What is the Footprint / Space Savings?
IntelliFinishing systems offer several space-saving advantages over traditional chain-based systems, especially when handling large products. Traditional systems often require a wide space to turn corners, but IntelliFinishing employs innovative techniques to minimize this space and place process equipment closer together.
Shuttle Systems: For large or long products, shuttle systems can turn corners in less space. A carrier moves onto a shuttle, which then moves the carrier laterally to reach the next process lane. Carriers then can back up or move forward to enter the next process, such as moving from loading to wash, and then quickly from the wash to a dry oven. This setup can be used to place the wash and dry oven side by side, eliminating the need for a larger loop of track.
Deadhead Turns: Another technique is the deadhead turn, where a carrier reaches the end of a conveyor lane, reverses direction, and makes a 45 or 90-degree turn into another process. This ability to back up and change direction can save considerable space.
No Return Chains: Unlike power and free systems with multiple chains, IntelliFinishing systems can split off into different lanes without needing a return chain. This flexibility allows for more efficient use of space.