MCM Overhead Conveyors
The principle of overhead chain conveyors is that they utilise a continuous powered chain running in a track. Fitted to the chain at regular intervals are single pendants from which the products to be carried are suspended either directly or by means of load-bars or purpose made carriers. Instead of pendants ‘dogs’ may be fitted to the chain in order to push trolleys along a second track normally mounted underneath the chain track. The products to be conveyed are in turn suspended from the trolleys. This type of overhead conveyor system is termed ‘Power & Free’.
The MCM Conveyors division of Amber Industries Limited has developed and manufactures its own comprehensive and high quality range of light, medium and heavy duty overhead conveyor systems.
The modular design of these systems, combined with a range of standard accessories such as a selection of different radii horizontal and vertical curves, spinners, indexers, automatic load - unload units etc., enables them to be easily configured to suit the most complex routing and layout requirements of any manufacturing and assembly processes. Installation is quick and easy and the modular design also allows later extensions and system rearrangements to be undertaken.
MCM Overhead Conveyors are marketed under one of five trade names depending on the type of system.
MCM Autotrack - Power & Free Conveyor Systems
A range of ‘power & free’ overhead chain conveyors designed with the flexibility to allow product to be directed along different routes with in the same system depending upon the sequence.
MCM Powertrack
A range of ‘monorail’ overhead chain conveyors suitable for handling a wide range of product in many industries. They come in two types: the ‘enclosed chain’ type for medium loads up to 100Kg and the ‘open chain’ type for heavier loads up to 500Kg.
MCM Sidetrack - Monorail Conveyor Systems
A range of ‘monorail’ overhead chain conveyors with the track rotated through 90 degrees so that any contamination from the chain, such as lubricating oil is prevented from falling on to the product.
MCM Dualtrack - Inverted Conveyor Systems
The MCM Dualtrack range of conveyors, DT100 & IAT100 P&F are comprised of a powered bi-planar chain in an enclosed track with a secondary stabilising rail forming another track, hence 'dual' tracks. They are very stable making them suitable for accurate positioning of the product. The IAT100 system is a true inverted Power & Free Chain Conveyor System.
MCM Freetrack - Conveyor Systems
MCM Freetrack conveyor systems use the standard track components available in the Powertrack range, however instead of fitting a chain powered by a motorised drive unit, free running trolleys (bogies) are inserted into the system from which the product load is suspended.
MCM Overhead Chain Conveyors - Operating Principles
The principle of overhead chain conveyors is that they utilise a continuous powered chain running in a track. Fitted to the chain at regular intervals are pendants from which the products to be carried are suspended either directly or by means of load-bars or purpose made carriers.
Control Systems for Automation
Just as crucial to the efficient functioning of any conveyor system as the mechanical hardware is its control system. Depending upon the complexity of the conveyor system, control systems can range from simple start stop boxes to multiple control panels incorporating state-of-the-art PLCs and HMI’s regulating numerous input and output devices.
Overhead Chain Conveyors - Technical Data
Overhead Chain Conveyors - Technical Data
Frequently Asked Questions About Overhead Conveyors
An overhead chain conveyor uses a continuous powered chain running inside a track. Products are suspended from pendants, load bars or purpose-made carriers attached to the chain, allowing them to travel above the working area.
Overhead conveyors are used to transport products through manufacturing, assembly and processing operations. Their modular layouts can accommodate complex routes, elevation changes and different product-handling requirements.
A power and free conveyor uses a powered chain fitted with dogs to move free-running trolleys along a separate track. This arrangement allows products to be stopped, accumulated, directed along different routes or moved according to the required production sequence.
Amber Industries manufactures five principal MCM overhead conveyor ranges: Autotrack power and free conveyors, Powertrack monorail conveyors, Sidetrack monorail conveyors, Dualtrack inverted conveyors and Freetrack free-running conveyor systems.
MCM Powertrack conveyors are available as enclosed-chain systems for medium loads of up to 100 kg and open-chain systems for heavier loads of up to 500 kg. The correct system depends on the product, carrier design, route and operating conditions.
The MCM Sidetrack conveyor has its track rotated through 90 degrees. This design helps prevent contaminants from the chain, such as lubricating oil, from falling directly onto the conveyed product.
Yes. MCM overhead conveyors have a modular design and are available with accessories including horizontal and vertical curves, spinners, indexers and automatic loading and unloading units. This allows a system to be configured around complex manufacturing and assembly layouts.
Yes. The modular construction of MCM overhead conveyor systems allows later extensions and layout changes to be undertaken, subject to an engineering assessment of the existing installation and the new operating requirements.