Shuttle Conveyor / Buffer Conveyors

[Maror]

Hi there,

i need to to a “simple” Optimization of a Processmachine with a simple buffer solution for autonomus work. As i though it’s an easy task with VC PM. As i started I’m frustrated that i can’t get it to work properly after quite some time.
I can set the routing rules to bring the assemblys (palett & products) to the process but i can not make i work to transport out empty palets out and bring it to the “conveyor” buffers. I did also not found a similar demo layout.

Heres the layout:

My questions are:

• Is my overall approach with the ecat shuttle conveyor the best solution (as it is the closest to the real solution) or should i work with shelfes?
• How can i use the PNP Conveyor to work as a buffer (load / unload form the shuttle side)
• How can i control or connect the buffers to work together as storage solution?

Any Feedback or Hints what i could do would be appreciated.

BR

[Tilma]

Hi,

• yes the shuttle conveyor is the best solution in your case.

• You need to use “Two Way Conveyors” to act as buffer, a standard conveyor won’t work. You can add a process on top to stop the parts and change the conveyor direction by sending a signal before the Transport Out. If needed, you can add a Wait Signal to be sure the product left the conveyor before requesting a new one
  

  

• Define your flow and use the Transport Solution rule for the routing rule.

Here is an example:
Layout_Shuttle and Buffer Conveyors.vcmx (1.9 MB)

[Maror]

Hi Tilma,

wow this was fast. Exactly that what i needed. Is see that i lack some knowledge to use the signal properly. I will dig into you file, but for sure you saved me quite some time allready

Thank you very much

BR

Maror

[kpr]

Hi @Tilma, is there a way where we can set the capacity of this Two Way Conveyor as buffer? I tried setting the conveyor capacity 3, but doesn’t work. I tried Buffer statement with capapcity 3, but somehow break condition does not work even if the variable becopmes true.

Thanks!