Materials handling still a key focus for businesses

Even in times of slow economic growth and uncertainty, business continues, with materials handling remaining a crucial operation for companies, especially those operating in the e-commerce, food and beverage and distribution sectors, says global internal logistics products and services supplier Interroll SA MD Hilton Campbell.

Consequently, Interroll has taken an aggressive approach to product development, as it has launched several new products to help businesses improve efficiency and save costs on materials handling, he notes.

Campbell mentions that many businesses are still investing in materials handling systems, although on a smaller scale, with a focus on upgrading equipment and eliminating problem areas.

“Demonstrating a good value proposition is absolutely key for us as suppliers of materials handling products, as budgets are being cut to manage operations responsibly.”

Interroll is leveraging its position as a global player with 33 offices globally to take advantage of markets that are burgeoning, while taking steps to ensure that its product offering is meeting the market’s changing needs, he adds.

Last year, the company introduced the MSC50, a 50-mm-diameter roller to control the speeds of goods on the decline of gravity conveyors.

It also launched a newly designed synchronous drum motor in May this year, which – with a proven output of up to 1.1 kW – is more powerful and robust than any other drum motor on the market, says Campbell. The drive’s high torque and high belt tension make it especially suitable for applications where a high throughput of material needs to be conveyed. The new motor allows for belt speeds of up to 3.34 m/sec, and tackles steep acceleration and braking ramps with ease.

The drive is manufactured entirely from stainless steel, making it suitable for the food and beverage, as well as pharmaceuticals industries, which require the most stringent hygiene standards. When compared with solutions that have traditional gear motors, the cleaning and disinfection times of the drum are reduced by up to 30%.

The construction of the Interroll synchronous motors also ensure energy efficiency. A planetary gear that is manufactured from hardened steel transfers between 92% and 95% of the available power directly to the relevant conveyor system. This drastically reduces the energy requirement when compared with alternative drive systems.

The motors work at a low operating temperature and offer a high start-stop potential for conveyor systems in various industrial sectors. As a result of its compact design, small outer diameters can also be implemented, enabling users to convey a range of products on one system.

Plans are under way to introduce further products in the year and Campbell highlights that much of Interroll’s strategy regarding product development centres on energy savings, ease of use and reducing maintenance requirements.