Surface World June 2019 Surface World June 2019 | Page 66

CONVEYORS & MATERIALS HANDLING Power & Freedom Materials handling is a critical element in the surface fi nishing and treatment process. Having the freedom to move, rotate or invert products around multiple processes helps reduce labour and limit exposure to dangerous chemicals and machinery. Deciding what type of equipment or conveyor to implement can be the most important part of the finishing process. Midland Handling Equipment’s large array of proven handling equipment aids in this process. Most assume conveyor equipment needs to be automated, this is not necessarily the case. Many prefer the idea of overhead automation to create a clear floor space. JUNE 2019 Combilift forklift trucks in Co. Monaghan, Ireland however was an application that led to an automated system right from the start. With two circuits at 5 ton and 10 ton respectively and a series of plant equipment designed in a staged loop, the implementation of a 406TC Power and Free Conveyor was ideal. Each circuit was incorporated with lift sections to aid the loading and offloading of the line and the ability to accumulate suited the application. However the decision needs to be well thought through, taking into consideration: What is the product, size, weight? What is the main aim? Which product finish, treatment will be applied? What chemicals, heat, equipment is involved? etc. Space restrictions? Midland Handling Equipment have enjoyed a long relationship with Shelbourne Reynolds, the farm equipment manufacturer. 64 through the oven and booth. Inverted conveyors offer the best advantage when products are an irregular size or when supporting from above impedes the treatment finishing process. They are also simpler to integrate with existing jigs from earlier manufacturing processes. Shelbourne Reynolds had a Trakmaster 406/406 power and free overhead conveyor towing their parts through the paint plant for the past 20 years with great success. Honeycomb belt conveyors offer a simple approach at curing when very high temperatures and efficient airflow are required. With the introduction of new products extending up to 10m long and 4500kg they asked Midland to look at upgrading their conveyor. PTFE belt conveyors are also perfect for high temperatures on sensitive products that are prone to marking or are at risk from contamination. Originally the plan was to upgrade to the heavier duty 406TC power and free conveyor, but when really considering the through put and space restriction with such a large load and a modified oven, it was decided that much more flexibility would be available with a manual track with turntables and basic towing conveyors Where a specific piece of equipment doesn’t fit the bill, bespoke handling equipment can be designed and/or integrated with robots for precise and intricate handling. Telephone: [phone] Email: [email protected] Visit: www.mhel.co.uk read online: www.surfaceworld.com