Automated Guided Vehicle Systems
Programmable AGV carries up to 900 lb of cargo.
Press Release Summary:
Featuring smooth, flat bed steel top that can hold two 3 x 3 ft pallets of materials, boxes, totes, and unpackaged parts, AGV has max speed of 164 fpm and base with custom-designed, fabricated steel frame. Bidirectional feature lets each end independently follow magnetic tape guidepath, eliminating need for return guidepath in system. Programmed via PC or onboard HMI touchscreen, AGV utilizes PLC that stores up to 50 courses with up to 128 commands each.
Original Press Release:
New Simple to Load/Unload AGV Has Flexibility to Deliver Pallets, Boxes or Totes
Highly versatile bi-directional AGVs provide an easy to load and unload surface, which accommodates a variety of containers and pallets
Creform Corporation, Greer, SC, has designed and built a new AGV with a smooth, flat bed steel top that will accommodate a variety of pallets, boxes and containers in a wide range of applications. The top provides a durable and versatile surface for easy sliding of pallets or containers when manually loading and unloading. The specially designed flat utility surface can hold two, 3 ft X 3 ft pallets of materials or boxes, totes and unpackaged parts. The cart base has a custom designed, fabricated steel frame that provides the strength to give the AGV a 900 lb (408 kg) load capacity.
The AGV’s bi-directional feature allows each end to independently follow its magnetic tape guidepath, providing accurate, repeatable tracking in space restrictive areas, while eliminating the need for a return guidepath in the system. It has a maximum speed of 164f/min (50 m/min) and is PLC controlled for up to 50 courses, 128 commands each. It is programmed by either a PC or onboard HMI touchscreen and can be programmed for full automatic operation, stopping at designated points for set periods, and automatic restart unless overridden by an attending associate. The AGV counts magnetic command tapes for directional and functional control.
Safety features include a category-2 laser scanner with 16 settable zones with E-stop buttons located at each end of the unit. It has a safety light and audible warning system. A foot guard hangs down from each side of the unit to prevent people’s feet from being accidentally run over.
The AGV has a 24 volt electrical system powered by two 12 volt, 110AH, AGM batteries plus an opportunity charging system that eliminates the need to change batteries. During operation, the AGV will pull into an opportunity charging station located along the guidepath where an optical communicator initiates the charging sequence without human intervention. The opportunity charging function may fully top off the batteries or simply provide a supplemental charge to extend the time between replenishment or exchange.
Like all Creform AGVs, it follows a magnetic tape guidepath that is easily removed or rerouted when needs change. It is offered as a complete package with drive units, batteries, control system and safety equipment all housed within the AGV.  Creform structural components are used to create an array of material handling and efficiency enhancing devices, including push, hinged shelf and trailer carts, flow racks, roller conveyors and workstations. The Creform System is a proven component in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing programs, and the company partners with customers in developing and implementing these programs.
Online at www.creform.com
Creform is a registered trademark of Yazaki Kako Corporation and Creform Corporation
