MiniTec’s modular profile system: New adapters combine linear axes to multiple-axes-systems

For 25 years, MiniTec has continued to establish themselves as a successful and proven supplier of turn-key solutions for linear technology. Precision round guides, rail guides and linear modules including drive and control units are among the wide product range. Especially short delivery times, creative non-standard solutions and custom-made items confirm the good reputation as a customer-oriented supplier. One new development conveniently complements this portfolio: With the new high precision adapters, the MiniTec linear axes can be combined easily and economically to multiple-axis-system. Different jobs like material handling, packaging, pick-and-place, material testing, marking or laser machining can be handled flexible and precisely.


Schönenberg-Kübelberg, April 2013 – Linear axes and modules based on the MiniTec aluminium profile system are demonstrating their reliability in many different applications for more than 25 years. The German manufacturer relies on its own production, a comprehensive stock-holding as well as custom-oriented service. With each service offered,  MiniTec has acquired a market leading position. The complete range consists of the compact guides LR6 from 45 mm up to the heavy duty 180mm axes, LR 180. The key characteristic of this linear system is the modular concept throughout the range. All components are compatible with each other and have the same groove size. This modern construction principle provides freedom during design and helps find the optimal solutions – without being forced into compromises. MiniTec has now extended its modular system, which is based on linear components and aluminium profiles. With the new developed high-precision adapters all linear axes can be combined easily and economically to multiple-axes-systems. Jobs like material handling, packaging, pick-and-place, material testing, marking or laser machining can be handled flexible and precisely.


Multiple-Axes-Systems from the Modular System
The adapters are suitable for fastening guide rails onto slides as well as slides on slides. With adapters having stop edges and holders, extensive adjustment of the system is not necessary. The slides for the linear guides are equipped with double-row profile ball bearing rollers. For use with higher loading capacity, the slides can also be equipped with more bearings. The length of the slides is variable and can be adapted accordingly. The play free the guiding rails is adjusted and secured by eccentric bushings. They serve simultaneously to fix the rollers. The slides are encapsulated on both sides with cover caps with integrated lubricating felts which serve as life time lubrication for shafts and as scrapers against dirt on the guiding rails. The rails consist of the modular profile in which the rod holders with the high-precision steel shafts are clipped into. The compact-guide rails are equipped with 6 mm shafts; standard-guide rails with 12 mm shafts.
The heavy-duty guides are arranged with 16 mm high-precision steel shafts on double angular ball bearings with increased load capacity. Guides with a traverse distance of more than 20 meters can be achieved by rail connection. The longer guides are driven by gear racks or toothed belts. For high-precision linear axes with optimised installation space, the LMS modules with recirculation ball bearing guides and recirculating ball screws are available. All guides can be delivered as components, as assembly kit or completely ready for installation. Additionally, MiniTec assumes the layout of the guides and the completion to ready-to-use modules including drive and control units and the application programming for their customers.

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MiniTec adds containers to its workplace system designed according to Kanban-principle and a new Pick-By-Light component.

The MiniTec workplace system combines ergonomics with economy and high flexibility. The German manufacturer offers, in combination with assembly solutions, an integral, safe and economical complete package for manual production. Two new additions complement the workplace system and optimise manual assembling. The KanTainer – a box for allocating assembly parts – offers easy and safe storage for commissioning and assembling. “Scan2Light” is an economical pick-by-light solution for efficient assembly and fast identification of storage locations.

Schönenberg-Kübelberg, March 2013 – The topics ‘lean-production’ and kanban play a significant role in many manufacturing companies. The implementation of these principles does not require a high initial investment, but the discipline to follow a process which can be offer immediate returns through lower administrative efforts and shorter lead times. The name 'Kanban' originates from Japanese, and translates roughly as "signboard".
The Kanban method stands for a cost-effective system to control the logistical supply chain to improve and maintain a high level of production. The method of the production processing is based on the pull-principle. The demand input is given from the downstream segment by returning the ‘Kanban’ – here by an empty container. For many years, the German manufacturer MiniTec has been engaged in the subjects’ workplace, designing and optimising the assembly processes. Based on their own developed profile system, MiniTec offers a very flexible and ergonomic workplace system which is extended by innovative containers to meet the Kanban-principle. The newly developed KanTainer provides the ideal solution to implement the principles of ‘lean-production’ by using Kanban-management. It is designed to maximise space utilisation of stock while offering full and optimised material supply on the working place.



Small Box – high benefit
The KanTainer exists of the box, the pull-out grip cavity, the divider and the cover. The pull-out recessed handle allows for easy picking of parts. The divider can be used in two different ways, for storage or allocation of complementary goods, e.g. MiniTec Profile connectors and screws – and for one-container-Kanban. Simultaneously, the divider can be used as metering disc. The lower part can be cut off and inserted in the intended guide groove. Thanks to the transparent and adjustable disc, it is possible to control material replenishment – as well as checking remaining quantity. The cover protects the goods from dirt and mixing during transport and storing. At the same time, the cover acts as security against accidental opening the grip cavity. The closed construction of the KanTainer offers an impressive 25 percent more storage volume than usual stock boxes. The boxes are labelled on front and back to clearly identify the parts from stock as well as from working place. It is also important to avoid any mistakes in re-filling out of the flow rack. The box is fitted with a rail at the back and can be simply put into an ergonomic sloping position at the working place. The boxes can be stacked safely due to holding pins on the top side and holders on the lower side. The containers can be stacked vertically of up to 7 boxes at a maximum load capacity. The KanTainers offer all requirements to make storing, commission and assembly easier and safer.

Pick-By-Light-System
MiniTec takes another huge step in the supply of working place solutions by integrating the new Scan2Light-System. An economical solution for efficient assembly and fast identification of storage locations is offered with the two new packages "Scan2Light@work” and "Scan2Light@process”. The built-in modular hard- and software system is the ideal addition to MiniTec workstations and integrates seamlessly with the well-known and approved modular assembly system. The electronic assistance for assembling work is done by illuminating different coloured LED-modules. Storage locations as well as mounting steps are indicated by optical signals. The "Scan2Light@process“ package is equipped with an up-to-date server controlling system with an excellent interface connection to existing ERP-systems. The instructions for work, mounting and testing are issued by an intuitive operator touch-screen – reducing the training and implementation time. Pre-assigned operational procedures can be chosen or new procedures can be generated. It is possible to create a workmen-work-flow or a one-piece-flow. The increasing productivity of the system offers many advantages in assembling: It prevents defects due to wrong or missing parts, it is easy in handling and allows short learning phases.

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LogiMAT 2013:
MiniTec presents new products out of their ranges workplace and conveyor systems

On this years LogiMAT 2013 (Hall 3, stand 211) MiniTec presents three new innovations out of the ranges workplace system and materials handling: individual and ergonomically designed mounting workplaces equipped with the new Scan2Light-Systems, economically working palette-circulation-system UMS and the new spiral conveyor WF 3000. With this unit a lifting height of up to three metres can be realised. Another huge advantage of the WF 3000 is the possibility to serve as a storage and production buffer for conveyed goods on a very small base.
All new solutions are based on the well-known MiniTec high-class modular profile system.

Schönenberg-Kübelberg, February 2013 – Mounting workplaces are an important element in today’s production and mounting. Working places have an enormous influence on the economy and the quality of the production. Assembly works and processes in production have constantly to be adjusted and renewed –considering individual human characteristics and skills. MiniTec is aware of this subject since many years and offers ergonomic and efficient solutions. The German supplier MiniTec takes another huge step as to offer working places in combination with the new Scan2Light-System. An economical solution for efficient assembly and fast identification of storage locations is offered with the two new packages „Scan2Light@work” and „Scan2Light@process”. The built-in modular hard- and software system is the ideal addition to MiniTec workstations and integrates seamlessly with the well-known and approved modular assembly system. The electronic assistance for assembling works is done by illuminating different coloured LED-modules. Storage locations as well as mounting steps are indicated by optical signals. The „Scan2Light@process“package is equipped with an up-to-date server controlling system with an excellent interface connection to existing ERP-systems. The instructions for work, mounting and testing are issued by an intuitive operator touch-screen – reducing the training and implementation time. Pre-assigned operational procedures can be chosen or new procedures can be generated. It is possible to create a workmen-work-flow or a one-piece-flow. The increasing productivity of the system offers many advantages in assembling: It prevents defects due to wrong or missing parts, it is easy in handling and allows short learning phases.


Lap by lap: Pallet Circulation System UMS
MiniTec extends its solution portfolio for the conveying and materials handling sector with its new UMS pallet circulation system. During development, the German manufacturer attached great importance to the efficiency and economical aspects of the UMS as well as minimising space for interlinking processing equipment and machine or robot loading. The pallet circulation system is based on a double-track chain conveyor with a series of fixed pallets which are circulated above the conveying level when loaded and continue below the conveying level when empty. With this new development MiniTec takes full advantage of the high-quality standard machine building components that are readily available in its modular profile system – enabling customers to work with a flexible and easily configured conveying system, which is almost maintenance-free and wear resistant. The UMS pallet circulation system from MiniTec is based on a double-track chain conveyor with recirculation of the empty pallets underneath the conveying level. The off-loaded pallets are turned vertically by an interlocking gripper with return transportation hanging beneath the conveyor. Pallet accumulation is possible on the conveying level as well as on the return. The system can even be used as an overhead suspension track, returning empty pallets at the top level. The re-circulating chain serves as both carrier and drive unit for the system. Control of the UMS is very simple with no extensive programming for incoming and outgoing goods necessary. With only one electric motor running the system and with no drive units required for lift or reverse, the positive effect on energy cost becomes apparent. Once again MiniTec demonstrates that capability and energy efficiency in conveying solutions do not have to compromise each other.


Over hill and dale: Spiral Conveyor WF 3000
Goods and products often need to be conveyed not just over long distances but also up and down to cater for different conveyor line heights. Particularly, in case of fully utilized room capacity in production halls, conveyor lines have to run through multiple sections. An elegant and very functional solution for this requirement is the new MiniTec WF 3000 Spiral Conveyor. Providing a lifting height of up to three metres; another huge advantage of the WF 3000 is the possibility to serve as a storage and production buffer for conveyed goods on a very small base area. With a conveyor line of up to 50 metres and a required floor space of only three square metres, the WF 3000 Spiral Conveyor allows a constant flow of materials even under full loading. With only two electric motors running the system the positive effect on energy costs become apparent. The advanced control technique to synchronise the electric motors allows accurate, efficient and dynamic speed control. The optimised slide rails and the well-designed construction of the WF 3000 provide for extremely quiet operation. By using high quality materials the durable WF 3000 Spiral Conveyor has virtually maintenance-free operation and in addition, is exceptionally resilient against contamination and corrosion. In combination with the energy saving motorisation, a high cost-effectiveness in production can be achieved.

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Specialist vehicle fit-outs quickly modified and customised with the MiniTec modular profile system.

Flexibility is key when fitting out specialist vehicles. The requirements for different special vehicles and unique constructions can be very different. From rescue vehicles to mobile bank branch vehicles, the MiniTec modular profile system offers endless opportunities. Special vehicle constructors as well as specialised body-construction experts are using the popular MiniTec system, particularly the size 30 profile with a full range of connectors and components which have already successfully proven its road capability and flexibility in many applications. Despite the fact that the components can be mounted very easily and fast, the assembled applications are extremely resilient, individually configurable and easy to modify.

Schönenberg-Kübelberg, December 2012 – Organisation in specialist vehicles is vital. From keeping books in a mobile library to placing equipment in emergency rescue cars or tools in a service vehicle – it’s very important to reach all stored parts immediately. The demands on manufacturers of special vehicles is multi-faceted. Countless items have to be stowed away safely, always considering the organisation and ergonomics of access. Therefore every vehicle fit-out is unique, since the right configurations are not available as standard from the vehicle manufacturer. An excellent solution to this problem is offered by MiniTec with their aluminium modular profile system which allows the design of various configurations to suit specific applications. The flexible and cost-effective construction system is based on established MiniTec aluminium profile with corresponding connectors and components. All MiniTec components are high-class, well designed and easy to use for modular construction having established themselves within industry during the last decade. The profile system is often used for special vehicle construction, to equip garages as well as facilities. It is also suitable for custom-fitted construction of vehicles which are used by rescue organisations, fire-fighters, showmen or garages. Food stalls, show vehicles, mobile bank branch vehicles, drivable libraries or transport vehicles for motorsport can also be equipped with an individual interior.

Easy extension with system
The MiniTec modular profile system is based on different profile sections, corresponding components and accessory elements. Due to reduced weight and light form of the series 30 profiles, they are ideal for solutions in limited construction space and suitable for vehicle fit out; most used profiles are of 30x60, 30x23, 23x23, 23x16 millimetres. For mounting utility vehicles, the slim aluminium profiles are an interesting alternative. The weight of the profile 30x30 is only 0,641 kg/m and each profile is available in lengths up to 6 m. Thanks to the same DIN-M8-groove, all standard profiles can be combined with each other. All components and accessories can be used for every profile. For the profiles series 30, MiniTec also offers the well-known and patented power-lock fastener 30 for joining profiles together, as well as zinc plated mitre connectors for angle connections of 45° to 135°. The use of DIN-screws and -nuts makes the system cost-effective and economical. The MiniTec modular profile system gives the User space for creativity with the clever connection methods and accessories. The unique and patented power lock fastener, requires no modification to the profiles and is easily adjustable. The handling is simple and time saving.

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