FAQ

By using a logical material flow the system is built to provide maximum throughput and shortest lead times with reduced work in process while simultaneously securing the machine supply in the line cycle.

With an automated conveyor system, the time reduces for moving parts from one stage to another, contributing to faster production cycles and less work in progress. You can also say that it´s CONWIP (Constant work in progress) controlled.

Most processes within a manufacturing system can be automated, but the material flow often receives little attention in the process. To make the entire production environment sustainable and smart, more attention must also be paid to the transport of parts within the interaction between the processes.

When using an EWAB system all capacities of the individual processes are considered, which means that even short-term machine failures and production losses can be absorbed. In this way, the overall system naturally acts semi-autonomously, without the additional addition of further communication technologies.

If your goal is to produce as many parts as possible, you should use an EWAB satellite system. It supports you to get maximized throughput of a production line.

With the satellite system you can connect your machines and create a multi process flow system. Here is the material distributed between all operations automatically and can go from anywhere to anywhere. The system output is optimized (pull) and built to have the shortest possible throughput time.

Several products in mixed flows are also possible. That means that you can run operations with different families. (Different parts on the same line).

The satellite system is built from the philosophies of Theory of constraint (TOC) and lean manufacturing. It´s built on a system dynamic using Drum, Buffer, Rope rules and are kanban/CONWIP controlled.

Using a pallet conveyor system in manufacturing offers several advantages that can contribute to improved efficiency, productivity, and overall operational effectiveness.

Material handling efficiency

Increased throughput

Flexible system design

Space utilization

Improved traceability

Reduced labour costs

Ergonomics and safety

Quality control

Energy efficiency

Customization and Scalability

Just in time manufacturing

Easy to integrate with robots and other systems

Increased efficiency, Conveyor systems automate the movement of materials, components, or finished products, leading to a more efficient and streamlined manufacturing process. This can result in higher throughput and reduced production times.

Reduced labour costs, Automation through conveyor systems can minimize the need for manual material handling, leading to potential cost savings in labour and reducing the risk of injuries associated with repetitive or heavy lifting tasks.

Improved accuracy and precision, Conveyor systems are designed for precision, ensuring that materials or products move consistently from one point to another. This can contribute to higher quality and reduce the likelihood of errors in the production process.

Ergonomics and safety, EWAB systems can contribute to improved workplace ergonomics by reducing the need for manual material handling, which can be physically demanding. Additionally, they can be equipped with safety features to enhance worker safety and prevent accidents in the production environment.

Automation integration, EWAB systems can be easily integrated with other automation technologies.  Automated systems can operate 24/7, further optimizing production efficiency. The conveyors can be integrated with tracking and data collection systems, providing valuable information for inventory management, quality control, line performance etc.

Reduced lead times, The automated flow of materials facilitated by EWAB conveyor systems can contribute to reduced lead times in the production process.

Yes, several products in mixed flows are possible. That means that you can run operations with different families. (Different parts on the same line).

Traceability in a pallet conveyor system involves assigning unique identifiers, collecting, and integrating data at various stages of production, and using this information for real-time monitoring, quality control, compliance, and supply chain visibility.

Implementing an effective traceability system is crucial for industries that require precision, accountability, and compliance with regulatory standards.

In many of EWAB projects the customer wants us to implement RFID traceability for their products to be produced on the line.

Overall, RFID traceability in the manufacturing industry contributes to operational efficiency, improved quality control, compliance with regulations, and better overall visibility and control over the production process.

The carriers are being transported and the EWAB Sequra chain by friction.

The stop holds the carrier and part in position until it is given a signal to continue the track, towards next operation / or be picked by a loading device like a robot or gantry.

It is a mechanical stop that are placed inside the aluminium profile.

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This is a question with variation and whatever your need is we will find a solution for you. In general, it can be between ±1- ±0.5 millimetres.

General Stop accuracy for EWAB Workpiece carrier systems
(from stop arm up to top of pallet plate/workpiece carrier).
(X = Horizontal Flow, Y = Perpendicular to Flow, Z = Vertical; all values in millimetres):

• Only stop: X ±05, Y ±0.3, Z ±0.5.
• Stop with pallet stabilizer: X ±05, Y ±0.2, Z ±0.2.
• Stop with pallet stabilizer and Shot Pin: All values less than ±1.
• Stop with lift unit (short or long stroke). All values less than ±1.
• Stop with separate part clamping: Case dependant.

Yes, EWAB conveyors are modular and flexible and can both be re-build and reconfigured for new workpieces.

An EWAB system is a modular solution and can be customized to fulfil the customers challenges and needs. Here are some of the features that can be added to the powered conveyor system.

• Lift station – Get the right position for loading the machine
• Shot-pin – Extra fixation for the pallet
• DMC reader – Data matric code reader can read multiple barcodes on images
• Swing gate – Walk through the conveyor for cleaning and maintenance services
• Track lift – Possibilities to lift a track to another level
• Pallet turner – Turn a pallet on the conveyor
• Part turner – Turn a workpiece before and after operation
• Poka-Yoke – A mechanism in a process to avoid mistakes and errors
• Code reader – A ring code reader can scan your workpieces
• RFID traceability – Complete traceability of all manufactured components
• Loading devices – Robots, gantries, portals, pick and place systems
• Digital services – Connect your EWAB systems for data insights
• Stations to your material flow line – Laser marking, SPC, washing etc

EWAB’s buffer system is based on a closed pallet loop where workpieces circulate until they reach the correct processing station. The system is controlled via sensors and logic to ensure the right product reaches the right place at the right time, minimizing downtime and optimizing flow.

The systems support vertical lifts, transfer units, and elevation transitions tailored to product weight, size, and cycle time. Integration is done via standardized interfaces for control and safety.

Each pallet can be equipped with RFID tags that log product ID, process status, timestamps, and quality data. The system enables full traceability and real-time monitoring.

EWAB offers OPC UA, MQTT, and other industry-standard protocols to connect systems to MES/ERP platforms, enabling data collection, order control, and production reporting.

Smart Connected Services is a digital platform that collects operational data from the system. By analysing cycle times, load, and fault history, maintenance can be scheduled proactively before disruptions occur. In the data you can also see which connected machines and operations that is working and has failures.

Yes, the systems are modular and can be reconfigured or expanded with new stations, pallets, or control logic to meet changing production requirements.

The systems support integration of vision cameras, laser scanners, and other quality control modules. These can be placed at stop stations or inline depending on the application.

Using RFID, sensor control, and logic, different product variants can be managed simultaneously within the same system without disrupting flow or causing errors.

Systems can be configured for pull flows, buffer control, and bottleneck optimization according to Lean and ToC. Kanban and CONWIP can be implemented via digital signals and RFID.