FlexLink launches a unique patented automatic product guiding system that solves a long-standing productivity bottleneck in conveyor lines. Line output will increase and the payback time of the investment may be less than a month if resetting is required 5 times per week.
The system makes efficient multi products manufacturing lines a reality as frequent product changes are commonplace in industry today. Automatic resetting of the lines promotes small production batch sizes and increased line utilization.
The core of the system is electrically driven guiding units which control the position of the guide rails along the line. Up to 220 guiding units can be controlled from one cabinet and the system has a repetitive accuracy of less than +- 0.1 mm. Compared to manual resetting, the new system eliminates sources of disturbances and enhances the stability of the product conveyed. The system is designed for dry and wet production environments, it suits a wide range of conveyor types and is available from stock. Major installations have successfully been completed in Europe and the USA.
The new system can be used in areas where access for manual resetting is limited or non-existent. This means that conveyors for multi product manufacturing can be placed at ceiling height or in closed areas, which contributes to compact layouts. Safety and the working environment for the operators are enhanced.
"This is a good example of our target to provide the tools to increase the efficiency in manufacturing lines of our customers. This particular product will have a large impact on a set of productivity parameters of new as well as existing lines," says Christer Cedervall, Director, Automation Products Division.
FlexLink is a leading global supplier of innovative automation solutions to assembly and manufacturing industries. FlexLink, based in Göteborg, Sweden employs 540 people in 25 companies and is represented in 50 countries. In 2004, group turnover was MSEK 1,137.