New VarioFlow belt conveyor: Smooth transport of sealed-edge bags through to oversize packages

Bosch Rexroth is expanding its comprehensive VarioFlow conveyor system to include the new VarioFlow belt conveyor variant, which features a fine-meshed chain surface. It ensures that Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) are transported gently and efficiently. The VarioFlow belt product line fits seamlessly into the VarioFlow system portfolio, reduces engineering times and enables a customized material flow.

The new VarioFlow belt conveyor is a stand-alone conveyor system for flexible CPG products, delicate products and diverse items. The modular belt chain has a very fine-meshed, almost closed and flat surface. This makes it suitable for the mass transport of unstable or bulk, film-packed products such as small sealed-edge bags. However, the VarioFlow belt conveyor can also be used to convey large or wide products, such as packs of paper towel or toilet paper. Products that are inherently stable can even protrude sideways in horizontal sections. Unlike conventional chain conveyor systems, VarioFlow modular belts are also suitable for the direct transport of deep-drawn plastic trays, which usually have a delicate contact surface.

Customized basic modules – identical system components

VarioFlow belt includes modular belts in standard widths of 406 and 608 mm. Scalable cross connectors make it possible for integrators to also implement customized belt widths with identical system components. The basic components of the modular belt conveyor system comprise the base unit for the drive, the return unit, the section profile as well as vertical and horizontal curves. These allow conveyor lengths of up to 30 m, layouts with curves on both sides and conveyor speeds of up to 40 m/min to be realized with one drive. In terms of accessories, VarioFlow plus and VarioFlow belt use identical system components such as product guides, leg sets and drive kits.

Quick configuration and design with MTpro

MTpro, the free and intuitive software for planning assembly systems, supports users from selection and configuration through to ordering of Rexroth products. The Layout Designer enables even the most complex constructions and system layouts to be created in minimal time. An integrated evaluation function for the individual configuration eliminates the need for a third party to check the design and further reduces the engineering times.

Quick and simple installation

Smart solutions also reduce the time required to assemble the conveyor sections. For example, fewer sliding rails need to be installed compared to standard solutions on the market. The sliding rails are mounted from the side without the use of rivets, thereby eliminating the need to machine the running surface and ensuring the VarioFlow belt runs extremely smoothly and with little wear. 

About Bosch Rexroth:
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile and Industrial Applications as well as Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions, engineering and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, more than 32,000 associates generated sales revenue of around 7.0 billion euros in 2022.

To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth.com

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs
roughly 428,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2023). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of 91.6 billion euros in 2023. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT provider, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0, and connected mobility. Bosch is pursuing a vision of mobility that is sustainable, safe, and exciting. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to facilitate connected living with products and solutions that either contain artificial intelligence (AI) or have been developed or manufactured with its help. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.” The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. The basis for the company’s future growth is its innovative strength. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 90,000 associates in research and development, of which roughly 48,000 are software engineers.

Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.iot.bosch.com,
www.bosch-press.com