Linear Transport Systems Accelerate Machinery Advances
Mechatronic transport solutions provide benefits for packaging throughput and robotics integration while reducing machine footprint and changeover time.
Advances in all areas of automation technology continue to enable packaging operations to do more with less. New mechatronic solutions, which combine the principles of mechanical and electronic engineering for more flexible and adaptable machinery, take the next step. Linear transport systems in particular boost flexibility, throughput and the implementation of advanced production concepts like Industry 4.0. Packaging operations — from contract packagers with small lot sizes and large manufacturers that alternate between uniform, mass-produced products and custom products on the same lines — now require rapid changeovers with little to no downtime. Linear transport systems, including the eXtended Transport System (XTS) from Beckhoff Automation, provide this capability by combining the benefits of rotary and linear motion control into one solution.
These solutions use linear motor modules, which are fully integrated and provide both power electronics and position measurement, with highly customizable mechanical guide rails and movers. Programming via TwinCAT automation software replaces numerous functions previously completed with expensive mechanical components. Through these advantages, linear transport systems have enabled dynamic, intelligent product carriers and created significant benefits for real-world applications as diverse as bag filling, inline package assembly and product stream sortation and synchronization.