PRODUCTS & PROCESSES
Installation of three separate conveyor lines at Derby Cycle / Kalkhoff electric bicycle factory in Cloppenberg , Germany
At the main D8 overhead conveyor line , the raw metal frames first undergo some pretreatment , then primer and colour are painted and they are finished with a clear coat . There are drying ovens with specific settings built-in for each process . The line then goes through inspection before they move onto the finishing line .
At the finishing line , production moves to the F2 wide track floor conveyor where the decals and stickers are applied onto the frames . The F2 our newest product offering for floor conveyor systems , specially designed for the surface treatment industry . The F2 wide track conveyor is an improved version of our highly successful F1 floor conveyor .
The wide track configuration compared to a regular track allows for heavier loads to be transported in an extremely stable manner , thereby increasing the efficiency of the production process . With our well-known D8 power chain installed under the free track and carrier trolleys , the risk of contamination of the transported products is kept minimal .
Additional features such as horizontal and vertical bends , switches , and lubrication units can be installed upon request . Specialised components for extremely precise positioning such as oscillating pushers for pre-treatment and rotation units to ensure an equal surface treatment finish , can also be installed .
Our wide track systems can be fully automated to suit the client ’ s needs , giving them full control of the process flow and increasing overall production output . The F2 wide track system can carry the product through flash-off zones , spray cabins , powder coating units , washing areas , pretreatment areas , as well as drying and curing ovens . The track ’ s low profile also means that it is ideal for installations that utilise pick & place robots .
Once the bike frames are ready , they are sent to the assembly station where the wheels and other components are added and finally the bikes make their way as completed products via the second D8 overhead conveyor transport line , towards the expedition hall .
Special product carriers are used with this line to make it easy to transport the finished bikes and add finishing touches such as packaging and the batteries for the electric bikes .
Additionally , since our MES and PLC systems are built completely in-house , we are able to provide clients with an easy-to-use , ultra-personalised control system . Clients can track the product using barcode scanners , log quality data in real-time and have more control over the journey of the product across the shop floor .
Together with our partners that provide the ovens and other surface finishing equipment , we are able to provide our customers with the best solutions for their business , that ensure the highest quality and reliability while maintaining efficiency and productivity .
Telephone : + 44 ( 0 ) 1926 64 1424 Email : info @ stewart-gill . co . uk Visit : www . railtechniek . com
60 APRIL 2022 read online : www . surfaceworld . com