In addition to the increasing number of sites shifting the power source of factory equipment from compressed air to electricity, there is a growing tendency to emphasize safety and energy conservation at various manufacturing sites. In this article, we asked Mr. Supakrit, Senior Sales Manager, and Mr. Pachara, Senior Assistant Sales Manager, of Hirata Engineering (Thailand) about the features and advantages of eco-electric conveyors.
Eco-electric conveyor that eliminated pinch points and improved safety
Eco-electric conveyor is a conveyor for transport developed by Hirata Corporation that can meet the challenges of safety and energy saving.
▲ Eco-electric conveyor
Mr. Supakrit : The eco-electric conveyor with eco-stopper developed by Hirata Corporation can transport goods in the longitudinal direction. Of course, the appearance is no different from a general conveyor.
Mr. Pachara : However, in a typical conveyor system, there is a risk of accidents such as “pinching fingers” and “tinnitus symptoms in workers due to loud operating noises.” It requires a lot of compressed air, which consumes a lot of electricity to generate. It also requires both air piping and electrical wiring, which is cumbersome to maintain.
Mr. Supakrit : The eco-conveyor introduced here eliminates pinch points (dangerous points that can pinch fingers) and provides low thrust transport. When a person
▲Eco-conveyor without pinch points
Energy saving is also one of its advantages. Typical conveyor systems require compressed air because they use a lot of air equipment. It consumes a large amount of electricity to produce compressed air. However, in the case of the eco-conveyor system, it can operate with a voltage of only 24V DC, which can save a lot of power.
Combine the eco-electric series to improve efficiency and functionality
In addition to safety and energy saving, eco-conveyors are versatile in that they can be used in combination with other products in the eco-electric series.
Mr. Supakrit : If an eco-conveyor is equipped with an eco-stopper that can sort, organize, and stop the material to be conveyed, it is possible to stop the material behind on the conveyor and take out only the material in front. In addition, by installing a turntable called an eco-turn conveyor, it is possible to change the direction of the material to be transported on the conveyor. With these characteristics, eco-conveyors are suitable for various applications such as the automotive, kitchen appliances, and logistics industries.
▲ Attached to an eco-conveyor, eco-stopper that enables suspension of materials to be transported
Mr. Pachara : How do you envisage using the eco-conveyor?
Mr. Supakrit : We can respond to the needs of various customers. A wide lineup is available, and you can choose the most suitable product from conveying speed (high / low speed) and weight (upper limit: 30kg to 280kg) according to the application.
Space-saving, easy maintenance, and safety are the reasons for its popularity
Mr. Pachara : What kind of response have you received from eco-conveyor users?
Mr. Supakrit : We have received a lot of satisfaction. In the case of a general conveyor, there are problems such as difficulty in connecting the conveyor because it has an AC motor on the outside, but the eco-conveyor has a built-in DC motor, so it fits compactly. It can also be installed with only one electrical cord and is easy to maintain. This reduces the time and effort involved in installation and maintenance.
In addition, in terms of safety, we have received comments such as "Since there are no pinch points, it is contributing to the prevention of accidents." First of all, we recommend that you implement it on a trial basis in some production lines in the factory so that you can feel the difference in performance.
