New technology from FastBack is set to transform horizontal motion conveying once again. Heat and Control explains how it is a new solution for the category.
As food processing technology continues to evolve, so does the equipment. This new solution from equipment manufacturer Heat and Control is a culmination of more than 10 years development, multiple international patents, and a development partnership with industry-leading industrial bearing manufacturer SKF(AB SKF).
A key feature of FastBack 4.0 is its new drive mechanism, which uses rotational (circular) drive motion to produce a horizontal (linear) motion.
The innovative design uses circular-to-linear drive efficiency to convert rotational motion into pure horizontal motion while supporting the vertical weight of the pan.
This patented circular motion can gently handle product so it is undamaged and its coatings undisturbed. It also achieves the industry’s highest travel rates and flow rate capacity.
Already the number one brand in its category, FastBack 4.0 levels up with design features that speak directly to customer feedback. The latest revolution of FastBack is ultra-quiet, with a smaller and thinner footprint to fit a greater variety of locations, and a new reverse capability which allows product flow to be reversed instantly, at theflick of a switch.
Heat and Control Inc. general manager of Product Handling, Blake Svejkovsky, said the design goals were to set a whole new standard for now, and beyond.
“Our goal was to design the perfect system. 4.0 expands on the hallmark benefits of the FastBack product line – and seeks to remove all the regular pain points faced by production managers and operators around maintenance, cleaning, and performance.
“We focused on improving sanitary conveying, regardless of if you were comparing against vibratory, or other horizontal motion conveyors,” said Svejkovsky.
With no pinch points or moving arms to cover and to protect, FastBack 4.0 sets a new standard for safety and accessibility while still achieving the highest travel rates of any horizontal motion conveyor on the market.
Since its introduction in 1995, FastBack conveyors have brought unmatched benefits to the food processing industry – near zero breakage and product damage, no loss of coatings or seasonings, greatly reduced sanitation and associated down time, quiet, smooth, and trouble-free operation proven with thousands of units for years of operation.
Because of these benefits, FastBack has enjoyed immense market success.
After 25 years, and three generations of FastBack, its manufacturer continues to take advanced knowledge of horizontal motion conveying to the next level.
Heat and Control Inc. President, Tony Caridis, said investing in continued innovation is at the heart of what the company does.
“When we undertake design development, high performance that provides results is a priority,” said Caridis.
Described as beautifully simple, the new low maintenance design saves time and labour costs and offers best in class sanitation (for both dry and wet) high-pressure wash down environments.
Feedback from plant managers and operators is often about reducing downtime and Svejkovsky says 4.0 offers the highest level of operability, with the lowest level of effort – and special attention was given to making it easier to own.
“We’ve made it extremely simple to use, operate, and own,” said Svejkovsky.
The FastBack 4.0 (100) is first of future releases which will include the new FastBack 4.0 drive design. Capacity options and sizes will be on display this year at the Interpack 2023 tradeshow in Dusseldorf, Germany.
This story first appeared in the April-May edition of Food & Drink Business magazine.
