Are you looking to optimize the performance of your edgebander? Your production volume is high. You would like to produce even more parts and maintain a rate with only one operator. Do you want to automate your production? Are you looking to simplify your production? The Intelligent Panel Return Conveyor System takes care of each part until it is stacked.
In this complete guide you will discover, who this type of system is for, its characteristics, its capacities, its acquisition cost, in addition to comparisons with some European models. I will also put my expertise to good use and answer all your questions, which will undoubtedly enlighten you in your purchasing decision.
Now, is the Intelligent Panel Return Conveyor System right for your business?
Table of contents
Who is this type of Intelligent Panel Return Conveyor System designed for?
Questions related to the purchase of the Intelligent Panel Return Conveyor System
Who is this type of Intelligent Panel Return Conveyor System designed for?
Being a combination of an automated stacker, de-stacker, and a return conveyor, it was designed for high-volume cabinet doors manufacturers, office furniture manufacturers and commercial furniture manufacturers such as medical and hospitality sectors.
If you have a high-volume edgebander, a system like the RETYX is a good choice since it will maximize its efficiency potential.
On the other hand, if you are a smaller company and you are producing for example one kitchen at a time for a house project, I would not recommend this type of equipment, but rather the BT3 return conveyor.
Technical characteristics
The RETYX is an articulated arm with a vacuum grip that automates the handling of panels both at the entrance and exit of your edgebander. It is a return system that not only presents the pieces in the right orientation for the next pass, but also allows for automatic stacking and de-stacking in the designated area
From a more technical and formal point of view, please visit the RETYX product page, below I'll answer your questions!
What are the questions related to the purchase of the Intelligent Panel Return Conveyor System?
Will the RETYX keep up with the speed of your edgebander?
The RETYX has passed several rigorous tests, including the speed test. It meets the industry standards of 10 to 12 pieces per minute without stacking.
What panel sizes can RETYX handle?
The RETYX maximizes its efficiency on large panels. It can handle panels up to 96'' long and 36'' wide. Or 60'' x 60''.
When picking up panels, the head of the manipulator is aimed at the center of the part, which is why we need to know the size of the part, so the system can handle such large panels efficiently.
As a reminder, if you make a lot of small parts, you will lose efficiency! However, you will gain it back when you make large panels!
What about durability?
The RETYX is designed with the same components as our manipulators that have proven themselves for many years by operating 24 hours a day in the factory with much heavier loads. Our first manipulators were made in 2007 and some of them carry 1000 pounds non-stop, 7 days a week!
All components are manufactured in North American, so if the need arises to find a replacement part, it can be sourced locally. Based on experience gained from other similar machines, the RETYX is designed and manufactured to last.
This Intelligent Panel Return Conveyor System also has a manual bypass mode, allowing you to receive parts at any time, even if your manipulator is down for any reason.
Would I need an expert to repair it? Normally, your maintenance mechanic will be able to easily repair it with the help of the spare parts kit available at Doucet.
How to program the machine?
The RETYX offers pre-programmed "recipes" representing standard operations, suitable for most manufacturers. That said, you can easily configure these "recipes" by yourself thanks to the HMI (Human Interface) which is very easy to use. No need for a programmer!
If your production line is organized with a barcode or RFID system, the RETYX also adapts to this technology.
Does it operate autonomously?
Do I have to be connected to my ERP for it to work? The answer is no! Rest assured; it is possible to operate the machine autonomously where the operator dictates the path that the panel must take.
The RETYX vs. a regular return conveyor like the BT3
Both machines have roughly the same mission, which is to return the parts to the operator at the entrance, in addition to allowing the removal of an operator at the exit of the edgebander. Compared to the BT3, the RETYX is smart! Thanks to a simple programming, it knows when the panel is at its last pass and performs the requested task, such as stacking it on a pallet rather than returning it to the operator at the banding machine entrance who only must feed the machine with a new part. This reduces the amount of handling in a production day.
The RETYX also rotates the part that is returned to the operator in the right orientation for the next pass, if the dimensions of the part allow it, to reduce non-essential movements by the operator.
RETYX vs. the competition
Europeans are leaders in the development of new technologies for many industries, and wood processing is no exception. Currently, RETYX's main competitors are in Europe.
Although Europeans are known for their technological advances, the advantages of a North American-made product like RETYX are numerous and considerable.
- Shorter delivery time
- English and French customer service
- Easily accessible spare parts and technical expertise
- Lower total cost of ownership
How much does an Intelligent Panel Return Conveyor System cost?
Going back to our European peers, one can expect a project cost of $300,000 or more for a high-end model.
Our RETYX easily compares to the high-end European models, offering lower costs due to the many advantages mentioned previously. We can think of a project between $130,000 and $160,000 depending on the option package chosen.
What impacts the prices?
With stacking or without stacking
For a model with stacking (RETYX 3), we must install 3 servo motors, one for the horizontal movement, one for the rotation and one for the vertical movement that allows to make the stacking.
The vertical motor is removed for the manufacture of the model without stacking (RETYX 2) which impacts the price of approximately a reduction of $15 000.
Length of the edgebander
Depending on the length of the edgebander, the price can be adjusted accordingly.
Options also impact costs!
Addition of an exit conveyor
If the RETYX 2 or 2 - E are considered, i.e., with 2 axes and 3 positions
- receiving,
- return,
- exit (instead of stacking) to the next production cell.
The price of the return conveyor that will carry the parts to the next production cell must then be added.
The "bridge" to the database
Requires programming by a computer expert, the price varies according to several factors and can range from $10,000 to $20,000.
The air tables
Two air tables are included at no additional cost. Some customers add a 3rd air table or request custom sizes, which can increase the price.
With this technology, you will be able to optimize the production of your edgebander in a simple way using your database or preconfigured programming. With the shortage of manpower, the robotization of factories becomes inevitable, in addition to needing only one operator, it lightens his work physically: a sought-after working condition.
Each "pass" is thought out by the RETYX, removes the risk of error, and maintains a regular rhythm until it is stacked. Your operator will be even more productive and will produce more parts at the end of his shift. And you'll be able to take even more orders!
Now that you know all the secrets of the Intelligent Panel Return Conveyor System, if you've read this far, it's obviously a great addition to your edgebander!
Doucet is a North American leader in the design, manufacturing, and integration of state-of-the-art solutions for the wood processing industry.
All our products are designed and manufactured to fit your environment. Contact us for more information!
For your convenience we have 3 ways to contact us:
- Complete the “Request a quote” form online.
- Via Email: info@doucetinc.com
- Or call us at: 1-866-673-8876
Watch the video to see the RETYX in action.
