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Daifuku Intralogistics America this week unveiled its AS-35 Shoe Sorter, the next generation of its sortation technology. Built on the foundation of its sliding shoe-sorter design, the company claimed that the AS-35 delivers high speed, reliability, and innovation.
To develop the AS-35, Daifuku said it aimed to bring together advanced engineering and valuable customer feedback. While retaining the durability and dependability of its predecessors, the sortation system introduces significant enhancements that cater to today’s demanding operational environments, it said.
In addition, Daifuku said it designed the AS-35 with the future of intralogistics in mind. By localizing its production in Hobart, Ind., the company has streamlined its supply chain to reduce lead times and ensure quality.
Pre-installed components such as divert stations, control panels, and cables minimize installation time, allowing businesses to benefit from faster commissioning, asserted Daifuku.
Bolingbrook, Ill.-based Daifuku Intralogistics America is a global developer of intralogistics and automated systems. With decades of experience, the company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and delivering material handling systems to optimize efficiency, enhance safety, and drive productivity in warehouses and distribution centers.
From automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) to sorters like the AS-35, Daifuku said it provides scalable solutions tailored to the unique problems of its customers.
Daifuku says AS-35 is fast, flexible
Daifuku listed features and benefits of the AS-35, including:
- Speed and throughput: With top speeds of up to 750 ft. per minute (8.5 mph/137 kph), the vendor said the AS-35 can ensure maximum throughput for high-volume operations. This speed enables businesses to efficiently meet growing demands, it said.
- Reliability: The AS-35 uses a slat tracking system, eliminating tracking errors caused by chain stretch and ensuring accurate carton diverting. This is intended to guarantee precise sortation, even during high-speed operations.
- Simplified maintenance: Daifuku has included features such as full-length plexiglass side panels for easy access; trays to capture dust, dirt, and debris; and an O-ring sealed chain to eliminate the need for constant lubrication.
- Quiet operation: Daifuku said its design has sound-dampening materials and precision-engineered components. This means the AS-35 allows for a quieter work environment, enhancing employee comfort.
- Scalable design: Available in multiple widths and lengths of up to 1,000 ft. (304.8 m), the AS-35 is built to accommodate various operational requirements, from small packages to larger items like totes and cardboard cases.
In addition, the AS-35 features advanced control systems, including Ethernet-based sort controllers and automated speed management for high-rate recirculation. Daifuku said these technologies ensure optimal performance and adaptability to fluctuating operational demands.
The AS-35 can handle a variety of goods and packaging, including polybags, flats, and shrink-wrapped goods. Daifuku said its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing systems makes it a valuable addition for companies looking to elevate their sorting capabilities.