SideFinger Conveyor

What is the SideFinger Towline Conveyor?

 The SI System’s Lo-Tow SideFinger towline system is an advanced automation (technology) solution designed for manufacturing, assembly, and warehouse applications that require wheel load capacities ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 lbs. The system is designed to meet the motion requirements for the industry’s most common production applications including crawling, synchronized, a-synchronized and speedy return methods.

Whether your system requires powered or non-powered spurs, precision, or non-precision stops, the SideFinger towline is sure to provide you with the precision, up time, and the controlled movement your automation system requires.

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SI Systems Sidefinger Towline conveyor

Flowchart explaining Sidefinger Towline process steps.

SideFinger Towline Conveyor Technology

The SideFinger in-floor towline uses a proprietary tow chain technology with vertical rivets and rollers that have a pusher extending horizontally away from the chain centerline. This sideways mounted pushing finger allows the cart’s towpin to be transferred positively from the mainline to a transfer loop and vice versa.

A companion SideFinger track combines high performance with reliability for years and decades of up time.

The SideFinger towline conveyor has a wide array of cart configurations. This automation technology accommodates simple four-wheeled transport dollies, ergonomic carts with lift/lower capability and rotators, and dual cart systems for extended loads (like a chassis).

Automation Technology With Obstruction-Free Conveyance

A clogged-up cart track is the number one cause of structural damage for towline systems.

SI Systems integrates a proprietary TrackGap system that utilizes chain guards to help keep contaminants such as fasteners, wood, scraps, and other items from engaging with the conveyor’s in-floor chain. At the same time, a void area in the track allows contaminants to accumulate harmlessly while the active tow pins automatically levels it until all debris is cleaned out.

This design reduces contaminants and chain jamming allowing systems to run more consistently without costly downtime.

Our in-floor system combined with the total system access design, provides easy, obstruction-free 360-degree access to all workstations and around carts for lineside operations, and reduces instances of trip hazards and other workplace injuries.

Loop Configurations

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U-Shaped

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L-Shaped

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Loops

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Transfer & Merge

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Straight line

SideFinger Vs Lo-Tow Towline Conveyor

SideFinger Towline

2.5 tons to 5 tons wheel load capacity.
Proprietary conveyor chain.
Primarily used in straight-line or linear path configurations:
- Straight Line
- L-shaped
- U-shaped
- Loops
- Transfers and mergers
- All linear paths are possible
SideFinger automation technology can be configured for multi-floor operations.
Has a low profile 8.56" wide and 3.63" tall track cross section requires only minimum excavation 6" deep trench for installation.

Lo-Tow Towline

55 tons wheel load capacity.
High-strength, heat-treated conveyor chain.
Primarily used in 'loop' or 'round-trip' configurations:
- From simple ovals to complicated serpentine paths
- Single loop or with multi-loop paths connected by loop-to-loop transfers
- Multi-floor operations by negotiating both ramps and/or elevators
Lo-Tow is versatile and can accommodate most configurations.
The trench is 6" deep. Certain items are deeper such as the drive and idler boxes. Dimensions depend on the wheel path.

Features of the SideFinger Towline

The No-Fault Forward technology prevents the advancement of non-compliant work.
Reliable, application-proven pit less drives.
Remote controls for diagnostics and monitoring.
High strength, heat-treated conveyor chain.
Components designed for 5,000 lb. (2268 kg) to 10,000 lb. (4536 kg). Wheel load capacity.
Heavy duty track.
Anti-track contaminant and jamming technologies.
RFID tag integration.
It is encoded with proprietary chains to track carts.
MES integration.
Workstation task complete buttons.
Andon Alert Systems.

Benefits of SideFinger Technology

Highly efficient installation process.
Reduced labor requirements.
Improved worker ergonomics and productivity.
Low initial investment/best cost of ownership.
High volume conveyance for improved throughput.
Easy integration with off-line automation or processes.
Long, trouble-free service life.
User-friendly control systems can integrate with existing manufacturing systems.