Alba Conveyor and Robotics: A Perfect Match! |
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The use of robots in manufacturing is nothing new. George Devol designed the first industrial robot in 1954. Early robots, limited in their intelligence, performed one or two simple repetitive tasks. Since the 1980s, industrial robots have been typically used in applications where repetition, precision, and speed were required. Today’s industrial robots packed with Artificial Intelligence (AI) are rapidly changing the workforce landscape. Currently, more than 59% of manufacturers are using some form of robotic technology.
Alba Manufacturing’s conveyor products and systems integrate perfectly with robotics. A recent application utilized 45" x 48" four-way entry collapsible containers with picture, frame-style bottoms weighing 225 lbs.
Alba’s partner needed to provide an automated solution to a major household appliance manufacturer, filling containers with small parts, while maintaining container orientation. Previously, due to the manual loading process, the system only allowed staging a single container at a time.
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Alba’s solution – utilize a Chain Driven Live Roller Conveyor (CDLR) with a 90° Frame-to-Frame Transfer (FFT) in conjunction with the loading robot. The containers convey in empty and then parts are loaded by the robot. The containers are transferred and conveyed out fully loaded. The container never changes orientation – now unloading and loading in the same direction provides room for multiple container staging, a higher throughput efficiency, and reduced fork truck traffic.
To save installation time, Alba pre-mounted the leg supports, solenoid valves and proximity switches.
Conveyor/Product Specifications
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Model No. 251140-6 Chain Driven Live Roller Conveyor and Model No. FFT251140-6-2S Frame-to-Frame Transfer |
CDLR Conveyor |
Length: |
10' 0" overall length |
Rollers: |
2-1/2" diameter x 11 gauge, 11/16" hex axle |
Roller Centers: |
6" |
Effective Width: |
48" |
Drive: |
1/2 HP Baldor Super "E" motor with a Dodge Tigear II reducer, high side drive |
Elevation: |
18" top of roller |
Paint: |
RAL 7035 light grey with safety yellow guards |
Frame-to-Frame Transfer |
Length: |
5' 1-1/2" centerline to centerline of CDLR effective width |
Width: |
2-strands RC-80 carrying chains spaced on 36" centers |
Drive: |
Center type, 1/2 HP Baldor Super "E" motor with a Dodge Tigear II reducer |
Elevation: |
Chains raised 3/4" above the rollers in the raised position |
Devices: |
Two (2) 24 VDC Norgren double solenoid valves pre-mounted and piped to the cylinder. Two (2) 24 VDC IFM Efector proximity switches to sense the transfer in the up and down positions |
The next time you encounter a challenge, call Alba Manufacturing. We can help you locate your nearest Alba Partner Network Member to assist with your next project at 866.252.2634 or visit our website at www.albamfg.com
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