16 July 2015, 08:00
The new power and free (P&F) system for heavy loads rounds out Eisenmann’s portfolio of conveyor solutions for painting lines. The new solution for heavy loads can be employed to flexibly link multiple process steps – including production, surface treatment, assembly and shipping.
The standard version is designed to move items weighing up to 6,000 kg, but is extremely compact and robust – ensuring a long service life and maximum uptime. It is designed and built for low wear, low maintenance and low noise. It also operates without the need for oil, even at high temperatures.
A variety of operating modes and speeds
The new system supports continuous and stop-and-go modes, and trolley accumulation. Like all Eisenmann P&F conveyors, it offers all functions needed for dependable and cost-effective operation. Carriers can be quickly and reliably transfered from slower chains (operated at lower speeds for pretreatment, painting, drying and cooling zones, for example) to faster ones used for movements between process steps. Carriers can also be merged and diverted by means of switches – to convey parts to selected treatment zones, for overtaking, sorting and buffering, or to create time windows for rinsing during paint application. Additionally, the system allows specific carriers to make repeated circuits, while others can be sent directly to defined process steps. It can seamlessly interoperate with other materials-handling equipment, such as hoists and trolleys. For this purpose, the power and free system for heavy loads is fitted with intelligently engineered mechanical components that in most instances do not require additional pusher devices. As a result, fewer electric controllers are required, minimizing installation effort, among other benefits.
Low-noise design
Eisenmann’s new system is exceptionally quiet. The profile rails that guide the universal-joint plate link chains are enclosed. The carriers are specially designed to run smoothly and quietly – with chain dogs that are rigidly fixed to the power chain, and retractable pusher dogs, which, like all of the components for power-and-free conveyance movements, are incorporated into the trolleys. As a result, the system does not generate the characteristic click-clack noises made by conventional P&F conveyors.
Oil-free operation, even at high temperatures
The new power and free system was developed specifically for painting and coating lines. The design of the chains, in conjunction with the use of special materials and bearing lubricants, enables the system to operate without oil – even in high-temperature environments. This means no oil drips onto the parts being painted, onto the conveyor or the floor.
Extremely reliable thanks to robust, low-maintenance design
This feature also helps create a reliable, low-maintenance solution. The conveyor was designed for resistance to wear, with durable cast-steel components and robust trolleys, drives and switches – resulting in high system uptime and a long service life. Moreover, the use of proven standard components, including many identical parts, such as actuators and stoppers, greatly reduces maintenance overhead and spare parts inventory.
The power and free system is controlled by the tried-and-trusted ESM (Energy Saving Module) field bus system. In addition, ESM can be seamlessly integrated with production control software, such as Eisenmann’s E-MES (manufacturing execution system).