Therma-Tron-X designs, builds and installs power and free systems
of any size and complexity - from enclosed track and 3-inch conveyor
for lighter loads to 6" x 6" x 6" - for the largest
and heaviest products. Monitored and managed by PLC's, power and
free conveyor has several advantages over power-only chain conveyor:
On-line accumulation allows load staging
for optimal processing flexibility
Loading and unloading from stationary
carriers either on line or on offline conveyor spurs allow for
greater efficiency in parts handling
Diagonal banking can minimize the size
of ovens, cooling stations and staging areas by amassing multiple
loads in smaller footprints
Multiple speed capability allows for high
speed transfer between operations with a lower speed while being
processed.
Power and Free conveyor can help to fully
automate your manufacturing process through efficient transfer
of product between manufacturing, finishing and final assembly/shipping
areas.
If used with SST technology in combined
systems, loads may be "grouped" for high rack density
through the E-coat primer, then "ungrouped" to expose
parts to subsequent topcoat applications.
How Power and Free Conveyor Works
Power and free conveyor consists of interconnected power track and
free track channels. A constantly moving drive 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 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 idle (free) in the free
rail 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.
