NEW! Dorner Reinvents Small Parts Handling with New Internal Drive

Revolutionary iDrive opens new application possibilities for Dorner's low profile 2200 Series conveyor platform.

Good things come in small packages. This is especially true today as Dorner Manufacturing proudly introduces the iDrive - a groundbreaking development for a variety of packaging and industrial applications where space is tight or additional room is needed around the conveyor. iDrive is an exciting advancement in conveyor technology that merges the very latest drive and control systems with the compact design of the Dorner 2200 Series. By integrating the motor, gearbox and motor controller into a single, space-saving package, Dorner has literally redefined the application footprint for small product conveyors. iDrive is capable of widths as narrow as 3 inches and lengths as long as 12 feet.

"Without question, the iDrive takes our 2200 Series - already the most widely applied conveyor platform of its kind - to a whole new level," said Rich Ryan, chief operating officer for Dorner Mfg. "We now offer a virtually limitless range of conveyor widths and lengths to meet our customers' specific small parts handling needs. Plus, like all Dorner conveyors, iDrive delivers high speed and efficient performance. It's capable of moving parts up to 100 feet per minute with a load capacity as high as 30 pounds. It's really pretty exciting to offer this integrated technology in such a compact package. We anticipate strong response to this innovative space and time saving design."

iDrive is a variable speed system and is also reversible for maximum application flexibility. Control switches are easy-to-use, conveniently located and protected by a high-impact case. Plus, iDrive is ready to go quickly. Because the controls are integrated directly into the compact system, setup is easier than ever - time-consuming wiring and mounting are a thing of the past. Other features include a drive roller measuring just 1.25" in diameter for smooth product transfers as well as a maintenance free, brushless DC motor and 115V single-phase input power supply.

Of course, iDrive also complements many features found on the Dorner low profile 2200 Series conveyor platform, including: self tracking V-guided belts, rack and pinion belt tensioning for fast and accurate adjustments, built-in belt tension indicators for preventative maintenance and T-slots for fast and simple mounting of controls and accessories.

Find more information on the iDrive at Dorner.com.

Dorner Invests in the Future of the Packaging Industry

On April 23, 2009, Purdue University Calumet formally opened its Mechatronics Packaging Laboratory equipped with $200,000 of packaging machinery. Dorner, among several other packaging machinery manufacturers, partnered with PUC to provide hands-on experiential learning opportunities in electrical and mechanical areas of designing, installing and troubleshooting equipment that produces and packages various items consumers purchase daily.

Dorner donated several 2200 Series conveyors as well as a number of AquaGard^TM and AquaPruf^® conveyors, which played a key role in the new lab. Students are learning different ways of directing product flow from machine to machine using an arrangement of guiding, 90 degree transfers, and various controls.

"Within this new mechatronics lab, our students will learn advanced programming techniques, interfacing automated equipment, sensor design, machine design and troubleshooting," Purdue Calumet Dean of the School of Technology Niaz Latif said. "Students will become prepared to design, install and troubleshoot this type of equipment, making them especially valuable to employers."

PUC's new packaging lab will definitely provide the tools and resources to teach the future professionals of the $6 billion packaging industry the skills needed to operate such complex equipment.