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Since 1971, Weldon Solutions, formerly known as Weldon Machine Tool Inc., has been providing its customers with a number of different products and services. The company not only manufactures its own line of CNC grinders, but also designs and integrates robotic automaton solutions and installs and services Emtrol storage/retrieval systems.

For more than 10 years, Weldon Solutions has been a loyal customer of igus ® Inc., using the company’s Energy Chain ® cable carrier systems and Chainflex ® continuous-flex cables on a wide-array of Weldon products. One product that incorporates both igus lines is used in the baking industry.

Automated pan storage systems, manufactured and sold by Weldon, are a vital part of the production cycle for many bakery customers. The storage system allows pan storage and retrieval to be done with ease. The machine has many features, including retrofitting options for any size bakery, wireless remote control for safe manual operation and shuttle power through an open, sanitary cable carrier, which is provided by igus.

Weldon uses System E4/0 Energy Chains, along with Chainflex power and control cables on all pan storage systems. The System E4/0 is designed for heavier-duty applications, making it well suited for the storage system. When the Emtrol product line was redesigned in 2000, festoon systems were replaced with Energy Chain, eliminating a number of maintenance and space issues for Weldon customers. By phasing out the festoon system, customers no longer have to worry about clearance limitations and now enjoy reduced installation time.

Energy Chain also ensures a clean environment for the baked goods. With a festoon system in use, cables dangled from above, allowing any dust caught in the system to potentially fall on top of exposed food or containers. Energy Chain, however, is mounted below the pan storage system, keeping unwanted dust on the floor.

Charles Gales, Automation Sales Manager of Weldon Solutions, noted the positives of using Energy Chain.

“The reliability of the igus cable carrier is a big plus for our customers,” he said. “The open design of the Energy Chain also works well. The chain can be easily blown out with an air hose, helping our bakery customers maintain a sanitary environment.”

For the past five years, Emtrol storage/retrieval systems also have been using an Energy Chain feature called AUTO-GLIDE. With 75 to 125 feet of cable carrier on each pan storage system, AUTO-GLIDE eliminates the need for a trough. AUTO-GLIDE incorporates a ribbed design along the inner radius of the carrier that interlocks to create integrated channels for the carrier to glide along. AUTO-GLIDE can also be equipped with a positioning guide and floor bumpers that prevent the top of the chain from derailing or misaligning.

Gales reports AUTO-GLIDE is delivering a solid performance on all the machines.

“We have been using AUTO-GLIDE systems for more than five years now and none of them have been replaced yet,” he said.

Igus products have proven to be an excellent choice for Weldon Solutions overall, according to Gales.

“I am happy to report we are using igus products throughout our company.”

To learn more about Weldon Solutions, visit www.weldonsolutions.com