Overhead conveyors designed to eliminate falling contaminants
April 1st 2004

Most finishing processes rely on conveyor systems to take untreated components through the finishing cycle. In such applications chemicals can attack lubricants or conveyor components, paints clog up chain linkages and high and/or rapidly changing temperatures can have an adverse effect. Products also need to be protected from contaminants that may fall from the overhead conveyors they are being carried on.

To achieve high cleanliness standards and avoid product contamination MCM Conveyors has devised the Sidetrack conveyor, which has a slot 90 from the position on conventional overhead conveyors. With a capacities ranging from 30 to 75kg per pendant, it is suited to demanding clean operating applications such as food, garment handling, lacquer and paint processes, plus plastic component finishing.

With Sidetracks narrow side-mounted pendant slot, the conveyor components and chain are virtually enclosed within the square sectional steel track. This considerably reduces the risk of chain borne particles, such as oil, dust and other debris, dropping down on to the workpiece any contaminates are retained in the track.

Developed mainly for the finish of automotive parts and plastic components, MCM also offers an inverted conveyor. This comprises the same components as the traditional overhead system, but is switched by a 180 plane so it is actually floor mounted.

The quality of finish on wet painted automotive parts is usually far superior when completed on highly stable inverted and dualtrack conveyors. These types of conveyors also prevent any dust and debris falling on to the components from the conveyor track as they pass through painting booths, flash-off enclosures and curing ovens.

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