Interroll looks to bring conveyor systems to U.S.

SANT'ANTONIO, Switzerland—Interroll Group is betting that the popularity of its new generation conveyors and modular conveyor platforms will generate the same interest in U.S. and Asia as it did when released in Europe.

The Swiss firm, which supplies material handling equipment and systems, has achieved more than 250 successful installations worldwide for this line of conveyors while promoting durability and flexibility for tire manufacturers.

Modular conveyor platforms offer functionality in manufacturing, distribution, tire and automotive, and e-commerce industries, among others, said Maurizio Catino, industry sales manager of automotive and tire. Catino has been tasked with marketing the system in the U.S.

"Our customers come from conservative industries and they need to know that a solution like this will work," Catino said. "They are always looking for what is the most reliable solution, and we feel our conveyors have been a game-changer in other parts of the world and will be here too."

One of the features that Catino said has stood out with customers is the energy savings experienced because of the EC310, 24V RollerDrive.

Given the importance that reduced energy consumption plays within the industry, independent tests have shown that an energy reduction of 50 percent or more is possible, according to a 2013 white paper titled, "24-volt Drive Technology in Continuous Conveyor Systems" by M. Braun, P. Linsel and K. Furmans and published by two independent research institutes in Germany.

"This really helps when there is a lot of starting and stopping on the line," Catino said. He added that the overall quiet and efficient performance of the conveyors have shocked some tire industry executives because it operates almost silently and downtime is not impacted.

The 2013 white paper claimed that a 30 percent energy savings can be made using a 24-volt roller drive in intermittent services, rather than 400-volt technology. "As far as the accumulating function is concerned, energy consumption can be reduced by as much as 50 percent," according to the white paper. "Not only that, the costs of initial outlay can also be reduced by using 24-volt technology for short conveyor segments."

MCPs are expected to result in growth opportunities for Interroll, a company engaged in global research projects for logistics efficiency and actively supporting industry associations in developing standards. The firm operates a worldwide network of 32 companies with more than 2,000 employees.

These growth opportunities for the MCPs are based on distribution and the desire to positively impact the friction factor, leading to a reduction of products being stuck on rollers. Catino said.

"We have made some mechanical modifications and fixed some of the metal parts over time to create a more efficient solution," he added.

Interroll said its MCPs come without the need for customers to invest in software or programming, Catino said.

"We can (handle) everything that makes the life of an integrator easier because we convert the mechanical elements," he said. "That allows system integrators to concentrate on the installation. It delivers scalability."

Interroll says other main features of its modular conveyor platform include:

• Speeds of up to 3,500 units per hour with its new High Performance Divert;
• Reduced cost of ownership thanks to low maintenance and no pneumatics;
• Most Advanced UL Certified Controls, Ethernet/IP ZPA 4 ZONE MultiControl Card;
• Full modularity that allows for around-the-clock system reconfigurations;
• Ease of installation and smooth flow of products up to 110 pounds per zone; and
• An AutoCAD-based layout tool to easily help design and select a system with integrated modules.

Furthermore, the MCP can be customized to form a complete material handling solution to enable the uninterrupted flow of product. Conveyor modules can be equipped with various drive systems and combined with one another to accommodate various application requirements.

For sorting purposes, the MCP can be equipped with the High Performance Divert, featuring throughput rates of up to 3,600 units per hour in on-the-fly mode. This can be done to the right or left, and at different angles.

As a system integrator, Interroll offers efficient automated conveyor solutions that enables its customers to manage costs and staffing, while increasing productivity and accuracy, marking what the company feels may be its biggest value proposition.

"We feel that we are unique in the market because we are the only ones partnering with system integrators," Catino said, indicating that it is the strategy of consulting, as well as the product itself, that is most marketable. He added each conveyor system is customized to specific needs.

Interroll will showcase its patented MSC 50 in the U.S. in the near future. Catino said it can control the speed of boxes and plastic trays traveling on gravity roller conveyors. It is suitable for handling goods weighing up to 77 pounds.