Decentralized conveyor control

Interroll’s MultiControl can now also be used for automated pallet conveying. When used with the Modular Pallet Conveyor Platform (MPP), this solution unifies the control of 400-volt and 48-volt/24-volt drives.

This significantly reduces the planning and installation effort for material flow projects. Depending on the customer’s requirements, system integrators can use it to implement a range of automated applications, from autonomous plug-and-play pallet conveyors without a programmable logic controller (PLC) to complex industrial applications.

The new MultiControl for pallet conveyors is a multi-protocol-capable controller (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT) through which up to four drives (i.e., 400-volt drum motors or RollerDrive as well as corresponding sensors) can be integrated into the fieldbus level and controlled.

No need for PLC

Interroll’s integrated conveyor logic enables, for example, autonomous and zero-pressure-accumulation pallet conveyors to be implemented without the use of a PLC, which drastically reduces the effort required for planning and commissioning a large number of standard applications in pallet logistics.

If required, the MultiControl can also be connected to a PLC in order to centrally retrieve the ongoing operating data of the conveyor in real time or to adapt the material flow to specific customer requirements by means of appropriate programming.

The MPP is the technological basis for driven pallet conveyors characterized by a flexible, modular design. Depending on the design of the conveyor line and the choice of conveyor modules, pallets weighing up to 1,200 kilograms can be transported at a maximum speed of 0.5 meters per second.

In combination with autonomously operating storage and retrieval machines, transfer carriages and the Pallet Flow flow storage system, this allows highly dynamic and compact pallet warehouses to be set up with a handling speed of 100 pallets/hour per storage and retrieval machine or transfer carriage. The temperature range is 28 to +40 degrees Celsius, so that the MPP can also be used in deep-freeze areas.

The new MultiControl for pallet conveying is also available with a matching and preconfigured control cabinet, which further reduces the planning and installation effort. It is being launched simultaneously worldwide and will be delivered immediately.