The linearly movable conveyor belts from MTF Technik offer a particularly space-saving and process-reliable solution for the automated filling of multiple containers on one level – ideal for sensitive production areas such as medical technology or plastic injection molding.
The conveyor belt is arranged above the fixed container positions and can be moved linearly. Containers can be filled with cartons, crates, small load carriers, wire mesh boxes, bags, etc. Depending on the requirements, pneumatic piston rod cylinders, rodless cylinders, or electric linear axes are used to position the conveyor belt. Optionally, controlled flaps can be mounted on the conveyor belt outlets to ensure precise filling of the respective containers.
The actual conveyor belt drive is designed to be reversible, so that two discharge points can always be served from one conveyor belt position, depending on the conveying direction. For example, a total of four containers can be filled from two conveyor belt positions. Intermediate positions are also possible to avoid cones of material. The material is always fed onto the conveyor belt from the top in the center of the buffer.
The buffer system is typically controlled via a PLC. This PLC processes, for example, counting pulses from the production machine, evaluates the container presence or fill level, can issue warnings, requests confirmation of a container change, etc. Operating statuses can be displayed to the operator via a corresponding display or acoustic or visual signaling devices. The design of the control system, including the necessary interfaces to existing systems, is customized for each customer.
The entire system design is project-specific, depending on the desired buffer capacity, the available space, the supply and discharge concept, the desired container arrangement, ergonomic factors, clean room conditions, etc. These systems can also be used in combination with customer-supplied driverless transport systems, for example, since containers can be exchanged during ongoing operation.
For maximum flexibility, the systems can be designed as mobile units. They can be easily moved and used on different production machines.
The linearly movable conveyor belt buffer ensures safe operation in production and thus combines minimal footprint, maximum hygiene, maximum process reliability, and flexibility – thus representing a perfect solution for modern production requirements in automated manufacturing environments.
