Features/Benefits Provided: Improve Cleanliness No Plant Equipment Damage Improve Plant Safety Improve Plant Productivity Reduce Plant Operating Cost

One of North America’s largest manufacturers of microwavable convenience foods has successfully used two Conveyor Roller Deck type Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to automate material transport.

The AGVs provide automatic transport from the filling/canning machinery to the sterilization equipment. Pallets of sealed microwavable safe cans are picked up at two conveyors and delivered to six sterilizers. After sterilization they are picked up by the AGVs and delivered to additional conveyors which lead to the labeling and packaging area.

To maximize efficiency, the AGVs typically handle two pallets per movement with a total capacity of 4,000 lb.

The AGV system interfaces with the plant production system to receive information regarding when material should be moved and to which conveyor and sterilizer. The sterilization process and the process of moving material to and from the sterilizers is completely automated with no human intervention required.

The AGVs were specially designed for the unique challenges of this application. The vehicles are equipped with gasketed stainless steel body panels giving the vehicle wash-down capability. Hidden underneath the conveyor deck, the chassis features a drain pan with a remote drain valve to keep the vehicle and floor clean in case of a messy load.

Other features include zinc plated casters, splash proof motors, and splash proof external buttons and switches. A clear, flexible membrane covers the operator’s panel for waterproofing.

Through the use of automatic guided vehicles the company was able to improve plant productivity while reducing operating costs.

is a proud member of AGVS, a Product Section of the Material Handling Industry of America
400 Highpoint Drive
Chalfont, PA 18914
Phone: (215) 822-4600
Toll Free: 1-888-362-3628
Fax: (215) 822-4553
Website: www.jbtc-agv.com