Empty crate sorting systems are used by beverage producers who check their own crates. First, the empty crate is identified and subjected to a four-sided quality check. Any damage to the crates or stickers as well as soiling are thus detected. In order to recognize whether something is bent or warped at the bottom of the crate, the inspecting cameras must look through the crate at reflective surfaces. However, the conveyor belt as a reflective surface is unsuitable for this. At Vision-tec's request, the Dorner team from the Rhineland developed a special conveyor belt that is split in two along its length and consists of 90 percent standard components. The reflective surface under a gap enables the camera, which is equipped with two LED lights, to carry out a reliable optical inspection. The entire crate is recorded and the data subsequently evaluated.

The two-part belt design allows up to 4,500 crates of drinks per hour to be checked.

The stainless steel conveyor belt is driven by just one motor at the rear end of the belt, as a specific, constant speed is required throughout the entire analysis process. Two side-mounted drive belts ensure that the front section conveys at the same high speed. At 0.7 meters per second, up to 4,500 crates per hour can be checked in this way in continuous operation.

During all analysis steps, it is necessary that the box no longer moves on the belt. This is made possible by a so-called adhesive belt with high slip resistance. The longitudinal groove structure makes the belt robust and able to withstand heavy loads. This is particularly important for empties sorting systems, as heavy soiling is common here.

Each system is adapted to customer-specific conditions; the integrated Dorner conveyor belt also varies in length and width according to customer requirements. Before a system is delivered, Vision-tec in Kassel carries out a pre-configuration with test runs and a simulation of continuous operation. The system is set up for the customer so that everything works smoothly immediately after installation. Dorner manufactures the two-part stainless steel conveyor belt in specific dimensions within a few days.

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Dorner, http://www.dorner.com

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