ^TZW
\NYM 8RFWY5&( FSI
9WFHPNSL 8TKY\FWJ
9FPJ FI[FSYFLJ TK
8RFWY5&( vX GZNQYNS *YMJWSJY HTSSJHYN[NY^ YT HTRRZSNHFYJ T[JW ^TZW SJY\TWP
8JSI FSI WJHJN[J YJ]Y RJXXFLJX INXUQF^ XJYZU XMJJYX XYTWJI TS F HJSYWFQ XJW[JW GFHP ZU ^TZW YTTQX YT F WJRTYJ QTHFYNTS FSI [NJ\ UWJXXWTTR XYFYZX T[JW YMJ SJY\TWP FSI NSYJWSJY <MJS ^TZ HTSSJHY ^TZW JVZNURJSY YT 1*98 ^TZ HFS HTQQJHY UWTIZHYNTS IFYF KJJI HWNYNHFQ UFWFRJYJWX WJUTWYX FZYTRFYNHFQQ^ [NJ\ RFHMNSJ XYFYZX NS WJFQ YNRJ FSI XHMJIZQJ F UWNTWNYN_JI OTG VZJZJ KTW JFHM RFHMNSJ
9T QJFWS RTWJ FGTZY <NSYWNXX (TSYWTQX UQJFXJ HFQQ 1-800-586-8324 TW [NXNY www.wintriss.com <NSYWNXX (TSYWTQX &QQ WNLMYX WJXJW[JI
14 METALFORMING / JUNE 2010
www.metalformingmagazine.com
