Rockwell Automation iTRAK 5730 small-frame intelligent track system

Food and beverage manufacturers are constantly under pressure to package a wider variety of products in more types of packaging without compromising productivity. Now, the iTRAK 5730 small-frame intelligent track system from Rockwell Automation can improve throughput in multi-product food and beverage packaging applications. The system uses independent cart technology to support smart, flexible and efficient machines.

Independent cart technology offers many benefits over traditional gear, chain and belt conveyors, including unlimited machine flexibility, better traceability and increased uptime. By using magnetic propulsion, the individually controlled carts can quickly start and stop with high precision, which reduces machine wear and is energy efficient. The technology also quickly manages changeovers using preconfigured move profiles that can be implemented with the push of a button from an HMI.

The system has the smallest footprint within Rockwell Automation’s independent cart portfolio. It has a 50 mm minimum pitch that makes it suitable for primary packaging applications, such as flow wrapping, end load cartoning and form-fill-and-seal pouching. The system also easily integrates into a manufacturer’s architecture, providing analytics that help optimise energy use, monitor parts wear and reduce downtime.

In addition to delivering a smarter form of motion control, the iTRAK 5730 also offers integrated safety. Features such as safe torque off, Safe Stop 1, a SIL 3, PLe safety rating and the ability to create safety zones help increase confidence in machine safety. Safety zones, for example, can increase safety without compromising productivity by allowing motion to continue outside of the safety zone, even after a trip inside the safety zone.

Furthermore, simulation capabilities allow users to calculate throughput on the system. Users can also create a digital twin that can be used to virtually design, commission and demonstrate the system, and to virtually train workers. Standardised object-oriented libraries also can help create a consistent user experience and accelerate time to market.