Gough-Econ's Go-Anywhere Conveyor Simplifies Material Handling Needs

Most bucket-based conveyor systems require a large number of transfers and changes of direction to move product around the production floor. But what if a single bucket could move in three dimensions without transfers, without the potential for a mess, and without taking up vital production floor space?

The Elecon bucket conveyor system, developed by Gough-Econ, does precisely that. It is perfectly suited for applications that require gentle handling as well as industrial applications; the Royal Australian Mint, in Canberra, is the type of application that requires both gentle handling and rugged durability, and the Elecon conveyors have been used to deliver blanks to stamping presses without incident.

The Elecon is affectionately called the “go-anywhere conveyor,” and it uses cantilevered buckets that can move vertically, horizontally, and turn up to 90 degrees in any direction without transferring the conveyed load. Thus, the Elecon can be used for applications where space is limited, and without needing to modify the facility in order to accommodate it. The multi-axis capability comes from a patented chain design and chain tension – a heavy-duty proprietary triplanar chain, a tubular track, and a vertical drive plate for power transfer. The rack and pinion system ensures a full discharge, with a complete 360 degrees of bucket rotation and a quick return to their upright position.

The result is a very simple system that requires fewer pieces of equipment to accomplish the task of a conventional transfer system, with the added bonus that the Elecon can handle virtually any circuit design and configuration. The buckets are made of polypropylene and have a smooth interior to eliminate any product trap areas and cleanliness concerns. The buckets are available in four different configurations: standard, midsize, the specialist Pasta Bucket, and the Max-Elecon; bucket capacity ranges from 222 cubic inches to 1.5 cubic feet. The tubular track is fabricated from stainless steel and is housed in track plates for easy and smooth operation without undue wear on the chain. Plates and tracks are interchangeable for easy maintenance. Wheel-turn designs are also available, which increase the life of the chain by transferring the load to specialized wheels at certain points.

For more information:

http://www.goughecon.com