Conveying technology

Two leading suppliers in this sector are showing how modern conveying technology is meeting these challenges: Habasit International AG from Reinach (Switzerland), a globally operating power transmission and conveyor solution specialist, and Montech AG from Derendingen (Switzerland), a company specialised in modular conveying technology and profile technology for industrial applications. In this contribution, both companies will be providing an insight into their product portfolio, technical innovations and sustainable concepts that are making food production more efficient and future-proof.

The requirements involved in food processing are diverse: hygiene, temperature resistance, ease of cleaning, product protection and flexibility are right at the top of the list. The range of modern conveying technology products is accordingly wide – and this is exactly what the solutions from Habasit and Montech are designed for.

Habasit offers a wide selection of transport and process belts, including particularly hygienic monolithic belts, elastic TPU belts and the Cleandrive® series. These are characterised by their high resilience, ease of cleaning and long service life. "Our monolithic belts, TPU belts and the Cleandrive® series meet the highest standards of hygiene and are designed for maximum longevity and ease of cleaning – exactly what the food sector needs," explains Valentin Daniljuk, Manager Sales Industry Segment – Food at Habasit.

Montech is focused on modular, standardised conveying systems and profile systems that are characterised by their high adaptability and quality. The company's portfolio includes belt conveyors such as the TB30, TB40 or GTB models and special vacuum conveyors for sensitive products as well as transfer systems and roller conveyors. These solutions are useful, particularly in the packaging industry, for labelling, grouping, sorting or for use in quality control. "Our modular conveying solutions are designed so that they can be adapted to new production requirements at any time. That not only lowers costs, but also saves resources," emphasises Stefania Biffi, Head of Digital and Content Marketing at Montech.

The aspiration to environmentally-friendly production starts with the materials that are used. Both Habasit and Montech are pursuing well thought-out, resource-efficient strategies in this respect.

Take-back and recycling initiatives are part of Habasit's sustainability strategy. The development of a recycling system for used belts – despite the challenge posed by thermoplastically bonded hybrid materials – particularly demonstrates the company's commitment. "We regard it as our responsibility to develop solutions together with our customers that are not only effective but also resource-efficient," says Daniljuk.

Montech is consistently pursuing an ecological approach. One example is the new MPS aluminium framing system, whose cross-section has been optimised so that less material is required while offering consistent stability. "The reduced geometry of the new MPS aluminium framing system not only enables us to save material, but also significantly reduces CO₂ emissions in production," explains Biffi.

Both companies are additionally implementing environmentally-friendly production processes. At its Eppertshausen site, for instance, Habasit uses a photovoltaic system with an annual output of 220 MWh to meet the majority of its energy needs. In parallel, the company's vehicle fleet is increasingly being electrified, and a smart production management system is reducing the amount of resources consumed as well as scrap.

Montech is combining ecological considerations with technical modularity: when converting or extending existing systems, individual components can be simply replaced or added, offering a clear benefit for sustainability and recyclability. The company's products are also designed for a particularly long service life: their high robustness and reliability mean that complete replacement is usually superfluous. Disposal is not necessary even in the event of adaptations or extensions to existing lines, as the components can be integrated flexibly. This avoids waste and sustainably reduces the environmental impact caused by production and disposal.

In view of rising energy prices and tighter statutory regulations, the energy efficiency of production systems is now more important than ever before, particularly in the energy-intensive food industry.

Habasit advises its customers on the selection of optimally coordinated belt materials and sliding supports. The coefficient of friction is crucial: the lower it is, the more efficiently the drive unit operates. "We help our customers to measurably reduce their systems' energy consumption by selecting specific materials and providing technical advice," explains Daniljuk.

Montech relies on electronically commutated motors that surpass conventional mains-powered IE2 electric motor drives by up to 25% and even cutting-edge IE5 systems by up to 10%. These motors not only offer increased energy efficiency, but also economic benefits thanks to low operating costs. "Our electronically commutated motors achieve a level of energy efficiency that surpasses even IE5 standards with attractive purchasing costs at the same time," says Biffi.

Maintenance costs and downtimes constitute some of the biggest cost drivers in continuous production operations. Both suppliers therefore rely specifically on maintenance-friendly designs with a long service life.

With its SaniClip system, Habasit offers a quick, tool-free connection for modular plastic belts that is ideal for regular cleaning cycles. The hygienic scraper additionally enables quick and easy cleaning of conveyor belt surfaces without laborious dismantling. In addition, the compact hygienic CIP unit offers efficient plug-and-play cleaning solutions.

Montech is pursuing a wholly modular system approach: individual parts can be flexibly exchanged or added without affecting the overall system. This not only reduces downtimes, but also maintenance effort and long-term costs.

Both companies are continuously investing in research and development with the aim of making their conveying technology even more efficient, sustainable and adaptable.

Habasit is focusing on new materials that are particularly hygienic, durable and more easily recyclable. The company is also working intensively on concepts for returning used belts to the material cycle in whole or in part. Close cooperation with customers is being actively incorporated into development processes.

Montech is aiming to rethink the principle of modularity: the company intends to extend its modular system so that customers can plan, configure and extend their conveying systems even more independently – quickly, flexibly and with no external development time. Short lead times thanks to high stock availability additionally ensure supply security – a clear advantage in times of globally unstable supply chains.

For further information
Valentin Daniljuk
Manager Sales Industry Segment – Food
Habasit GmbH
Babenhäuser Str. 31
64859 Eppertshausen
Germany
info.de@habasit.com
www.habasit.com

Stefania Biffi
Head of Digital and Content Marketing
Montech AG
Gewerbestrasse 12
4552 Derendingen
Switzerland
info@montech.com
www.montech.com