NORD’s reliable solutions for bulk goods accommodate a wide range of plant arrangements and offer various application-specific options for long service life, low maintenance, and excellent load capacity.In the bulk material handling industry, temperature fluctuations, abrasive environments, and rough operating conditions are commonplace. NORD modular drive systems consisting of gear units, electric motors, and intelligent variable frequency drives are individually configured to specific application requirements, accommodating a wide range of plant arrangements and implementation of customer-specific design specifications.Robust Drive Solutions for High-Performance Stockyard SystemsStockyard systems are at the heart of bulk material handling operations, providing essential buffering, storage, and blending functions for mining, power generation, cement production, grain, and other industries. NORD provides durable, dynamic drive solutions designed specially for the quantity of material, properties of the material, as well as the ambient operating conditions, ensuring the drive system is matched to the application for continuous operation and maximum throughput. These solutions include robust UNICASE™ helical bevel gear units, heavy-duty MAXXDRIVE XC right-angle and parallel shaft industrial gear units, and UNICASE parallel shaft gear units paired with NORDAC FLEX decentralized variable frequency drives or NORDAC PRO SK 500P control cabinet variable frequency drives. Optimally matched components such as couplings and brakes, plus flexible implementation of customer-specific design specifications including drive pinions, output flanges, and motor swing bases deliver efficient, long-lasting performance.Reliable Transportation Through Bulk Goods ConveyingIn the demanding world of bulk material handling, conveyor systems play a fundamental part in transporting aggregates, grains, powders, and other bulk solids from one part of the facility to another. These systems require drive solutions that are robust, reliable, and efficient to keep operations flowing without downtime or delays. NORD’s solutions are engineered for all types of conveyor applications including horizontal, vertical, inclining, declining, and more. They determine the ideal solution by considering the mass flow rate, conveyor length, and construction to provide a solution that meets precise requirements. Large conveyor systems typically utilize MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units as they offer output torques up to 2,495,900 lb-in, are highly versatile with extensive input and output options, and ensure excellent load capacity for reliable transportation. For smaller conveyor applications such as drag conveyors and screw conveyors, UNICASE helical bevel gear units and UNICASE parallel shaft gear units offer powerful, compact solutions with long service life and low maintenance.Intelligent Control of Weighing and Metering SystemsAccuracy and efficiency are important when it comes to weighing and dosing systems. NORD drives can be 1/3controlled individually via variable frequency drives to intelligently meter, weigh, and adjust mass flow for precise bulk goods infeed control. NORDAC FLEX variable frequency drives and NORDAC PRO SK 500P variable frequency drives feature a POSICON integrated positioning mode and synchronization for high precision control. Plug-and-play capabilities combined with bus system connectors greatly simplify installation and maintenance as signal interference and bulky cables are eliminated. An integrated PLC additionally enables detection of blockages in systems and can automatically alternate reverse/forward operation to free the material blockage.Robust Solutions for Loading and UnloadingFrom ports and terminals to processing plants, the ability to move vast quantities of materials quickly and safely is essential for operational success. NORD provides robust, high-torque drive solutions engineered to power the most demanding loading and unloading equipment, ensuring maximum system availability and optimized performance. UNICASE helical bevel gear units offer powerful performance capable of moving large systems such as mobile ship loaders, clamshell unloaders, and bucket-wheel stacker-reclaimers,positioning them as needed to access various areas of stockyard operations. To withstand the harsh environmental conditions, gear units in these areas are additionally equipped with heavy-duty housings sealed against moisture ingress and fitted with corrosion and moisture-resistant components. Application-specific options such as dust and corrosion-protected brakes, micro-switches for continuous brake monitoring, or double canopies serving as drip covers for motor fans are also available. These features further enhance the durability of the drive systems and ensure they achieve an extended service life.NORD’s extensive product portfolio is constantly being developed and extended. Through continuous investment in the latest development, manufacturing, and automation technology, NORD can provide their customers with drive systems optimized for the specific requirements of their industry. Visit nord.com.About NORD DRIVESYSTEMS® GroupWith more than 4,900 employees, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has been developing, producing, and selling drive technology for over 50 years, and it is a global leader among full-service providers in the industry. In addition to standard drives, NORD delivers application-specific designs and solutions for special requirements, such as energy-saving drives or explosion-protected systems. NORD has subsidiaries and sales partners in 80 countries worldwide. The dense sales and service network guarantees optimal availability, enabling short delivery times, and customer-oriented service. NORD produces a very diverse range of drives for torques from 88 lb-in to more than 2.5 million lb-in, provides motors in the power range of 0.16 – 1,341 hp, and manufactures frequency inverters with the required power electronics of up to 200 hp. Inverter solutions are available for conventional control cabinet installations as well as for decentralized, fully-integrated drive units. Visit nord.com.

WIXOM, MI - ISD - Integrated Systems Design today announced the Robotic 3D Sorter Mini Putwall System, an advanced sortation solution that transforms warehouse operations through its innovative three-dimensional design. The system delivers impressive metrics including 70% labor savings and return on investment in under a year.The 3D Sorter Mini utilizes both vertical and horizontal space to minimize footprint while maximizing sortation capabilities. With a throughput of up to 1,500 pieces per hour and 3 to 5 times greater sorting efficiency compared to manual methods, the system addresses critical challenges facing modern warehouses."What makes the 3D Sorter Mini truly exceptional is its ability to deliver enterprise-level sortation performance in a compact footprint," said Ed Romaine, VP Marketing and Business Development at ISD. "We're seeing clients achieve dramatic improvements in efficiency while significantly reducing labor costs. This system represents a fundamental shift in how warehouses approach the entire sortation process."The system's intelligent design accommodates up to 100 customizable sort positions and integrates seamlessly with existing warehouse technologies, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), conveyor systems, and shelving solutions.By automating the sortation process, operations can significantly reduce reliance on manual labor while processing items at previously unattainable rates in comparable spaces. The combination of labor savings, improved throughput, and reduced error rates contributes to the system's notably fast return on investment.In today's competitive real estate market, the 3D Sorter Mini addresses space constraints through vertical design, requiring significantly less floor area than traditional sorting systems. Its modular, customizable configuration makes it ideal for operations experiencing seasonal fluctuations in demand.The system features advanced intelligence with seamless integration capabilities for major Warehouse Management Systems, Warehouse Execution Systems, and Enterprise Resource Planning platforms. Despite its sophisticated technology, the 3D Sorter Mini is designed for rapid deployment with minimal training requirements.Its versatility makes it suitable for diverse applications across numerous sectors including e-commerce, apparel and footwear, third-party logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. The underlying technology includes high-speed sorting robots operating at 1.0 m/s with vertical lifting ranges from 500mm to 2100mm, intelligent routing, and gentle handling through high-friction conveyor belts.As warehouses face increasing pressure to process more orders faster while controlling costs, solutions like the Robotic 3D Sorter Mini Putwall System represent essential technology for competitive operations. The system's combination of space efficiency, labor savings, and cross-industry adaptability positions it as a key advancement in warehouse automation.About Integrated Systems Design - ISD Integrated Systems Design is a comprehensive systems integrator of automated solutions for warehouses, manufacturing, distribution centers, retail, assembly, and wholesale applications improving processes and productivity while reducing operational costs. Whether providing consulting services to meet current issues or developing future scalable plans to address industry challenges, ISD creates value by designing systems to our clients' specific requirements. ISD expertise ranges from handling, storing, and picking pieces (eaches), cases, pallets, build lines, and special or custom handling solutions. Products and services include: automatic storage and retrieval (ASRS), conveyor, AMRs, robotics, batch stations, shuttles, pick-to-light, carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), sortation systems, truck loading/unloading systems, controls, software (including inventory management, WCS, WMS, MES, and ERP).ContactEd RomaineVP Marketing & Bus. Dev.215-512-2613eromaine@isddd.com

Greer, SC—Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products for material handling and commercial use has designed, built and assembled a flow rack for an automotive parts manufacturer that creates a “supermarket” storage area. The flow racks create a storage area ideal for picking parts and kits of individual SKU’s that make up a manufacturing kit. The flow rack is  also ideal for assembly stations, work-in-process storage, kitting operations and can also be used for general warehousing of pull-to-ship parts.The flow rack is used as an individual rack or has the ability to connect several together with brackets in order to create a large-scale picking supermarket. It allows for quick material replenishment and fast access to parts, is scalable and can be expanded or reconfigured as production demand changes.The rack has three levels of gravity-fed roller tracks that provide smooth and controlled flow of containers and incorporates multiple roller track lanes. The roller tracks are rated for continuous industrial use with consistent part presentation and are suitable for a wide range of container weights, from light kitting totes to heavy-duty bins. The flow lanes are angled for reliable container flow and presentation while guaranteeing FIFO inventory management.Each of the rack’s levels can be repositioned or the entire flow rack can be customized with only simple tools while the vertical presentation face allows the levels to be easily moved up or down with the same simple tool.The flow rack features 15 mobile casters for easy repositioning across work zones and is fully reconfigurable — shelves, roller tracks, and lane spacing can be quickly adjusted as your production needs evolve. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the system allows easy customization for different operators or work cells. Stationary structural feet are available as an option.The dimensions of the flow rack pictured are 132" W x 48" D x 63" T and has a maximum load capacity of 2000 lb.Low friction precision Placon skate wheel conveyors are available that allow for shallow flow lane angles suitable for both plastic returnable totes as well as cardboard boxes.As with all Creform flow racks, higher capacity, sizes, configurations and lane dividers are possible. The flow rack pictured is white, but a wide variety of pipe colors are available as well as for ESD applications. Accessories can include information sheet holders, label holders, tool storage, hooks to hang tools and other supplies. Creform flow racks are suitable for warehouse or manufacturing plant use. They are available as a kit or an assembled structure or in the component form for a complete DIY solution.The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and enhancing these programs.ContactBG EdwardsCreform Corporationbg.edwards@creform.com800.839.8823SCsales@creform.comwww.creform.com

Outbound Shipping with Conveyor and Sortation Systems

Order Staging & Sorting with Conveyor and Sortation Systems

Order Picking with Conveyor and Sortation Systems

ProGMA A Case StudyCustomer: Airport Baggage AreaProtectionSituationThe luggage handling areas in Orlando International Airport’s Terminals A and B were originally protected by outdated,rigid guarding that had significantly deteriorated over time. This legacy system not only failed to prevent damage but alsocontributed to cracking and breaking of the surrounding 4” thick concrete on the second-floor structure.Conveyors, electrical panels, and critical infrastructure components were left vulnerable to frequent impacts, increasingmaintenance costs and safety concerns. Additionally, ineffective guarding posed risks to equipment, facility integrity, andworker safety in this high-traffic operational environment.SolutionTo address these challenges, airport officials partnered with a certified installer to replace the old system with SlowStop®rebounding guarding products from Impact Recovery. The new solution included:• 15” tall 4” single IronFlex rails to protect conveyor systems at their operating height• 42” tall 4” double IronFlex rails installed around electrical panels for elevated protection• Strategically placed 5” rebounding steel bollards to reinforce key locations and mitigate high-risk impact zonesIn total, the project involved the installation of 1,621 feet of railing in Terminal A and 1,857 feet in Terminal B. The installerstated, “Installation was straightforward and easy. Once we got a pattern down, it really moved fast. We actually finishedthe job two weeks ahead of schedule.” With the new SlowStop® system in place, the airport achieved a dramaticimprovement in facility protection and safety. The rebounding technology minimized concrete damage by absorbing anddissipating impact forces, while also delivering long-term durability and performance. The conveyor equipment supplierpraised the upgrade and expressed strong support for the enhanced safety measures. The comprehensive protectionsystem now ensures critical infrastructure is better defended reducing maintenance needs and increasing operationaluptime. Terminals A and B are now fully equipped with a modern, reliable, and efficient guarding system positioningOrlando International Airport for safer baggage operations for years to come.“Installation was straightforward and easy.Once we got a pattern down, it really moved fast.”

For warehouses and distribution centers, Destuff-it™ portable ergonomic conveyors provide a safe and efficient solution for handling floor-stacked packages in shipping containers or related vessels.

The challenge was to engineer a system of catch nets to protect employees working under a fast moving overhead conveyor system. In addition, the caught objects must remain undamaged and be retrieved quickly without impeding the workflow.

This is a paid advertisement. Since 1977, PFlow Industries has revolutionized vertical material handling, delivering over 20,000 custom-built vertical conveyors worldwide. From small packages to massive 100,000 lb loads, see how PFlow’s innovative, tailored solutions solve any lifting challenge—enhancing safety, efficiency, and productivity across countless industries. Watch now to see PFlow in action!

This session synthesizes key insights from two pivotal reports by STIQ and Interact Analysis, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest trends, economic impacts, and technological advancements in conveyors and sortation systems. Attendees will gain a detailed understanding of how shifts in e-commerce, changes in economic conditions, and innovations in technology are reshaping the future of warehouse operations and logistics. Learn about the strategic shifts towards optimizing existing facilities, the rise of mobile automation, and the expected growth trajectories in various global markets. This seminar is tailored for logistics professionals aiming to leverage these insights into actionable strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of intralogistics. ----- Is this on target or in the right direction regarding what it should be???

Webstaurant Store, a prominent e-commerce player specializing in restaurant equipment and supplies, faced a complex challenge in their distribution center near Savannah, Georgia. Sorting similar-looking cases of various products for manual palletizing was an error-prone and inefficient task. To overcome these challenges, Webstaurant Store collaborated with FMH Conveyors and implemented their state-of-the-art LITESORT automated sortation system.

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In the bustling world of eCommerce, the heart of warehouse efficiency pulses within the final 100 feet. This pivotal space, integral to order fulfillment, has remained largely untouched by many optimization strategies - until now. Our latest episode of the MHI Industry Leadership podcast delves deep into the role of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs) in these critical zones, casting a spotlight on SLAM - Scan, Label, Apply, and Manifest - processes. Joined by seasoned experts Chuck Cobb and Steve Castle, we explore transformative techniques that not only enhance efficiency but also skyrocket outbound package accuracy. Their insights, garnered from decades in the material handling and VRC industries, are a goldmine for anyone keen on supercharging their order fulfillment operations. Don't miss out on these game-changing insights! Tune in, and discover how to elevate your warehouse operations to new heights!

When considering automation solutions for a distribution center, many people may think that the choice between a conveyor and sortation system or AGVs and AMRs is an either/or scenario. In truth, these technologies can work well together and often require some of the same considerations when choosing a solution for your organization.

Today’s distribution centers are quickly becoming more complex thanks to increased consumer demands and new technologies. Conveyor and sortation systems can streamline operations - giving customers a superior experience. Incorporating these advancements into a facility can allow for faster and more efficient decision-making, meaning, less downtime, and better productivity.

Conveyor minimum pressure accumulation is when product is accumulated and the driving force is not removed. It is called minimum pressure because the pressure of the driving force is kept to a minimum. Pressure will build up as more product accumulates, but can be overcome with controls designed specifically for the application. The advantage to minimum pressure conveyor is a higher discharge or single load release rate than with zero pressure accumulation.

The Conveyor & Sortation Systems (CSS) members are the Industry’s leading providers of conveyors and sortation systems. They design, fabricate and install conveyor and sortation systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. CSS prepares and distributes educational and promotional materials regarding the proper application and benefits of conveyor and sortation system solutions.

This form of powered conveyor consists of a rotating line shaft located under and perpendicular to the load carrying conveyor rolls. The line shaft runs parallel to the length of the conveyor. Belts or circular rubber bands connect the motor driven line shaft to the conveyor rollers thereby powering the conveyor.

This paper is to serve a brief introduction to Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRC).  VRCs are vertical conveyors that efficiently move material vertically between two or more fixed elevations. They are used in commercial buildings, factories, warehouses, industrial plants and retail stores or anywhere that material or products need to move from one level to another. VRCs provide fast, convenient and safe methods for transferring material to/from mezzanines, balconies, basements, and between levels in multiple story buildings.

This handbook provides an overview of the different possible functional applications of conveyors and sortation systems within warehouses and distribution centers. Its purpose is to give an overview into some of the ways in which conveyors and sortation systems can be potentially deployed throughout a variety of inventory handling processes. Examples range from manual operations to highly automated facilities; technical specifications are not included.

A comprehensive guide to conveyor sortation technologies, this 16-page brochure features over 30 full color photographs and illustrations. The most commonly cited benefits from a well-designed conveyor sortation system is greater productivity. This brochure covers all aspects of conveyor sortation technology including merge subsystems, sortation subsystems, takeaway subsystems, along with selection criteria for each technology. This is an excellent companion for the CD-ROM on conveyor sortation, item #10070.