Rockwell Automation has released its new small-frame intelligent tracking system, iTRAK 5730. According to Rockwell, it improves throughput in multi-product applications by using independent cart technology to support smart, flexible and efficient machines.
The iTRAK 5730 system has the smallest footprint within Rockwell Automation’s independent cart portfolio. It has a 50 mm minimum pitch that makes it ideal for primary packaging applications, such as flow wrapping, end load cartoning, and form-fill-and-seal pouching.
The system also easily integrates into a manufacturer’s architecture, providing analytics that help optimise energy use, monitor parts wear and reduce downtime.
iTRAK product manager Michaela Kaufmann said the system extends existing iTRAK flexibility and productivity benefits to meet the growing demand for customised food and beverage products.
“The technology is truly scalable. Your system can have as little as a 50 millimetre pitch in a small, standalone machine, or be as large as 100 metres and part of a large, complex line.”
Independent cart technology offers many benefits over traditional gear, chain and belt conveyors, including unlimited machine flexibility, better traceability and increased uptime, the company said. By using magnetic propulsion, the individually controlled carts can quickly start and stop with high precision, which reduces machine wear and is highly energy efficient. According to Rockwell, the technology also quickly manages changeovers using pre-configured move profiles that can be implemented with the push of a button from an HMI.
Rockwell Automation independent cart technology sales manager, Asia Pacific Max Kiah said: “We are always exploring ways to enhance our offering and better support our machine assembly, food and beverage manufacturing customers; enabling them achieve their manufacturing and throughput goals without restriction.
“The new iTRAK 5730 system will be a great addition to our customers’ existing architecture, helping them to attain greater agility in their packaging and assembly lines, without compromising on quality or safety.”
Rockwell Automation is a member of the Australian Packaging and Processing Manufacturers Association (APPMA).
