The Satellite Review Magazine The Satellite Review Magazine Vol 1 | Page 35

Product spotlight

improved ergonomics. Although you’ll contribute capital to
automation upfront, the pay-off will be well worth it – typical
AS/RS ROI is three to five years, and the systems have lifespans
of more than 25 years.
From a “green” perspective, automating an existing facility
is the clear winner over new construction. Obviously,
automating the existing facility, rather than increasing land
usage by building new structures, reduces your organization’s
carbon footprint. Within an automated facility, you’ll realize
even more eco-friendly benefits.
Besides reducing labor with the automation, an AS/RS can
run in a “lights-out” environment, leading to energy savings.
Similarly, eliminating the need for gas or electric-powered fork
trucks reduces emissions from engines or battery charging
areas.
Today, automation delivers such a high level of performance
and reliability that it is in your best interest to investigate the
technology. If at all feasible, utilize existing real estate assets
and automate what you have. You’ll eliminate new construction
while, at the same time, automating your processes to position
your warehouse for greater efficiencies and future growth.

New Products
Spring chain pallet transport conveyor - Using small
diameter wheels, double staggered, to provide
smooth pallet transportation, this addition to the
product line recognizes that oftentimes customers
need to transport pallets over long distances without
an ongoing need for accumulation.
Vertical Lift Station (VLS) camera - As an add-on
to the Storage/Retrieval Machine (S/RM), the VLS
camera allows warehouse personnel to view pallets
remotely, increasing safety and accuracy in product
storage and retrieval, while adding efficiency to
warehouse and distribution center operations. The
VLS camera is fully integrated with Westfalia’s
component solutions via wireless connection. The
camera records in 1080p HDTV, while remote
control allows 360˚ pan, 200˚ tilt and 36x optical
zoom with electronic image stabilization.

Product Enhancements

The digital version of The Satellite
Review is now available!

Airchain accumulation conveyor - In addition to
the current offering that features limit-switch style
sensors, Westfalia will soon offer these with photo
eye sensors. Photoelectric sensing allows the
product more application flexibility in product
sensing, by adding additional intelligence via PLC
controlled processes to accumulation, product
gapping and sequencing.
Three-strand chain conveyor - This venerable design
is getting several upgrades, allowing for better chain
protection using a different frame design, as well as
streamlining the assembly process internally. Use of
a double chain will also be standard, while retaining
the small diameter sprockets that allow the transfer
of GMA and Chep pallets to operate smoothly.

Download the digital edition online at:
www.WestfaliaUSA.com/satellitemag

Right angle transfer pallet handling device - A slave
driven roller bed option will be added, allowing
a Chain Driven Live Roller (CDLR) conveyor,
adjacent to the right angle tr