What’s the Footprint/Space Savings with an IntelliFinishing System?

When space is tight, every square foot counts—especially in finishing operations. According to John Claman of IntelliFinishing, one of the key advantages of an IntelliFinishing system is its ability to significantly reduce the footprint compared to traditional conveyorized systems.

Traditional chain-based systems often require wide loops and large turning radiuses, especially for long or oversized products. IntelliFinishing addresses this with shuttle systems, which move carriers laterally, allowing process equipment like washers and ovens to be placed side by side. This means products don’t need to travel in wide loops just to change direction—they’re simply shifted from one station to the next.

Another space-saving method is the deadhead turn. Here, a carrier moves to the end of a conveyor lane, reverses direction, hits a switch, and seamlessly turns 45 or 90 degrees into the next process. This eliminates the need for sprawling looped layouts.

Finally, because IntelliFinishing doesn’t rely on continuous chain loops like power-and-free systems, there’s no need to route return chains throughout the facility. Carriers can split into different process lanes without requiring extra space to loop back—offering even more layout flexibility.

Together, these innovations allow for a more compact, efficient system—perfect for facilities where space and flow optimization are critical.

Article written by MarketScale.