Most pallet transfer systems use a pair of parallel conveyor belts that support and drive the pallets. But the Montrac system is different: think of a monorail, with the track made from an aluminium extrusion. Fitted to the side of the track are copper conductors that provide a 24V electrical supply, and each pallet is carried on a shuttle that has its own motor.
This means that the shuttles can be accelerated and braked independently, and sensors on the front of the shuttles ensure that they never run into an obstruction, whether that is another shuttle or something unexpected on the track.
Shock-free transport is a major benefit where delicate parts, liquids or powders are being handled.
In addition, the reduced noise is welcomed by operatives.
Other advantages include reduced energy consumption - up to 20 times less - than for continuously-running conveyor-based systems, less wear (there is no slipping when pallets are stationary) and inherent safety thanks to the low voltage and low-powered shuttles that cannot cause injury.
As well as the basic track and shuttles, the Montrac system includes crossovers, switch-points, lifts, precision positioning units and precision indexers for stepping the shuttles through a preset distance.
Montrac systems are equally suitable for fully automated, manual or mixed-mode production systems.
For manual applications, an ergonomically designed tilt station can be used to angle the pallet 25 degrees towards the operative.
Typical applications are found in industries as diverse as semiconductors, medical devices, foods and pharmaceuticals.
Note that the Montrac system is fully compatible with Montech's automation components and Quick-Set aluminium framework system.
Several enhancements have now been made to the Montrac system that make it even more attractive to production engineers.
The main housing and carriage are now aluminium castings, which improves the stiffness and robustness of the shuttles.
Furthermore, the weight of the shuttles has been reduced by 300g, which allows an increased payload.
The weight saving, together with a higher starting current for the motors, allows faster accelerations to be used and, therefore, shorter cycle times can be achieved.
Whereas the pallets on the previous model of shuttle were located by cylindrical dowels, the new shuttles use tapered dowels to make fitting the pallets quicker and easier.
A further change is that the shuttle plates are now adjustable, so it is possible to achieve a height tolerance on all pallets of +/-0.1mm.
To help reduce maintenance times, the current-collecting brushes are now fitted with pluggable connections so that they may be changed more quickly.
On the outside the new Montrac shuttles look similar to the previous versions, but all of the edges and corners have now been rounded off, and the only screws visible are those that retain the green plastic covers.