The RBF 2000 – a simple solution for intralogistics
mk launches its new RBF 2000 roller conveyor system, combining modular flexibility with intelligent control
In the year we’re celebrating our 60th anniversary, we’re making a clear statement: with the RBF 2000 roller conveyor, mk is bringing a fully modular conveyor system for in-house material flows onto the market. Whether conveying, buffering, sorting, feeding or discharging: the RBF 2000 covers all the requirements of modern intralogistics – with decentralised or hybrid controllers, zero-pressure accumulation conveying and seamless integration into the tired-and-tested mk construction kit.
With profiles constructed from anodised aluminium throughout and a consistently tidy look, the RBF 2000 has the flexibility for extensions and modifications – and also impresses in demanding production environments. Modular design. Intelligent control. Seamless integration.
One system – all possibilities
The RBF 2000 is much more than just a roller conveyor with straight lines and curves. The system includes a full range of conveyors and function modules that can be used in any combination: lines with drive rollers for zero-pressure-accumulation conveying, lines with gearmotors for longer continuous transport routes, as well as gravity conveyors and driven curves with conical rollers.
It also features modules such as the 90° transfer module, the multi-transfer module with omnidirectional rollers for 45° and 90° branches, the alignment conveyor for positioning goods in front of functional units, and the 45° merge and divert conveyor for connecting secondary lines.
With a host of well thought-out details such as integrated sensors in the lateral guide as well as concealed and protected cable connections, the individual modules can be transformed into a customised system for conveying storage containers and cardboard boxes weighing up to 55 kg quickly and easily. All elements are standardised for the container types typically used in internal material flows – and can be adapted to specific customer requirements as required.
To the Roller conveyor RBF 2000
Intelligent control – as simple as necessary, as efficient as possible
One of the key highlights of the RBF 2000 is its zero-pressure accumulation (ZPA) conveying feature. The conveying path is divided into zones, each with its own drive roller. The controllers from the individual zones communicate with each other, working as a decentralised system to ensure a maximum of one product is conveyed in each zone. If the next zone is occupied, the conveyed product automatically stops in the zone before it – with no accumulation pressure, no damage, and no need for time-consuming separation.
Smaller systems can be fully decentralised and controlled without a higher-level PLC. In larger systems, a higher-level PLC takes control of the points-of-decision and overall process, while the MDR’s control cards continue processing the ZPA logic. This hybrid control architecture significantly reduces the amount of programming needed and grows flexibly with the requirements – from simple transport routes through to complex track layouts incorporating branches and function modules.
The 24V BLDC-motors are powerful, robust and energy-efficient. The same motors are used in all functional modules along with the drive rollers – making it easier to integrate controllers, and avoiding the need for compressed air.
Carefully designed to the last detail
What sets the RBF 2000 apart from many competitor products are its numerous well-thought-out details that simplify the everyday planning, assembly and operation:
- Concealed cable routing: the continuous conveyor frame profile accommodates the controllers as well as the power supply and control cables. Cable inlets and outlets and solutions for switching sides ensure a tidy, well-protected installation without any exposed cables.
- Integrated sensor system: the sensors for zero-pressure accumulation conveying are integrated within the lateral guides and protected in a casing. The reflector is bonded as a film into a recessed contour of the opposite lateral guide. This also offers flexibility for subsequent modifications.
- Spring-loaded hexagonal shafts: the rollers are inserted into the hexagonal slots of the profile via a spring-loaded shaft plug-in system – allowing them to be replaced quickly without any tools.
- Protective guard: the two-part protective guard slots together and provides protection against unintentional pinching between the V-ribbed belt and roller head. Additional filler panels are available for the freely accessible areas between the rollers.
- Flexible lateral guides: available as a hard-wearing fixed version or as an option with adjustable width and height that can align lightweight conveyed products such as empty goods carriers to one side.
Clear positioning: the right solution for every requirement
The RBF 2000 isn’t a stand-alone system. As part of the mk construction kit, it fits seamlessly into our existing conveyor portfolio. Belt conveyors, timing belt conveyors, chain conveyors, pallet systems and now the new roller conveyor system – all are based on the same profile system, the same connecting elements and the same design logic. This means anyone who is already using mk conveyor technology can connect the RBF 2000 straight away – without any system downtimes.
This creates brand new possibilities for machine builders and integrators: the downstream transport from the machine to the warehouse, connections to distribution stations and the integration of different storage areas can be achieved with a single supplier – including the profile technology, safety systems and workstations .
At the same time, companies in the logistics sector also benefit from the new system: for fulfilment stations, shipment and picking areas, the RBF 2000 provides a scalable solution that grows with requirements – a modular system which reveals its strengths wherever containers and cartons require reliable transport, buffering or storage.
