The New X85 Pallet System from FlexLink
08 November 2007
FlexLink now offers a new conveyor system, X85, including a state of the art pallet system as well as standardized software to control IT.
The new X85 pallet system from FlexLink allows for building highly efficient machining and assembly lines. The X85 pallet system is a toolbox for single piece flow solutions enabling flexible routing and full control of each product in process. From the standard pallets to the tunnel locating modules, the sophisticated line control and powerful engineering tools, it includes all the elements needed to meet the requirements in a constantly changing market.
The pallets are prepared for RFID memory tags for communication between the product, the machine, the line control and MES (Manufacturing Execution Software) solutions. They are also prepared for easy attachment of product fixtures. There are different configurations in accordance with application needs: positioning accuracy, clean or rough environment, ESD, contaminants etc.
The standard pallets come in two tolerance classes with positioning accuracy of ±0,12 mm and ±1mm.
Locating modules are available for single position or for indexing the pallet in two or three positions dependent on pallet size. In addition with short loading time, this gives new possibilities to improved machine utilization and line balancing.
The tunnel locating module offers easy balancing of manufacturing operations and the possibility to add an operation to an existing line. Locating and elevating the pallet to the workplace, the tunnel station allows the next coming pallet to pass through. With maintained visibility of the line flow, it allows parallel operations in a sequential line layout. With two tunnel locating modules serving a machine or a robot, the utilization can be maximized.
"Using an indexing locating module, the pallet gets two or three index positions, depending on its size. A locating module with a fast loader reduces loading time to one second. For parallel processes, a tunnel locating module makes it possible to lift the pallet 240 mm to allow the next pallet to pass below. All this, as well as modules for divert and merge functions and pallet elevators, are properties of the X85 pallet system that allow more flexible production and reduce the throughput time" says Göran Abbestam, project leader for the X85 development.
FlexLink is a leading production logistics supplier - providing material and information flow management solutions to assembly and manufacturing industries. Based in Göteborg, Sweden, FlexLink has 650 employees, operates 25 sales units and is represented in 60 countries. In 2006, group turnover was MSEK 1,278.
