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Power & Free

Chain-driven overhead and floor conveyor technology

Power chain, drive mechanism and running rails

Power & Free systems are chain-driven overhead or floor conveyors in which a continuously running drive train (power train) transports free-running carrier trolleys via drivers known as „dogs“.

For this technology, WinMOD-SIMLINE offers a comprehensive 3D library with parameterisable power chains, running rails and matching components, including for lateral transport. Straight and curved track elements, switches, lifters, junctions, as well as carriers and stoppers are realistically depicted. This allows even complex processes such as the coordination of multiple vehicles, switch controls or congestion behaviour to be simulated in detail.

Transport trolley and tracking

Unlike vehicles on Electric Monorail Systems, carrier trolleys in power and free systems are non-powered. The WinMOD-SIMLINE 3D carriages realistically simulate this behaviour: they are exclusively coupled, moved and decoupled at defined points by mechanical drivers („dogs“) from the continuously running drive train. At stoppers, the carriages are stopped, buffered or continued independently of each other.

Depending on requirements, these high-performance carriages can also be equipped with lifting, rotating or swivelling units as well as switchable conveyor systems. Transport goods can be picked up and transported dynamically – supported by virtual sensor technology such as light barriers and scanners.

For communication purposes, the trolleys are usually equipped with RFID tags, barcode labels or other data carriers that enable unique identification and tracking.

Further factory automation solutions

Container conveyor technology

Sorting and picking systems for small items such as cartons, plastic boxes or other piece goods. Transport is via classic roller conveyors, belt conveyors
as well as the typical cam roller conveyors found here,
Belt curves and accumulation roller conveyors.

Pallet conveyor technology

This area of technology encompasses conveyor systems that transport and sort pallets and mesh boxes. The conveyor elements are large roller and chain conveyors combined with lifting, rotating and shifting tables. Magazines for empty pallets are also typical here.

Automatic Storage-Retrival Systems

These systems are usually fully automated high-bay warehouses that are operated by storage and retrieval machines and controlled by distributed automation systems. Warehouse management systems generate the orders for storage and retrieval.

Pick-and-place systems

Automated systems that pick up parts from A to B and place them down again with a defined orientation – typically for loading, sorting, picking or packing. Core systems are industrial robots (Delta, SCARA, 6 axes, Cartesian) or gantry axes.

robotics

Robotics plays a central role in modern manufacturing by enabling the automation of production processes and increasing efficiency and precision. Robots are used in various areas, such as welding, assembly, painting or packaging products. 

production lines

Production lines combine processes, material flow and controls into a production system with guaranteed cycle times and quality. They consist of combinations of assembly, processing and testing stations. In addition, there is transfer technology, buffers and often a highly specialised automation system.

Electric overhead and floor tracks

Electric Monorail Systems are used as connecting conveyor technology over long distances. The overhead trolleys run fully automatically with integrated electric drives and controls and are usually routed via a central control system.

Power and Free (P&F)

This chain-driven overhead or floor conveyor technology is powered by continuously running power strands (chains). Transport trolleys are coupled in, transported, decoupled at stoppers and buffered via chain drivers („dogs“).

Automativ Guided Vehicles

Automated self-driving vehicles as a connecting material flow solution. Driving is either completely trackless via defined tracks or markers (AGV) or via free navigation with automatic dynamic obstacle avoidance (AMR).

mechanical engineering

Engineering discipline for the development, manufacture and maintenance of machines, plants and production systems. Typical applications include machine tools, handling technology, automotive/aerospace, packaging and assembly plants.