Automated VRC for Conveyor Systems

In response to customer needs for a more efficient multi-level vertical lifting solution for automated conveyor applications, the industry-leading VRC product development team at Wildeck, Inc. (Waukesha, WI) has unveiled the XpressLift™ Automated VRC.

According to Hubert Schlegel, the director of marketing at Wildeck, “The new XpressLift VRC represents another step towards becoming the market leader in automated material lifts. It incorporates the latest state-of-the-art components to make it easy to install, easy to maintain, and most importantly, easy to integrate into a customer’s material handling conveyor system.”

The XpressLift Automated VRC is designed and manufactured to meet ANSI/ASME – B20.1 “Safety Standards for Conveyors” and can quickly transfer totes or cartons of material weighing up to 75 lb at speeds up to 350 fpm. Units up to 18 ft high are shipped factory assembled, prewired, and fully tested making integration into conveyor systems fast and hassle free.

The standard “all-in-one” interactive controller features an easy-to-read text display on the front cover of the control panel that aids in commissioning and lift system set-up. Local vertical and horizontal jog control is also provided, along with lift diagnostics to simplify troubleshooting and preventative maintenance.

Another noteworthy feature of the XpressLift VRC design is the closed-loop AC Vector Drive that is mounted directly on the motor at the top of the lift for maximum efficiency and heat dissipation; as opposed to having the drive confined inside an electrical control panel.  Additionally, an encoder continuously monitors the motor and controls the braking system for safety and allows ultra-smooth, high-speed lift operation. Carriage stopping is also performed by the drive which ultimately extends the life of the mechanical motor brake.

Options for this lift include:

• Custom designs for specific automation requirements
• Custom system integration controls
• Ethernet connectivity
• Free-standing capability
• Custom paint colors
• Specialized perimeter guarding
• High temperature or low temperature/freezer application designs
• Horizontal infeed, carriage, and discharge conveyors

According to Schlegel, “The trend in distribution center design today is increased automation that will shorten product delivery times to customers. With the safety features, functionality, and installation flexibility we are offering in our new XpressLift VRC, we are confident that it will meet customer needs for automated material movement today, and in the future. Systems integrators will love this lift. It can be up-and-running in no time and the control integration is seamless. It doesn’t get much better than that!”

For 39 years, Wildeck has been one of the largest manufacturers of industrial steel work platforms (mezzanines), VRCs (vertical reciprocating conveyor), and safety guarding products used for the safe and efficient handling, storage, and protection of materials and personnel. All of these products are “Made in USA” and are Crafted with Confidence at the company’s modern manufacturing facility in Waukesha. The company has grown through a dedicated and experienced nationwide network of customer-service-oriented dealers and systems integrators.

“No other manufacturer offers such a strong portfolio of storing, lifting, and guarding products to improve operations,” adds Schlegel. We offer a level of quality and craftsmanship that customers won’t find anywhere else.”

[email protected], www.wildeck.com, www.ladderindustries.com