New roller conveyor combines modular design with intelligent control

As intralogistics and production environments become increasingly automated, conveyor systems need to provide more than straightforward product transportation. They must integrate easily into wider automation systems, accommodate changing material flows and provide reliable control without unnecessary complexity.

The new RBF 2000 roller conveyor has been developed with these requirements in mind. Based on mk's modular conveyor technology, the system can be configured using a range of standard modules to create individual conveyor layouts for applications including internal material handling, production logistics, picking and distribution.

The system is suitable for conveying products weighing up to 55 kg, with conveyor widths from 320 to 700 mm. Depending on the application, speeds of up to 60 m/min can be achieved, while the conveyor system can handle a total load of up to 400 kg.

Intelligent accumulation

One of the key features of the RBF 2000 is its use of 24V motorised rollers and zone control to provide zero-pressure accumulation (ZPA).

The conveyor is divided into individually controlled zones, with sensors monitoring whether each zone is occupied. If a product reaches an occupied zone, it stops in the preceding zone rather than coming into contact with the product ahead. As soon as the next zone becomes available, the product is automatically released.

This approach allows products to be buffered without dynamic pressure, helping to minimise product damage while making efficient use of the available conveyor space.

The control concept can also be adapted to the complexity of the application. For smaller systems, decentralised control allows the conveyor to operate without a higher-level PLC, while more complex installations can integrate the roller conveyor into a PLC-controlled automation system.

Modular approach simplifies system design

The RBF 2000 is based around a range of standard modules, allowing engineers to configure conveyor systems around the available space and required material flow.

Straight sections can be combined with 45 degree and 90 degree curves, alignment conveyors, transfer units and infeed and outfeed modules. This provides flexibility when designing systems with changes in direction, merging or diverting product flows and connections to other equipment.

As part of mk's modular construction system, the RBF 2000 can also be combined with other mk conveyor technologies. This allows different conveyor types to be incorporated into a single material handling system, depending on the requirements of individual sections of the process.

The conveyor frame uses anodised aluminium profiles, with cables routed within the frame to maintain a clean installation. Sensors can be integrated into the side guides, while the roller mounting system is designed to make individual rollers straightforward to replace.

For machine builders and system integrators, this combination of standardised mechanical components and flexible control provides a practical way to develop conveyor systems without requiring every installation to be engineered from scratch.

The RBF 2000 is the latest addition to mk Technology Group's extensive conveyor technology portfolio and complements its existing range of belt, timing belt, flat top chain, roller and pallet conveyor systems.

In the UK and Ireland, the RBF 2000 is available from AdaptTech Manufacturing Solutions, the exclusive distributor for mk Technology Group. AdaptTech can provide advice on conveyor selection, system configuration and integration, as well as supporting customers from initial application requirements through to the finished conveyor solution.