Conveyor technology is of central importance for the smooth flow of materials in companies. Depending on the task, it pursues different objectives. For example, the optimum utilisation of available space plus time savings, flexibility, speed and individuality play a significant role in a wide range of industries with varying degrees of importance.
Years ago, this was still the case at HaRo Anlagen- und Fördertechnik GmbH: parts for production were collected from stacks of boxes. Today, this is done by smart, intelligent control systems with transport to the destination using conveyor technology. This also sets Smart solutions for storage and intralogistics ahead.
An automated process is used to store and retrieve stock quickly and precisely. This was preceded by a Meticulous analysis of the current situation ahead. This was the only way to optimise material management. It was clear that all stored goods had to be classified according to size, weight and frequency of call-offs.
In practice, the least required goods are often stored in the most remote locations. This results in considerable additional costs to get the goods from A to B. This is why HaRo's material management system places great emphasis on Integrated universal complete solution laid. As not all materials can be handled like small parts, the raw material for the production of the rollers is stored where they are manufactured. This is because the individual parts required for system production vary in terms of dimensions and design.
Nevertheless, production runs smoothly as all logistical steps are cleverly planned and internalised. The individual conveyors of the overall system are produced precisely on time for the dispatch date. This means that the system can be assembled by the fitters quickly and without disruption to the customer.
About the analysis of the project
Before the HaRo specialists start thinking in terms of conveyor elements, the first step is to Comprehensive analysis on site created. Based on the customer's objectives, details are determined that enable a realistic concept to be developed. A seemingly endless catalogue of questions ultimately drives the solution for a successful concept.
Qualified experts plan presentable concepts from the complex data material. Brainwork is required to create smart ideas from the specifications. The engineers are supported by CAD systems, which display the ideas on the monitor in a 3D version. Databases with components simplify the work.
In intermediate steps, the combined elements are repeatedly checked for plausibility and final interaction. Per 3-D animation runs through the planned system in its entirety and any weaknesses are revealed. After this „maiden voyage“, the concept is presented to the client. Minor corrections keep the effort involved within manageable limits.
This practice is standard at HaRo and has proven itself in numerous successfully completed projects. For example, at Ritzenhoff, a company world-famous for its glassware. In nearby Marsberg, the Transport of 60 pallets per hour from top to bottom, to the very bottom for further processing and from there to the commission warehouse or back to the first floor.
Vertical conveyors were designed and used for this purpose. In addition, a large vertical conveyor was to be used to transport forklift trucks from one floor to another. Following the installation of various modules such as roller conveyors, pallet lifting stations and vertical conveyors as well as cross transfer carriages, rotating platforms, eccentric lifters and chain conveyors as well as a vertical conveyor plus transfer carriage and buffer section, everything is organised in an orderly fashion after the „intervention“.
Well-organised production management
At HaRo, everything runs according to plan, computerised and monitored. Where others rely on SAP or comparable software, HaRo uses a Well-functioning ERP system and an equally Proven MES system. The ERP system forms the basis for the complete control of all functional areas in the company, which are installed as individual modules. This means that every authorised function holder can see in detail what is happening in their own and neighbouring areas.
What's more, in view of increasing efficiency and consciously protecting the environment, HaRo sees itself as a „paperless office“. HaRo has not used paper filing systems for years. Instead, business transactions are „parked“ on high-performance servers using a well-structured and precisely defined folder system. This means that paper can be (almost) completely dispensed with. If the ERP system accesses the planning of available resources in the company, the MES then takes over the detailed productive work in real time.
The system is used to optimise production within the Process automation guided, managed and controlled. This also includes classic data acquisition such as PDA, which has a direct impact on the production process. The MES has long since made a name for itself in terms of controlling the implementation of the specified planning and the directly associated feedback from the ongoing process.
Varied product range in a modular system
Flow rack storage systems, lifting tables, chain conveyors, hinged passages, roller conveyors, transfer cars, belt conveyors, vertical conveyors, pushers, ball roller tables and roller conveyor curves as well as turning stations keep operations running. The variety can already be seen in the roller conveyors. Depending on the transported goods and customer requirements, the Individually set role divisions become.
If, for example, only small goods need to be transported, the SFR„ roller conveyor system“ with the narrowest roller pitch. Idlers with a radius of 60 millimetres and a pitch of 66.6 millimetres between the idlers are used. Loads of up to 800 kilograms per metre can be handled.
Roller conveyors with large pitches, on the other hand, can be retrofitted and converted to narrower pitches at short notice. For this purpose, the support profiles are prepared with evenly spaced holes along their entire length. This cost-effective solution is ideal for beginners who handle changing transport goods. In addition to the choice of Roller density play diameter and bridge feet eine wichtige Rolle. Denn neben den Rollen muss der Unterbau die Last mittragen, die über die Rollen bewegt wird.
Eine Lösung für Gitterboxen und Stahlkästen mit kleinen Füßen wird mit der Rollenbahnserie „Varioflex“ angeboten. Rollen mit extra dicker Wandstärke und enge Rollenteilungen lassen kleinste Auflagenflächen zu. Zudem geht es mit Motorkraft und Antriebsketten voran. Zu den Antriebsrollen stellen oft Lichtschranken die exakte Positionierung des Fördergutes sicher.
Sollen Paletten aufgegeben oder abgenommen werden, ist eine Station für Gabelhubwagen für diese Aufgabe ideal. Der neuralgische Stoß, nämlich der Anschluss zweier Rollenbahnen, wird bei HaRo mit einem speziellen Kettenrad mit entsprechender Kettenführung unter Beibehaltung des engen Abstands der Rollen elegant gelöst.
Kurvige Rollenbahnen als flexible Lösung
Geradeaus zu rollen ist einfach. Aber was, wenn‘s um die Ecke gehen soll? Das übernehmen dann Rollenbahnkurven. Schnell und präzise wird mit oder ohne Antrieb und in nahezu jeden Winkel und jede gewünschte Richtung gelenkt. Diverse Antriebsarten wie riemengetriebener Antrieb, Doppelkettenantrieb oder Tangentialkettenantrieb mit Seitenbogenkette stellen den gleichmäßigen Anlauf aller Tragrollen sicher.
Daneben kommen in Kurven Rollenbahnen mit geteilten zylindrischen Tragrollen oder Röllchenbahnkurven zum Zug. Eine Besonderheit stellen Aufschiebelemente aus Polyamid (PA) dar. Sie bilden die Grundlage für das Einhalten der genauen Laufrichtung. Rollenbahnweichen erlauben das Einschleusen von Gütern ohne Zeitverlust.
Neben Tragrollen, Rollenbahnen und Vertikalförderern werden die gesamte Elektrik und Elektronik sowie Details für die Fernwartung samt Steuerungstechnik und Schaltschrankbau im eigenen Haus kreiert. So werden alle Teile einer Anlage zu einem geplanten Gesamtablauf und genauem Montagetermin zusammengeführt.
Sind auf Wunsch weitere Geräte oder Anlagen einzubinden, werden dazu Schnittstellen von den Softwareingenieuren kreiert. Zudem bietet eine Lagerhaltungssoftware die Chance, den innerbetrieblichen Materialfluss durch das Verknüpfen von Produktion, Transport, Lagerung, Kommissionierung, Verpackung und Verkauf zu optimieren.
