BEUMER Group sorter introduces industry-first features at LogiMAT 2018

BEUMER Group - a leading global supplier of automated material handling systems - will introduce its new high-capacity BG Sorter at LogiMAT, Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre, Germany, from 13th to 15th March 2018. Based on a single, common platform, the BG Sorter can be configured for cross-belt or tilt-tray sortation and combines high capacity with the ability to handle the widest mix of items. In the cross-belt configuration, the BG Sorter CB marks an industry first with its ‘full cross-belt’ design. In the tilt-tray configuration, the BG Sorter ET introduces a new intermediate deck design which prevents jams caused by items from becoming trapped between the trays. Both configurations use real-time intelligent wireless communication to increase sortation accuracy and quality. Full cross-belt design: BG Sorter CB The BG Sorter CB is the first sorter to introduce a ‘full cross-belt’ design. This design extends both the length and the width of the belts to enable the sorter to handle items up to 1.500 mm in length and 1.000 mm in width. The BG Sorter CB offers a choice of three belt configurations: a single belt per carriage, or the option of two or three belts per carriage. The combination of these features allows large items to be sorted on the same automated system as fragile and high-friction items. This significantly increases efficiency and supports the ability to offer later cut-off times for customers. Tilt-tray with new intermediate deck: BG Sorter ET A new intermediate deck design introduced by the BG Sorter ET helps to prevent one of the most common causes of unplanned down-time for tilt-tray sorters: the risk of items becoming jammed between the trays. The deck closes the gap between the trays so that items are prevented from becoming trapped between trays. This feature significantly reduces the down-time required to clear a jammed item and avoids potential damage to the sorter or the item. The movable deck accurately follows the movement of the sorter and adds more flexibility to handle odd size items to reduce the level of manual handling. Intelligent wireless communication Both configurations of the BG Sorter use slotted wireless communication to provide contactless, secure and interference-free data transmission for the sorter controls. Unlike infrared communication, which sends data only when passing an infrared sensor point, wireless communication sends data instantly and in real time. This allows communication to be timed down to milliseconds and discharge profiles to be adapted in real-time. A full chute can therefore be by-passed by re-routing items on-the-fly to another chute. For the BG Sorter CB, the intelligent controls also allow automatic repositioning of items on the belts to ensure correct positioning and an even flow of items. These features optimise the sorting process by enabling greater accuracy and efficiency. Intelligent wireless communication also provides advanced diagnostic tools and condition monitoring. This contributes to minimising cost by enabling early detection of potential system malfunctions. The combination of preventative maintenance and remote configuration directly from the control room, or via BEUMER Group’s Hotline, significantly reduces sorter down-time. Reduced PLCCs and sustainable sorting The BG Sorter uses innovative technologies to achieve ultra-low Product Life-Cycle Costs (PLCCs). In addition to a servo drive based OptiDrive, the sorter offers the option of using BEUMER Group’s contactless Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) contactless drive system. In addition to reducing maintenance costs, both drive technologies offered provide a significant reduction in energy consumption of up to 70% compared to conventional drive technologies. This not only contributes to reducing the PLCC it also increases the environmental sustainability of the sorting process. Extensive testing is an essential part of BEUMER Group’s approach to ensuring robust operation from the time that any system is installed and commissioned. To test every aspect of the BG Sorter’s operation a live trial of the system has been conducted in an Austrian Post hub. Hub manager, Ms. Kathrin Fischer, provided BEUMER with initial feedback on the system’s performance: “The system performed perfectly throughout the peak Christmas period but what impressed us most was its ultra-low noise level. The extremely quiet operation makes a significant contribution to improving the work environment and the level of care that we can provide for our staff.” Stephan Heessels, Director, Logistic Systems, BEUMER Group concludes, “The BG Sorter brings together innovative features which deliver a new benchmark for the precise and cost-effective handling of the widest possible mix of items. In addition, the BG Sorter provides the flexibility to ensure that the system has the scalability to support future growth and deliver a long-term return on investment.” BEUMER Group will be in Hall 5, Booth A41 at LogiMAT, Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre, Germany, from 13th to 15th March 2018.