Conveyors Offer Precision Orientation from Heat Tunnel to Labeler to Palletizer

The trays discharge wide-side leading from an existing heat tunnel onto the first conveyor that increases the gap between trays needed for a tray rotation ahead. (Note: Product in this YouTube video is for demonstration purposes only.)

A consecutive dual lane product turning conveyor rotates the trays 90° to reorient product narrow-side leading. This rotation facilitates an existing labeler (not shown in video) ahead that applies on the wide side of the flats. Trays smoothly transfer onto the third transport belt in continual motion, without hesitation.

At that point, the fourth conveyor right angle transfers the trays utilizing a servo driven overhead transfer device. Each tray is conveyed to a predetermined point where they are identified and “pushed” or “swept” at a right angle, one tray at a time, changing product orientation by 90° again.

The 60 tray/min pusher assembly device uses logic controls, product detection and in-feed sensors for the perfect transfer to feed the palletizer ahead. Polycarbonate guarding was furnished around the pusher transfer assembly for operator safety.

Planning ahead, the overall scope-of-project also included options for two additional powered conveyors to be added at a later date.