Therma-Tron-X designs, builds and
installs power and free systems of
any size and complexity - from 3-inch conveyor for lighter loads
to 6-inch for the largest and heaviest products. Monitored and managed
by Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), power and free conveyor
has several advantages over power-only chain conveyor:
On-line accumulation allows load staging
for optimal processing rate
Loading and unloading from stationary
loadbars either on line or on offline conveyor spurs allow for
greater efficiency in parts handling
Diagonal banking can minimize the size
of ovens, cooling staions and staging areas by amassing multiple
loads in smaller footprints
Variable speed operation allows for high
speed transfer between process areas with a lower speed while
in them
Power and Free conveyor can help to fully
atuomate any manufacturing process through efficient transfer
of product between manufacturing, finishing and final assembly/shipping
areas.
How Power and Free Conveyor Works
Power and free conveyor consists of interconnected power track and
free track channels. A constantly moving chain (power) propels product
loaded on carriers from point to point. The chain has equally spaced
“dogs,” or catch mechanisms, that engage with trolleys
on the carriers.
When the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) determines that a
carrier should be halted at some predetermined location, it energizes
a stop which disengages the dog from the trolley, leaving the carrier
sitting idle (free) in a channel beneath the chain. Subsequent carriers
automatically disengage from the chain as they meet the carriers
in front of them.
The stop continues to deflect dogs over the trolley until the signal
is sent to release the load. The next dog will then engage with
the trolley and pull the carrier to its destination. The second
carrier in line will move up to the stop or continue through, based
on PLC management. Switches can also direct trolleys onto different
conveyor lines, making power and free conveyor extremely versatile.
