Traditional manufacturing is going through momentous changes. Buyers want customised products that meet their precise needs, and current manufacturing systems cannot cope with the speed of change. It needs agile and flexible manufacturing solutions to meet market demands and a shortage of operators, and that’s where the Lexium MC12 Multicarrier comes in.
Enhancing production flexibility includes designing flexible machines and improving the transportation of workpieces and materials to the correct location. Robotics and machining centres address most issues, but they do not address the need for material handling flexibility.
Lexium MC 12 Multicarrier System
Multicarrier systems like Lexium MC12 offer a novel approach to transporting products through manufacturing processes. Instead of having product carriers tied to a fixed location on a fixed speed conveyor, a multi carrier system propels them independently through the process using a system of linear motors.
The material handling control system links with the process control system. In effect, this ensures products can be where they need to be at the right time to match dynamically changing process needs. Furthermore, carrier speed, distance between carriers, and path through the process etc. can all be varied and controlled in real-time. This approach offers many benefits:
Increased productivity
Product is available at workstations exactly when needed, and this can stop workstation blocked and starved conditions from occurring. Importantly, it will reduce downtime and increase productivity.
Faster time to market
These flexible, modular systems make it easier to meet specific manufacturing process requirements. It reduces development time and ensures that new processes are up and running faster. It’s also easier and faster to adapt to changes in market demands.
Less Downtime
With traditional systems, implementing product changes like design or customisation needs downtime, which limits operational productivity. But the multi carrier approach allows making changes in software while also enabling smaller batch sizes.
Using programming changes to make adjustments means there is less downtime due to production changes. The improvements in agility result in competitive market advantages for industrial companies due to faster, more effective product customisation.
Smaller footprint
Systems with almost any path configuration are possible. Carriers can operate in a very small area which minimises the machine’s footprint. This makes it easier to make better use of existing production areas with integrated position measurement, but working without cabling or drag chains.
Moreover, it is easier to set up parallel processing stations, and sometimes possible to eliminate entire machines, leading to increased output, decreased floor space, and optimised energy and resource consumption.
Lexium MC12 multicarrier offers significant benefits
With fewer components that are easier to mount and need no complex stands or special holders, the Schneider Electric Lexium MC12 allows more freedom to build the loop in place at the OEM. This removes the need to order complete mechatronic systems. Moreover, they are easier to operate as replacing carriers needs no tools, and the control system is part of the system diagnostics for PacDrive 3. They also offer the option for remote monitoring.
Finally, to understand more about the benefits of material handling flexibility with Lexium MC12 multicarrier, see it in action at:
- Watch Livetech customer success story.
- Take the Lexium MC12 multicarrier virtual tour.
