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Tray Handling

SDC Pre-Engineered Automated Tray Handling System

The SDC engineering team has developed an adaptable, pre-engineered automated tray handling platform designed to complement our custom automated solutions. Built for flexibility, this platform can accommodate various tray sizes, configurations, and types, including flat-wall trays. It seamlessly integrates into larger automated systems, optimizing your operations and enhancing efficiency across multiple processes and part requirements.

The SDC tray handling platform is highly customizable, capable of supporting a wide range of applications, tray types, and processing needs. Its design enables smooth, automated handling that minimizes operator dependency, making it an excellent addition to any automated production line.

Key Features

Vision System and Robotic Integration
Designed for seamless integration with vision systems and robotic automation, enabling precise product loading, unloading, and quality control. This ensures improved accuracy, efficiency, and reduced manual intervention.

Efficient Conveyor System
Utilizes an over/under conveyor system to maximize functionality while minimizing floor space. This design optimizes workflow and enhances productivity, making it ideal for high-volume operations.

Content and Position Verification
Integrated vision systems and sensors track tray content and positioning, ensuring every part is correctly placed and reducing errors in automated assembly and packaging processes.

Flexible Configurations
Available as a single unit or a compact double, side-by-side configuration, making it ideal for kitting operations and optimizing space usage in manufacturing environments.

Tray Compatibility
Capable of handling flat-walled trays or standard nesting trays, providing versatility in tray handling across various applications, from assembly to packaging.

Tray Handling 3D Rendering 1500 x 1500

Additional Features for Enhanced Performance

In addition to the core capabilities, these secondary features further enhance efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability. Designed to improve traceability, handling, and operational awareness, these features help streamline processes while ensuring smooth and reliable performance in various automation environments.

Bar Code Tracking

Optional barcode-enabled tracking improves traceability by verifying trays and individual parts throughout the process.

Escapement-Controlled Movement

Ensures smooth transitions and precise spacing between trays, reducing jamming and process disruptions.

Customizable Tray Size

Accommodates trays up to 24” square, allowing for tailored solutions based on specific operational needs.

Material Versatility

Supports trays made of corrugated, plastic, or metal, providing flexibility for different applications and durability requirements.

Heavy-Duty Capacity

Standard conveyors support up to 200 lbs., ensuring robust performance for heavier loads in industrial environments.

Status Alerts

Optional visual and audible alarms notify operators of material availability and process status, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

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SDC Tray Handling System: High-Speed, Versatile, and Customizable

SDC’s tray handling system is engineered for high-speed manufacturing environments where efficiency, accuracy, and seamless integration are critical. Designed to automate the loading, unloading, and transfer of trays, this system optimizes production flow while reducing manual intervention.

One of its key advantages is its adaptability—SDC’s tray handling system can be integrated into an existing machine where enhanced tray handling is needed, adding new capabilities without the need for a full system replacement. Alternatively, SDC can design and build a custom machine tailored to your specific application, incorporating tray handling as a core function to meet your unique process requirements.

With features like robotic integration, barcode tracking, and escapement-controlled movement, the system ensures precise part placement and traceability. Whether you need to handle lightweight plastic trays or heavy-duty metal carriers, SDC offers a scalable, high-performance solution that enhances productivity and consistency in automated operations.

CASE STUDIES

Automated Box Liner Pick-and-Place Machine

This SDC customer needed to automate an assembly process that inserts a box liner into a cardboard box.
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CASE STUDIES

Drill Bit Package Assembly Machine

A returning customer came to SDC for a second assembly and packing machine with added capacity and new configurations. With the knowledge and experience of designing and building the first machine, our team was able to quickly deliver an upgraded machine to handle the original and…
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CASE STUDIES

Thermal Heating Component Assembly

A returning SDC customer in the thermal heating industry needed a complete system to help automate a time-consuming manual process. The system was proposed to help optimize the manufacturing process and improve throughput for increasing demand. Due to its difficult and complex nature, the p…
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CASE STUDIES

Wire Inserting and Forming Assembly Machine

One of SDC’s long-term partners, a manufacturer of automobile ignition coils, needed a fully automated assembly and inspection line for the assembly of an automotive part. 
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CASE STUDIES

Automated Glass Bottle Loading Cell

This project was presented to SDC in search of a cost-effective, high-speed material handling system for glass bottles. The SDC system needed to automatically unload bottles from boxes and place them into individual fixtures as part of the assembly process.
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