Celebrating Two Decades in the US with a New Leap in Conveyor Technology
12 November 2008
At PACK EXPO 2008, FlexLink displays how to meet tomorrow’s demands on green technology and efficiency in production and packaging lines, with the new conveyor system X85 and dynamic line control.
The demands on production, filling, and packaging lines are increasing drastically with regards to capacity, utilization and product quality. The need for shorter lead times and throughput is increasing and quality requirements are becoming even more demanding in the competitive market. Efficient, dynamic conveyor systems can contribute to total efficiency and profitability.
Leveraging productivity for two decades
In 1988, FlexLink was a show stopper at PACK EXPO and revolutionized the way conveyor systems were designed into production lines. At the same time, FlexLink announced the opening of FlexLink Systems in Bethlehem, PA. In only five short years, FlexLink became the leading provider of flexible chain conveyor systems in the US.
Celebrating 20 years
At PACK EXPO 2008, FlexLink will be celebrating their first 20 years. "We will celebrate our 20-year anniversary with PMMI officials, customers, partners and industry colleagues at PACK EXPO. It will not only be a good opportunity to highlight our progress over this time period but also an opportunity to network with our friends," commented Dave Clark, president of FlexLink Systems.
High line capacity and utilization
FlexLink has developed the new X85 conveyor system, allowing high line capacity with speeds up to 390ft/min. X85 is designed to minimize production stops, producing the highest possible mean time between failures (MTBF) – effectively giving a trouble-free service life.
Easy line balancing and reduced power consumption
With dynamic line control, the production line is easily balanced for maximum efficiency with a minimum of products in queue and at the right capacity. This way, the machines can be utilized in the optimal way and the products in process (WIP) are kept at a minimum.
Thanks to soft starts and stops, seamless speed adjustments and transfer between conveyors, handling equipment, and machinery, the products are handled gently. The X85 system allows products to be accumulated directly on the conveyor without any back pressure, which leads to reduced disturbances in the production line.
The power consumption can be drastically reduced by having the system running only in accordance the need of the downstream machine. Stops and accumulated queuing is eliminated and power consumption drastically reduced, representing one important element in sustainable factory automation.
"Our new X85 conveyor concept allows our customers to reach the production efficiency demand of tomorrow, already today," adds Dave Clark.
