New VarioFlow belt conveyor: Smooth transport of sealed-edge bags through to oversize packages
Manuela Kessler24.09.2024Lohr am Main / Germany | PI 024/24
Complete portfolio of system components from a single source
VarioFlow belt conveyor with a very fine-meshed, almost closed and flat surface for FMCG and pharmaceutical/healthcare applications. (Image source: Bosch Rexroth AG)
Bosch Rexroth is expanding its comprehensive VarioFlow conveyor system to include the new VarioFlow belt conveyor variant, which features a fine-meshed belt surface. It ensures that packaged fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) are transported gently and efficiently. The VarioFlow belt fits seamlessly into the VarioFlow system landscape, reduces engineering times and enables a customized material flow.
The new VarioFlow belt conveyor is a stand-alone conveyor system for flexible FMCG products, delicate products and diverse items. The modular belt has a very fine-meshed, almost closed and flat surface. This makes it suitable for the mass transport of unstable or bulk, film-packed products such as small sealed-edge bags. However, the belt conveyor can also be used to convey large or wide products, such as packs of paper towel or toilet paper. Products that are inherently stable can even protrude sideways in horizontal sections. Unlike conventional chain conveyor systems, modular belts are also suitable for the direct transport of deep-drawn plastic trays, which usually have a delicate contact surface.
Customized basic modules – identical system components
VarioFlow belt includes modular belts in standard widths of 406 and 608 mm. Scalable cross connectors make it possible for integrators to also implement customized belt widths with identical system components. The basic components of the modular belt conveyor system comprise the base unit for the drive, the return unit, the section profile as well as vertical and horizontal curves. These allow conveyor lengths of up to 30 m, layouts with curves on both sides and conveyor speeds of up to 40 m/min to be realized with one drive. In terms of accessories, VarioFlow plus and VarioFlow belt use identical system components such as product guides, leg sets and drive kits.
Quick configuration and design with MTpro
MTpro, the free and intuitive software for planning assembly systems, supports users from selection and configuration through to ordering of Rexroth products. The Layout Designer enables even the most complex constructions and system layouts to be created in no time at all. An integrated evaluation function for the individual configuration eliminates the need for a third party to check the design and further reduces the engineering times.
Quick and simple installation
Smart solutions also reduce the time required to assemble the conveyor sections. For example, fewer sliding rails need to be installed compared to standard solutions on the market. The sliding rails are mounted from the side without the use of rivets, thereby eliminating the need to machine the running surface and ensuring the VarioFlow belt runs extremely smoothly and with little wear.
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile and Industrial Applications as well as Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions, engineering and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, around 33,800 associates generated sales revenue of 7.6 billion euros in 2023.
Basic Information Bosch
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 429,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2023). The company generated sales of 91.6 billion euros in 2023. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 90,000 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers.
