Pallet Systems - FlexLink XM

FlexLink XM Pallet System

Transfer Station

Pallet Stop

How a Pallet System Works

The pallet system is used to move an irregularly shaped part. This part is transformed into the standard shape of the pallet. The part is placed into a fixture: and the fixture is attached to a pallet. This combination of part-fixture-pallet is transported by the conveyor. The FlexLink pallet system is designed to run a standard pallet -- not a particular component. The automation functions only on the pallet. The automation components based on standard pallets, offer lower costs and higher reliability.

To effectively convey a part, the pallet must be moved, stopped, precisely position, and accumulated within a three-dimensional framework. Accumulation is a means of backing up a number of pallets in front of a particular station while the station is temporarily stopped. This accumulation gives these pallets systems a power and free logic.

The pallets are conveyed using the FlexLink modular conveyor system. The system includes a wide range of components: including horizontal wheel bends and vertical bends for a three-dimensional system. When future requirements change, the standard parts and t-slot construction make future expansion or modifications easier. Replacement parts are readily available.

The low friction acetyl chain is designed to run continuously under the pallet. This keeps the pallets against the stops and simplifies timing issues. The pallet is equipped with low friction slide blocks or rollers to minimize wear on the chain. The normal chain speed should be the slowest speed possible to meet the cycle time. Chain speeds slower than 20 fpm require a double speed multiplier for the gearbox. The wear on the system is caused by the number times the chain passes over conveyor.

The chain should not be indexed because the low friction pallets would not move the same distance as the chain due to slippage. The chain would have to run faster in this mode. Cycling the motor would increase the service factor for the motor and gearbox by 160%.

A pallet system is a closed loop. The system typically has a supply side and a return side. The work is performed on the supply side of the system. When the product reaches the completed stage, it is removed and the empty pallet is returned and reloaded. The system operates on a first-in, first-out basis. If pallets are numbered consecutively, they will reach their final destination in the same order.

Once a part is placed into a fixtured pallet, the product has also been orientated into a know position. This means the part can be moved without the need to reorient. Since the product is always kept on the pallet, the is no risk of damaging the assembly.

		XM Pallet System


	Transfer Station	Pallet Stop

How a Pallet System Works The pallet system is used to move an irregularly shaped part. This part is transformed into the standard shape of the pallet. The part is placed into a fixture: and the fixture is attached to a pallet. This combination of part-fixture-pallet is transported by the conveyor. The FlexLink pallet system is designed to run a standard pallet -- not a particular component. The automation functions only on the pallet. The automation components based on standard pallets, offer lower costs and higher reliability. To effectively convey a part, the pallet must be moved, stopped, precisely position, and accumulated within a three-dimensional framework. Accumulation is a means of backing up a number of pallets in front of a particular station while the station is temporarily stopped. This accumulation gives these pallets systems a power and free logic. The pallets are conveyed using the FlexLink modular conveyor system. The system includes a wide range of components: including horizontal wheel bends and vertical bends for a three-dimensional system. When future requirements change, the standard parts and t-slot construction make future expansion or modifications easier. Replacement parts are readily available. The low friction acetyl chain is designed to run continuously under the pallet. This keeps the pallets against the stops and simplifies timing issues. The pallet is equipped with low friction slide blocks or rollers to minimize wear on the chain. The normal chain speed should be the slowest speed possible to meet the cycle time. Chain speeds slower than 20 fpm require a double speed multiplier for the gearbox. The wear on the system is caused by the number times the chain passes over conveyor. The chain should not be indexed because the low friction pallets would not move the same distance as the chain due to slippage. The chain would have to run faster in this mode. Cycling the motor would increase the service factor for the motor and gearbox by 160%. A pallet system is a closed loop. The system typically has a supply side and a return side. The work is performed on the supply side of the system. When the product reaches the completed stage, it is removed and the empty pallet is returned and reloaded. The system operates on a first-in, first-out basis. If pallets are numbered consecutively, they will reach their final destination in the same order. Once a part is placed into a fixtured pallet, the product has also been orientated into a know position. This means the part can be moved without the need to reorient. Since the product is always kept on the pallet, the is no risk of damaging the assembly.