Conveying surface range expanded for cost-efficiency
expanded its range of conveying surface options to make pallet
loading more adaptable and cost-effective for suppliers.
The firm has developed multiple-strand conveying belts for standard conveying widths, which FKI believes will help to lower the overall cost of the company's Alvey PalMat belted pallet/unit-load conveyor system.
FKI believes that the options help decrease PalMat's overall cost by reducing the amount of specialised moulded plastic belting needed to convey the particular load.
The development is part of FKI's overall strategy of expanding its market reach. The firm is keen to position itself as a viable alternative to traditional roller or chain conveyor for pallet/unit loads, with particular emphasis on unstable and fragile products.
PalMat is typically used as a transport conveyor between equipment such as palletisers and stretch wrappers, or as a discharge conveyor to shipping areas. It provides an even distribution of pallet or unit-load weight, making it ideal for applications in the food and beverage industries.
The expansion of the surface range means that PalMat is now available with a single belt in 40-, 44-, 48-, 52- and 60-inch widths or in double or triple strands across the same widths. Multiple overall widths allow PalMat to adapt more closely to an operation's particular load sizes, while multiple belt strands offer the ability to add support between the belts for conveyor-to-conveyor transition.
PalMat is additionally suited for plastic pallet conveying, as its continuous conveying surface helps avoid pallet damage. This uniform surface, supported by a series of stainless steel slider pans, also lets PalMat work well with footed pallets or containers.
Built in standard lengths of five and 10 feet, PalMat supports weights up to 3500 lbs. and speeds between 30 and 90 feet per minute (fpm).
PalMat's standard drive is a shaft-mounted reducer/motor with a square shaft and metal tooth sprockets, offering sturdy and reliable load transportation. Belt take-up is achieved with a pulley-augmented catenary that keeps continuous, even pressure on the belt and enables "jog" reverse.
"PalMat's new configurations give FKI Logistex customers a set of cost-effective and flexible alternatives for their pallet and unit-load conveying requirements," said Ken Thouvenot, vice president of project management and marketing, FKI Logistex Manufacturing Systems.
FKI Logistex is a leading provider of automated material handling solutions, supplying its customers with an integrated set of leading-edge technologies in high-speed sortation, conveyor systems, carousels, palletising, order processing software, RFID implementation, warehouse control systems, and total materials handling automation.
