TKF offers pop-up transfer conveyors designed for smooth, quiet, trouble free operation. One of the company's most popular models is a light-duty unit des
igned to handle loads up to 250 pounds. It utilizes economical and compact motorized roller driven strands, eliminating noisy chain drives. There are no vertical guides or cam ramps used for positioning, and no slides or bearings used in its construction, making it simple to maintain.
The light-duty model is available with urethane V-belt, urethane o-ring, or chain strands. The number of strands and stroke height can be customized to suit particular application needs. Heavier duty models are also available through TKF that utilize traditional motor drives.
Pop-up transfer conveyors lift items vertically raising them above the bed of the feeding conveyor, then conveys them 90° to an adjoining or adjacent conveyor. The transfer uses mechanical linkage to guide lifting. They are ideal for the computer and electronic component, food and beverage, appliance, automotive, and glass industries where non-contact between product is crucial.
About TKF
TKF designs, builds and installs conveying systems. The company's services range from systems integration, initial engineering concepts and final design, to manufacturing and installation. TKF's manufactured products include reciprocating and continuous vertical conveyors, PosiGrip conveyor, overhead, monorail and power and free conveyor, popup transfer, accumulation, curve, roller and a variety of custom engineered conveyor and material handling systems.
Contacts:
Mr. Jim Walsh
TKF, Inc.
513-241-5910
jwalsh@tkf.com
Agency:
Mr. Jeffry Caudill
Gingerquill, Inc.
jcaudill@gingerquill.com
A stainless steel version of TKF's high-speed continuous vertical lift resists rust and other corrosion. Its stainless, easy-to-clean surface makes the conveyor ideal for wet or outdoor applications such as those 
found in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, or processing applications where it needs to be cleaned, or even hosed down regularly.
The TKF continuous vertical conveyor accepts loads horizontally, conveys them vertically and discharges horizontally in a continuous non-stop operation with loading and unloading in a Z pattern. The lift can reverse direction - either up or down - as required. It features chain speeds up to 120 feet per minute, and depending on the dimensions of the items being conveyed, can output up to 40 loads per minute.
Each load is carried on a moving platform attached to continuous loops of chain. The unique platform carrier is rigid in the horizontal load-carrying position, yet flexible as it loops around the top and bottom sprockets as it returns to the load position. This design feature reduces the overall size of the lift.
Powered conveyors synchronized to the lift platform speed are used in loading and unloading, and are designed for the specific product to be handled, using roller, belt or chain. Five standard lift models are available, with unit load capacities ranging from 5 lbs. to 4,000 lbs., and vertical travel up to 80 feet.
Though they are assembled from pre-engineered modular components, TKF continuous vertical conveyors are customized for each individual application.
About TKF
TKF designs, builds and installs conveying systems. The company's services range from systems integration, initial engineering concepts and final design, to manufacturing and installation. TKF's manufactured products include reciprocating and continuous vertical conveyors, PosiGrip conveyor, overhead, monorail and power and free conveyor, popup transfer, accumulation, curve, roller and a variety of custom engineered conveyor and material handling systems.
Contacts:
Mr. Jim Walsh
TKF, Inc.
513-241-5910
jwalsh@tkf.com
Agency:
Mr. Jeffry Caudill
Gingerquill, Inc.
jcaudill@gingerquill.com
Sweco Looks Up for Answers to Improving its Painting Operation
Sweco, a leading manufacturer of industrial particle separation equipment, wanted to streamline its parts painting operation. The process includes blasting with steel shot the many parts and components that go into the assembly of the company’s equipment, then painting, and properly drying the parts after the primer or paint is applied. Sweco designs, manufactures and assembles most major components for its line of separation and particle size reduction equipment at its Florence, KY headquarters.
Prior to adding 30,000 square feet to its manufacturing facility, the painting operation was in an area of the plant where ceilings height ranged from 16 to 18 feet. The relatively low ceilings restricted the use of overhead lifting equipment. When parts and components were ready to be painted, they were brought into a blasting booth with forklifts. Small parts were hung from the ceiling on chains, while larger and heavier parts were placed on saw horses. Once blasted, the parts were moved out of the blasting booth with forklifts and staged for painting.
The same manual method was then repeated to move the parts into the company’s 11 foot tall paint booth. Sweco would put as many parts as possible into the booth at one time, again either suspended on chains, or sitting on saw horses. Each batch of parts required three coats of paint, and roughly two hours of air drying time in between each coat. While parts were drying, they sat inside the paint booth, meaning no additional painting was taking place. When the time-consuming process was complete, the parts were removed from the booth with a forklift and taken to the assembly area.
When demand for parts - painted and ready for assembly - outstripped the department’s ability to deliver, Sweco outsourced the painting function to local paint shops. The system worked, but not as efficiently at the company would like.
30,000 Square Feet, with Plenty of Ceiling Height
In late 2007, Sweco began laying out plans for a plant expansion to more efficiently handle growing demand for its vibratory separation equipment. Sweco’s Manufacturing Engineering Team saw an opportunity to move the painting operation to the new building and take advantage of ample overhead space.
With general mechanical contracting and consulting help from Young and Bertke, Cincinnati, OH, the Sweco project management team worked with TKF, Inc., a Cincinnati based material handling company and distributor for the Jervis B. Webb Company. TKF conceptualizes designs, builds and installs conveyor systems including vertical lifts, accumulation conveyor, and overhead conveyor systems.
TKF’s challenge was to reduce the start-to-finish time needed to paint a part; automate, yet allow manual control of the flow of parts through the system; and increase the department’s output capacity. They approached the painting function from a pure material handling point of view, conceptualized, and designed a system that included an Overhead, Power and Free monorail conveyor system that would streamline the flow of the wide variety of parts Sweco manufactures, into and out of the painting process.
A totally integrated overhead crane, lift platforms, and TKF’s overhead, power and free monorail conveyor were installed in the new facility in mid-2008. The overhead crane was positioned between the new blasting booth Sweco installed and the lift platform, with the lift platform located at the loading end of the overhead monorail conveyor. Also installed were a new paint booth, and infrared curing oven that would allow Sweco to take full advantage of the new monorail conveyor.
Since Sweco was doing building design at the same time the new material handling system was being designed, they were able to incorporate the entire overhead crane and monorail into the building’s support structure. No additional support beams were needed inside the building to accommodate the new painting process.
Smooth, Trouble-Free Operation
Fully operational since September, 2008, the painting process begins as parts are transported to the blasting booth. Heavier parts are moved into the booth with the help of the overhead crane, while smaller, lighter parts are transported with a forklift. Once blasted, and ready for painting, they’re moved via the crane or forklift to the lifting platform located just in front of the paint booth. Here they’re lifted and placed on a new Power & Free Carrier system that hangs from the monorail.
Eight custom carriers, each with a 4000 lb. capacity, were designed to hang from the monorail, hold and transport the wide variety of parts Sweco manufactures. Parts currently range in size from 1 foot to 9 feet in length, and up to 2000 lbs. each.
Once parts are suspended from the carrier and ready for painting, an operator uses a simple control panel to initiate carrier movement into the paint booth. The paint booth doors open, and the low-maintenance monorail conveyor transports the carriers into the new paint booth, where they stop. The booth doors close and the parts are then manually spray painted. Manual painting of the parts is most appropriate for Sweco due to the variety of primer and paint schemes the company applies.
With parts suspended, and now moving into and out of the center of the booth on the monorail, Sweco’s painter is much more efficient since he’s able to stay in a compact painting envelop near center of the booth. With little movement, he can paint all sides of the suspended parts before another carrier is moved into place. There’s better lighting, better ventilation, and significantly less paint is used due to efficiencies of the process. Previously, a 50 foot paint hose was pulled through the booth as needed to paint parts that occupied all available floor space in the booth.
When the painting is completed, the booth doors are opened by the operator and the carrier is released to move the parts into an infrared curing oven. The monorail conveyor is installed above, out of heating zone of the oven and is not affected by the heat. Only the carrier and parts enter the oven.
Instead of taking two hours to air dry, the parts are now dried in a single 20 minute cycle. This not only reduces drying time, but improves the quality of the paint job itself. When the curing is complete, the doors on the oven automatically open. After push button actuation, the carrier is released and moves into a staging area.
Since most parts must go through the paint booth three times, the carriers may be looped back to the paint booth, or directed to an unload lift platform. The system operator controls the destination of each carrier. After unload, empty carriers accumulate on a separate line, ready to be returned to the load station.
Both the paint booth and the curing oven were built so that a forklift can drive into them to transport a part directly. This is especially useful when Sweco is working on a heavier, rush or custom part that needs special attention.
Now it Works for Us
According to one of Sweco’s manufacturing engineers, Corey Fry: “The new system has helped us accomplish our time reduction objectives. The two hours it took in between coats of paint, to let each coat dry, and the operator downtime that went along with it has been eliminated. That’s six total hours per batch of parts that we have back now. We also doubled our total output capacity, and eliminated the need to outsource painting.”
Mr. Fry went on to say, “We can put rush parts into the system and get them out very quickly now. We used to have to work around our painting system. Now it works for us. TKF has been great to work with. They very quickly determined the configuration of the system we needed, and designed it to fit within the footprint we had for the operation. We’ve been very pleased.”
With its drive gears formed directly into the rollers, the PosiGrip Accumulation Conveyor from TKF, Inc. has no separate sprocket or gears and no welded drive components. The rollers are powered by smooth-operating and quiet, synchronous belting in a positive drive. Since there is no metal-to-metal contact, no lubrication is required and the system does not generate oily, messy components.
All electrical components can be self-contained within the side frame, which eliminates the need for wiring back to PLCs and reduces the cost of field wiring. It is ideal for both clean environments such as electronic component manufacturing and food and beverage processing, as well as tough, rugged applications where non-contact between conveyed product is crucial.
PosiGrip features non-contact, zero pressure accumulation. Accumulation zones are driven by the motorized rollers, each with a drive card with settings that allow easy adjustment of speed acceleration and deceleration. The drive roller stops as product reaches the photo-eye at the discharge point of the zone, virtually ensuring that no contact takes place. Zones can be individually controlled for specific assembly areas and are available up to 75” long and 48” wide.
With its heavy duty, compact design and a lower profile than ever before possible in a powered conveyor, the PosiGrip Accumulation Conveyor easily handles a wide array of products with unit loads up to 400lbs. in each zone.
The PosiGrip Accumulation Conveyor’s modular design offers maximum flexibility and allows easy installation. A variety of special configurations are available. TKF’s highly experienced staff can recommend, design, manufacture and install the PosiGrip conveyor system that best fits any customer’s conveying needs.
About TKF
TKF designs, builds and installs conveying systems. The company’s services range from systems integration, initial engineering concepts and final design, to manufacturing and installation. TKF’s manufactured products include reciprocating and continuous vertical conveyors, PosiGrip conveyor, overhead, monorail and power and free conveyor, popup transfer, accumulation, curve, roller and a variety of custom engineered conveyor and material handling systems.
Contacts:
Mr. Jim Walsh
TKF, Inc.
513-241-5910
jwalsh@tkf.com
Agency:
Mr. Jeffry Caudill
Gingerquill, Inc.
www.Gingerquill.com
jcaudill@gingerquill.com
The Model 180 continuous vertical lift from TKF is designed to accept loads horizontally, convey them vertically, and discharge them horizontally in a “Z” pattern. They run in a single vertical direction – up or down - or can be configured to be reversible on-demand. The chain driven system features a generous 6000 lb. unit load capacity and with a chain speed of up to 120 feet per minute, will deliver up to 35 loads per minute depending on product dimensions.
The fully automatic unit is capable of lifting loads to heights over 100 feet. A moving platform carrier receives each load from the feed conveyor, conveys it up or down to the unload station, and discharges it to the receiving conveyor. The lift platform utilizes a synchronized powered conveyor that loads and unloads items to any compatible conveyor system. No operator intervention is required except for routine maintenance, and the unit is designed to run 24/7.
Each load is carried on a moving platform fastened between continuous loops of chain. The platform carrier is rigid in the horizontal load-carrying position, yet flexible as it rotates around the top and bottom sprockets. This design saves space and the unit typically occupies less floor space than comparable lifts. The lift and platform can be designed to handle virtually any size load.
TKF can provide their own pre-engineered control system, or can customize the controls to meet specific customer requirements.
About TKF
TKF designs, builds and installs conveying systems. The company’s services range from systems integration, initial engineering concepts and final design, to manufacturing and installation. TKF’s manufactured products include reciprocating and continuous vertical conveyors, PosiGrip conveyor, overhead, monorail and power and free conveyor, popup transfer, accumulation, curve, roller and a variety of custom engineered conveyor and material handling systems.
Contacts:
Mr. Jim Walsh
TKF, Inc.
513-241-5910
jwalsh@tkf.com
Agency:
Mr. Jeffry Caudill
Gingerquill, Inc.
www.Gingerquill.com
jcaudill@gingerquill.com
TKF’s popular PosiGrip accumulation conveyor can be configured to convey product around virtually any degree of curve, while maintaining non-contact, zero pressure accumulation. The system is ideal for the computer and electric component, food and beverage, appliance, automotive, and glass industries when non-contact between products is crucial.
Accumulation zones are driven by motorized rollers, each with a drive card that allows easy adjustment of speed. The drive roller stops as product reaches the photo-eye at the discharge point of the zone, virtually ensuring no contact. Zones can be individually controlled for specific assembly areas and are available in various widths. When used with TKF’s PosiGrip Accumulation Conveyor, the curve allows for uninterrupted accumulation with no external sensors or logic required.
PosiGrip roller drive gear teeth are formed directly into the rollers and powered by smooth, quiet synchronous belting in a positive drive. This provides superior drive force compared to line shaft and O-ring styles of conveyors.
The rollers are driven by belts so there is no metal-to-metal contact resulting in quiet operation. It requires no lubrication, and there are no separate sprockets, gears, or welded drive components making it cleaner and easier to maintain than comparable conveyors. PosiGrip is ideal for most any work condition, and runs smoothly in both clean and tough, rugged conditions.
About TKF
TKF designs, builds and installs conveying systems. The company’s services range from systems integration, initial engineering concepts and final design, to manufacturing and installation. TKF’s manufactured products include reciprocating and continuous vertical conveyors, PosiGrip conveyor, overhead, monorail and power and free conveyor, popup transfer, accumulation, curve, roller and a variety of custom engineered conveyor and material handling systems.
Contacts:
Mr. Jim Walsh
TKF, Inc.
513-241-5910
jwalsh@tkf.com
Agency:
Mr. Jeffry Caudill
Gingerquill, Inc.
www.Gingerquill.com
jcaudill@gingerquill.com
TKF’s line of reciprocating vertical conveyors feature counterweighted lift mechanisms that cut the effective unit load weight in half, thereby reducing horsepower and power requirements. Standard models are available with unit load capacities up to 6000 lbs, with a vertical travel of up to 100 ft.
Load and unload points can be incorporated at any height, and on any side of the unit. This permits “Z”, “C” or right angle flow. Lift speeds can range from 10 – 200 FPM, using either chain or belt drives, with the higher speeds made possible with variable frequency drives.
The bed, while typically constructed of roller conveyor, can be designed using virtually any type of conveyor, including TKF's innovative PosiGrip.
Other features include a 4-post design; full top to bottom guarding regardless of load capacity; and a shaft-mounted drive that reduces maintenance requirements, without a loss in horsepower.
TKF’s reciprocating vertical conveyors are used in a wide variety of applications where items need to be moved from one level to another, including basements, mezzanines, balconies, or within multi-story buildings; or even from building to building – manufacturing to warehousing for example.
About TKF
TKF designs, builds and installs conveying systems. The company’s services range from systems integration, initial engineering concepts and final design, to manufacturing and installation. TKF’s manufactured products include reciprocating and continuous vertical conveyors, PosiGrip conveyor, overhead, monorail and power and free conveyor, popup transfer, accumulation, curve, roller and a variety of custom engineered conveyor and material handling systems.
Contacts:
Mr. Jim Walsh
TKF, Inc.
513-241-5910
jwalsh@tkf.com
Agency:
Mr. Jeffry Caudill
Gingerquill, Inc.
www.Gingerquill.com
jcaudill@gingerquill.com
TKF has redesigned and relaunched its website at www.TKF.com. New, comprehensive information is included on the company’s systems integration capabilities, as well as its conveying products including vertical conveyors, its PosiGrip accumulation conveyor, overhead monorail, roller conveyor and more.
The new site includes many photographs that illustrate each of the company’s areas of expertise. With over 60 years of experience, TKF has done thousands of applications across all major industrial markets.
All available literature is easily downloaded from the site, as well as available parts lists and manuals.
About TKF
TKF designs, builds and installs conveying systems. The company’s services range from systems integration, initial engineering concepts and final design, to manufacturing and installation. TKF’s manufactured products include reciprocating and continuous vertical conveyors, PosiGrip conveyor, overhead, monorail and power and free conveyor, popup transfer, accumulation, curve, roller and a variety of custom engineered conveyor and material handling systems.
Contacts:
Mr. Jim Walsh
TKF, Inc.
513-241-5910
jwalsh@tkf.com
Agency:
Mr. Jeffry Caudill
Gingerquill, Inc.
www.Gingerquill.com
jcaudill@gingerquill.com
TKF has improved on its popular Valu-Lift™ Vertical Conveyor, redesigning the systems take-up and stub shaft assemblies to utilize internal ball bearings as opposed to bronze bushings. This design enhancement greatly reduces maintenance issues, and increases the life of the assemblies.
The Valu-Lift vertical conveyor is a four-strand, continuous lift, light-duty conveyor designed to handle cartons and other smooth-bottom unit loads up to 50 pounds. It offers economical modular construction and a patented platform designed specifically for efficient high-speed operation, low maintenance and simplified and quick assembly.
The unique platform design consists of simple, lightweight interlocking molded polymer flights with steel connecting pins and lifts at a maximum speed of 118 fpm. The conveyor can operate in up, down or reversible mode.
Standard net lifting heights range up to 20’-0” with customized heights available. The Valu-Lift’s maximum unit load is 50 lbs., with a length of up to 26”, and width of 16”,
Standard safety features include a 24 volt DC control, a current sensing relay, which instantly shuts down the conveyor if it is overloaded, totally enclosed shroud-type tunnel guards and a smooth, clean design.
About TKF
TKF designs, builds and installs conveying systems. The company’s services range from systems integration, initial engineering concepts and final design, to manufacturing and installation. TKF’s manufactured products include reciprocating and continuous vertical conveyors, PosiGrip conveyor, overhead, monorail and power and free conveyor, popup transfer, accumulation, curve, roller and a variety of custom engineered conveyor and material handling systems.
Contacts:
Mr. Jim Walsh
TKF, Inc.
513-241-5910
jwalsh@tkf.com
Agency:
Mr. Jeffry Caudill
Gingerquill, Inc.
www.Gingerquill.com
jcaudill@gingerquill.com
A four-color flyer describes all the advantages of the TKF Inc. zoned accumulation conveyors, which are zone controlled for safe, reliable non-contact accumulation of even the heaviest, bulkiest loads.
The capacities of TKF zoned accumulation conveyors range from 20 lbs. to a maximum of 5,000 lbs., making them suitable for a wide variety of applications. The flyer provides full specifications for conveyors available with either medium duty 1.9" or heavy duty 2.5" roller diameters in widths up to 60", depending on load and roller size.
A single assembly consists of a roll-to-roll chain driven live roller (CDLR) conveyor divided into individually powered zones of a pre-set length. A single power unit drives the entire conveyor length, and each zone is driven by an air-controlled clutch, controlled by a pneumatic sensor at the end of each zone.
When a load enters the TKF zoned accumulation conveyor, it is driven to the farthest unoccupied zone. The load actuates the sensor at the end of that zone, which disengages the zone’s clutch and readies the succeeding zone.
When the next load reaches the end of the succeeding zone, its clutch is de-energized, and the sequence is repeated until all zones are filled. When a load is removed from the conveyor’s exit end, its sensor is disengaged, signaling the accumulated loads to move up in sequence, filling the next vacated zone.
Unlike most other conveyor designs, the TKF zoned accumulation conveyor offers a compact configuration — as little as 6" from floor to top of roller — since the complete clutch assembly is within the side frame rather than underneath.
The TKF design is clean and simple, so TKF zoned accumulation conveyors run quietly and require little maintenance. Engineered for low air consumption, the conveyors use standard, plant quality compressed air.
The flyer also describes the available options which include standard channel side frames, reversing operation, online workstations, special widths to 60", special zone or section lengths, solenoid-operated zones, zone brakes, and “batch release” controls.
TKF specializes in the design and manufacture of engineered conveying systems for the appliance, packaging, automotive, food/drug preparation and other manufacturing and processing industries. Conveyor types include vertical, accumulation, carousel, overhead, and transfer units.
About TKF
TKF designs, builds and installs conveying systems. The company’s services range from systems integration, initial engineering concepts and final design, to manufacturing and installation. TKF’s manufactured products include reciprocating and continuous vertical conveyors, PosiGrip conveyor, overhead, monorail and power and free conveyor, popup transfer, accumulation, curve, roller and a variety of custom engineered conveyor and material handling systems.
Contacts:
Mr. Jim Walsh
TKF, Inc.
513-241-5910
jwalsh@tkf.com
Agency:
Mr. Jeffry Caudill
Gingerquill, Inc.
www.Gingerquill.com
jcaudill@gingerquill.com