Modern warehouses and distribution centres – particularly automated facilities – often have thousands of containers travelling around them on conveyors. The cumulative noise generated by these containers will be noticeable – and can be uncomfortable to work in across the course of a shift or a day. This could negatively impact on productivity – particularly for those facilities with voice picking operations. So creating a low noise environment will make a better work place.
At home on any conveyor, Bito’s XLmotion moulded polypropylene container is ideal for automated systems. It’s combination of framed double base, for extra solidity, and diagonal support ribbing helps to avoid dents or depressions in the base that can generate extra noise. This makes it ideal for facilities operating low noise environments.
To measure the difference this makes, Bito tested the XLmotion against a number of competitor bins with ribs and or double bases on a powered roller conveyor run. While the competitor bins produced a range of sound meter readings between 66.8 db to 77.1 db, the XL Motion gave a reading of just 60.9 db. That might not sound much but the benefit of reducing the overall decibel level is potentially phenomenal in a facility conveying hundreds of containers.
The XLmotion comes with numerous other virtues. With a base width of 389 mm instead of the 363 mm European standard, it can rest on narrower ‘seats’ (57 mm instead of 70 mm) within an Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS). This reduces the amount of steel required and thus allows a more cost efficient system design. Furthermore, the container can be adapted for use in an AS/RS from any supplier.
External dimensions for the XLmotion are 599 mm (length) x 399 mm (container width) and it comes in heights of 220, 270 mm and 320 mm. Load capacity is 50 kg and stacking load is 250 kg. Inexpensive, slim yet robust dividers give a plethora of options for subdivisions. An optional drop-on lid with snap lock does not add to the container height and will not come off when handling speed.
A versatile plastic container that can save companies money and create a quiet environment is worth making a noise about.
