Efficient Automation in Munitions Production

Task

A munitions manufacturer needed to optimise its process for filling an annealing furnace with cartridge cases. Once deep-drawn, the cases had previously been laboriously poured into the 3 m high separating unit for the furnace by hand. A conveyor system was now required that could automatically and evenly convey the bulk material into the feed bowl on the separating unit. Due to the limited space, the system had to be extremely compact.

Solution from mk

The solution was a vertical conveyor system consisting of a hopper for buffering, an infeed conveyor, the actual lift and a funnel device for removal. The cartridge cases are fed box by box into the specially designed hopper, which has plastic inserts for damping and a relief bridge for even weight distribution. From the hopper, the cases are evenly distributed to a GUF-P 2000 belt conveyor and transported to the lift. A simple sensor flap on the belt conveyor detects the material being conveyed and starts or stops the system.

The lift itself consists of a ZRF-P 2040 vertical timing belt conveyor with screwed-on carrier cups spaced in intervals of 200 mm. The cups are individually printed at mk using a 3D printing process and have a volume of approx. 1 litre. The cup lift transports the bulk material to the filling height of the furnace at a speed of 6 m/min. At the top end of the lift, the cases are poured out after the tail. The screws drain into a funnel via the back of the cup in front of the funnel. The cases then pass through this funnel into the separating unit for the furnace. The conveyor system is also mounted on a plate with feet. It is therefore mobile and can be used flexibly in various production processes.

Technical data for the lift

Base area (cross section): 400x400 mm
Height (conveyor length): in 200 mm increments, up to max. 5,000 mm
Total load per cup: max. 1.5 kg (volume 1l), depending on the length of the conveyor
Distribution of cups: 1 cup every 200 mm
Conveyor speed: max. 12 m/min at 50 Hz
Weight including feed and hopper: approx. 500 kg
Friction clutch as a safety measure in case of blockage
Alternatively including feed (belt conveyor, hopper, etc.)
Alternatively including removal system (slide, swivel chute, tube, pipe, belt conveyor)
Mobile version on base plate available

Benefits for the customer

Increased efficiency in the manufacturing process
Individual design tailored to customer requirements
Modular solution made from mk standard components

Products used

> mk profile system
> GUF-P 2000 belt conveyor
> ZRF-P 2040 timing belt conveyor
> Additive manufacturing