2022 NED Innovation Award Finalist
Food and beverage manufacturers are constantly under pressure to package a wider variety of products in more types of packaging without compromising productivity. Now they can answer these trends while increasing throughput using the iTRAK 5730 small-frame intelligent track system from Rockwell Automation. The system uses independent cart technology to support smart, flexible, and efficient machines.
Independent cart technology offers many benefits over traditional gear, chain, and belt conveyors, including unlimited machine flexibility, better traceability, and increased uptime. By using magnetic propulsion, the individually controlled carts can quickly start and stop with high precision, which reduces machine wear and is highly energy efficient. The technology also quickly manages changeovers using pre-configured move profiles that can be implemented with the push of a button from an HMI.
The iTRAK 5730 system has the smallest footprint within the Rockwell Automation independent cart portfolio. It has a 50-mm minimum pitch that makes it ideal for primary packaging applications. The technology is scalable, allowing as large as 100 meters. The system also easily integrates into a manufacturer’s architecture, providing analytics that helps optimize energy use, monitor parts wear, and reduce downtime.
The iTRAK 5730 also offers integrated safety. Features such as safe torque off, Safe Stop 1, a SIL 3, PLe safety rating, and the ability to create safety zones help increase confidence in machine safety. Additionally, the system offers simulation capabilities, digital twin capabilities, and standardized object-oriented libraries.
- Minimum mover pitch: 2 in. (50 mm)
- Tool face diameter: 16.5 in. (420 mm)
- Transverse width: 5.1 in. (130 mm)
- Forces: 100 N peak; 36 N continuous
- Speed: Up to 16.4 ft/sec (5 m/s)
- Payload: Up to 8.8 lb. (4 kg), higher kg at low speed
- Position loop rate: 250 us
- Repeatability: +/-0.01 mm
- Maximum system size: 64 logical sections, 128 movers
- Rail design: stainless steel
- IP Rating: IP66 with infield cover
