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Material Handling Information - Overhead Monorail
   
Material Transport Systems
Overhead Monorail
The overhead monorail is a fast, quiet, material transport system that saves considerable floor space. The monorail system can be used to automatically replenish automated buffers, assembly workstations, or order-picking flow racks. Monorail systems can be configured as a single-vehicle bi-directional shuttle or with single or multiple vehicles in a continuous loop, transporting loads up to 66 and 110 lbs.
Product Type
  • Automated material transport vehicle.
Product Components
  • Vehicle.
  • Overhead guide track.
  • Input/output/transfer mechanism.
Product Specifications
  • Maximum load weight: 66 - 110 lbs. (146 - 242 kg).
  • Maximum load size:
    Length: 24-36 in. (0.6-0.9 m).
    Width: 20-28 in. (0.5-0.7 m).
    Depth: 12-36 in. (0.3-0.9 m).
  • Maximum speed: 574 ft./min. (175 m/min.).
  • Traveling direction: bi-directional.
Product Variations
  • Tote/box size.
  • Shuttle or loop layout.
  • Guide track.
  • Input/output/transfer mechanism
    • Roller conveyor.
    • Cage.
    • Clamp.
    • Hanger.
  • Number of vehicles.
Integration Options
Technology Overview
  • Features
    • High-speed operation, up to 574 ft./min.
    • Quiet operation (<65 db).
    • Microprocessor control for precise positioning.
    • Multiple layout options.
  • Benefits
    • Saves valuable floor space.
    • Individual load tracking from pickup to delivery for precise inventory control.
    • Modular components accommodate a variety of building layout, space, and performance requirements.
    • Ideal for use with automated workstations.
  • Advances over previous technology
    • Can sort loads to different delivery stations without complex conveyor intersections.
    • Bi-directional movement allows load pickup and delivery.
    • Increase system capacity by adding vehicles.
    • Modular layout simplifies system modification/expansion.
    • Elimination of single-point failure; system can continue operating if a vehicle fails.
Applications
  • Recommended applications by product type:
    • Transport raw materials, work-in-process, and/or finished goods between storage buffers and workstations
      • .
    • Automated replenishment for order picking.
  • Replacement applications:
    • Conveyors.
    • Hand carts.
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