Unified Conveyance Solutions from CMCO Brands
Columbus McKinnon Corporation (CMCO) will present a comprehensive automation portfolio at PACK EXPO International 2025, Sept. 29–Oct. 1 in Las Vegas. Attendees can experience live demonstrations from Dorner, Garvey, and montratec. These brands collectively deliver a full spectrum of material handling solutions, from sanitary conveyors to modular monorails, illustrating the power of integrated automation.
Garvey’s Accumulation Excellence
Garvey leads in accumulation and buffering solutions, particularly with its Infinity and Bi-Flow tables. These systems ensure continuous product flow, even during upstream interruptions. The Infinity table efficiently sorts unstable products at high speeds into single or multi-lane configurations, while the Bi-Flow table leverages opposing belt movement to create compact product buffers.
For pharmaceutical applications, the GRX Infinity Accumulation Table demonstrates how Garvey balances speed, product safety, and hygiene. Its angled surfaces prevent debris buildup, meeting FDA standards. I believe this technology reflects a critical trend in automation: maintaining high throughput while minimizing mechanical stress on delicate products.
Dorner’s Sanitary and Flexible Conveyance Systems
Dorner’s low-profile sanitary conveyors, including the AquaGard and AquaPruf series, showcase high sanitation standards with washdown capabilities. The AquaPruf VBT elevates products vertically with staggered sidewall belts, optimizing pocket capacity. Meanwhile, the AquaGard LPZ allows varied incline/decline handling while ensuring dry or intermittent washdown compatibility.
The new C3 Compact Curve Conveyor and 3200 series retracting tail illustrate Dorner’s commitment to space optimization and precise product routing. These solutions prove that modern conveyors can combine flexibility with operational hygiene, essential in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
Industrial Conveyors: Precision and Versatility
Dorner’s industrial conveyor lines (2200, 2700, and 3200 series) remain central to flexible automation setups. They perform retracting tails, laning, merging, and dividing functions with precision. As an engineer, I appreciate that such modular designs enable seamless integration across varied production lines, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing process adaptability.
Pallet and Shuttle Systems: Dorner and montratec Collaboration
The combined Dorner and montratec pallet and shuttle loop demonstrates high-speed, precise material handling. Dorner’s DualMove pallet system features twin-strand timing belts and versatile accessory modules, enabling lift, rotate, and locate operations. Similarly, the ERT line ensures safe, low back-pressure handling for cleanroom and heavy-duty applications.
montratec’s intelligent Shuttles offer asynchronous movement, enabling independent product transport in multiple directions. This enhances line flexibility, reduces bottlenecks, and extends capabilities into cleanroom-classified environments, such as EV, battery, and semiconductor production.
Insight: The Future of Integrated Automation
From my perspective, the integration of Dorner, Garvey, and montratec solutions reflects a significant shift toward modular, interoperable automation. By combining sanitary, precise, and high-throughput solutions, CMCO conveys a clear message: modern manufacturing thrives on connectivity and adaptability, not just isolated equipment performance.
