FlexLink Production Monitoring

Pallet conveyors for a controlled flow of single products

Production Monitoring is the software side of FlexLink's range of conveyors for moving products through manufacturing, assembly and test stages. The conveyors carry individual products on pallets, and each pallet, the company says, can be adapted to its setting, whether that is medical device assembly or engine component production. Every pallet is uniquely identified, so the line can send products along specific routing paths, which the company calls recipes, depending on what is being made.

What the monitoring software shows

Production Monitoring provides real-time OEE metrics, which measure how effectively equipment is used while production runs. It comes with configurable dashboards and scheduled reports, so a team can follow the machines and the line visually instead of waiting for end-of-shift figures.

Single-track pallet systems

Single-track systems are built on the standard chain conveyor components and are described as a cost-efficient way to handle smaller and lighter products. Pallet sizes run from 100 by 128 mm (the X65P) up to 300 by 300 mm (the XKP), which can carry up to 30 kg. FlexLink says this single-piece flow raises the sellable throughput of high-value products because each item is controlled individually. Pallet-specific functions include locating stations, stops, and merge and divert stations.

Twin-track systems for larger or heavier products

For products of considerable size or weight, the company offers two twin-track types. The XT system uses a flexible plastic chain and is aimed at hand-operated and automated assembly and test stations, particularly in automotive and in electrical and electronics work. Its pallets range from 240 by 240 mm to 640 by 640 mm, with up to 30 kg per pallet, and a compact XTC version is available. Modules can convey, transfer, stop, locate, lift, rotate and support pallets.

The HU system is a fully electrical twin-track design for heavy loads of up to 200 kg including the pallet, positioned mainly for demanding automotive work. It is delivered as pre-assembled, standardised modules with control hardware and predefined control logic, which shortens configuration and installation. Being fully digitalised, it supplies data that customers can use for line optimisation and predictive maintenance, and its routing and track-and-trace software sets up advanced material flows.

Layouts and traceability

Both pallet systems use configurable standard modules, which makes it quick to build layouts that route, balance, buffer and position pallets. RFID identification in the pallets allows one-piece track and trace and gives logistic control over the production line.

FlexLink Production Monitoring sits within FlexLink's range of conveyor and product-handling systems for production, assembly and testing. The company's pallet conveyors carry individual products on pallets, while the monitoring software shows how a line is performing.

Main features

• Real-time OEE metrics: measures equipment effectiveness as production runs.
• Dashboards and reports: configurable views plus scheduled reports for watching production and machines.
• Single-track pallet systems: handle smaller, lighter products on a chain-conveyor base.
• Twin-track pallet systems: suit larger or heavier items, with XT and HU variants.
• RFID tracking: identifies each pallet so products can be traced one by one and routed by recipe.

Who it serves

Manufacturers in settings from medical device assembly to engine component production.

Key facts

• Pallet sizes mentioned: from 100 by 128 mm up to 300 by 300 mm, carrying up to 30 kg