Production Line with Buffer for Truck Loading andUnloading
Automated staging, alignment, distribution, and buffering of workpiece carriers through toautomated loading into a truck trailer.
For this large-scale project, ALTRATEC developed a complex conveyor system for the automatedstaging, alignment, distribution, and buffering of workpiece carriers.
The combination of conveyor sections, outfeed units, manual workstations, lifts, and destackingunits enables end-to-end material flow and the efficient interlinking of individual process stepswithin the production line.
The complete system was preassembled in a separate facility and tested under realistic conditionsto ensure stable and safe operation at the customer’s site.
Project Stations
1. Automatic Destacking: Lift and Accumulating Roller Chain Conveyor
The process begins with empty workpiece carriers being transferred directly from the truck trailerto the conveyor system. An automated destacking unit separates the workpiece carriers preciselyand reliably at the required cycle rate, ensuring continuous material flow.
2. Alignment and Transfer: Accumulating Roller Chain Conveyor + Lift-and-Transfer Units
After destacking, the workpiece carriers are automatically aligned and positioned for thesubsequent process steps. Swivel units and lift-and-transfer units operate with repeatableaccuracy and in sync with the overall system.
3. Lifting and Distribution: Vertical Conveyor
A vertical lift distributes the loaded workpiece carriers across two levels of a two-tier accumulatingroller chain conveyor. This creates a space-saving system layout with high throughput.
4. Load Buffer and Intermediate Storage: Accumulating Roller Chain Conveyor
The loaded workpiece carriers then enter an integrated load buffer with capacity for a fulltruckload. This allows material flows to be controlled flexibly and reloading operations to beprepared efficiently.