Conveyor control system maximizes throughput while assuring gentle handling

Intelligrated, a North America-based automated material handling solutions provider, has released ZoneFlex, a flexible zone control for the company's Accuglide and IntelliQ zero-pressure accumulation conveyors. The system made its debut at ProMat 2013.

Designed to handle packages of varied sizes and weights, ZoneFlex creates high-density accumulation, while its multiple release modes enable high-capacity throughput. With built-in logic and selectable release modes, ZoneFlex is designed to move previously accumulated product downstream quickly by monitoring and automatically responding to accumulation conditions. This capability simplifies control logic and increases available product for downstream applications.

According to Intelligrated, the new system improves material handling efficiency while creating superior carton control, gentle product handling, and increased conveyable cartons.

Clip-in mounting, simple switch configuration, and LED diagnostics allow operators to quickly replace, modify, and monitor zone controllers. This design feature simplifies maintenance and increases system flexibility.

In other company news, Intelligrated has announced new performance-monitoring enhancements to its I-Watch sorter maintenance software. The upgraded I-Watch software enables Intelligrated technicians to complete regular, remote analyses of machine performance and condition for IntelliSort sliding shoe sorters.

I-Watch now transmits 145 sorter performance data points daily—including wear characteristics, operational statistics, and maintenance alarms/events—to Intelligrated's Customer Service & Support team. Technical service technicians complete regular reviews of the data to identify abnormalities, quickly diagnose and resolve problems, and advise customer maintenance teams on steps they can take to maximize system utilization and extend the life of each sorter.