Vertical, conveyor technology, beverages, logistics, industry—for optimized logistics processes

Since the late 1990s, AmbaFlex has established itself as a provider of solutions for transporting products reliably and in a space-saving manner over differences in height. The focus is clearly on vertical conveyor technology with spiral systems, which are used where classic straight conveyors reach their limits. At the trade fair, the company will demonstrate how this technology can be used in a wide variety of industries, from logistics to the beverage industry.

Vertical conveyor technology is no longer a niche topic, but is now significant for optimized logistics processes. Production lines are becoming denser, buildings taller, and material flows more complex. This is exactly where spiral conveyors come in, moving products continuously up or down without interrupting throughput. Packaged goods such as crates, bottles, cans, or shrink-wrapped packaging can thus be transported between several levels, regardless of whether there are two floors or significantly greater heights.

Spiral conveyors as the core of the solution

The centerpiece of the trade fair presentation is a classic spiral conveyor with a conveyor belt, which bridges heights as a vertical element. Such systems are designed to transport packaged products safely from one level to the next – for example, from the ground floor to higher floors or vice versa. The technology not only allows for pure upward or downward movement, but also more complex routes in which conveyor sections are combined to create maintenance aisles or transitions between hall levels. A characteristic feature is continuous movement without stop-and-go, which is particularly advantageous for high throughputs. Whether individual containers or mass flow – the conveyor technology can be flexibly adapted to different requirements. The decisive factor here is the combination of belt width, incline, and radius, which is precisely tailored to the respective product.

Applications in the beverage industry

A particularly important area of application is the beverage industry. Here, sensitive packaging such as bottles, cans, or crates must be transported not only quickly but also gently. Conveyor technology ensures that packaged beverages can be moved safely between filling, packaging, storage, and shipping. Hygiene is a key consideration in this environment. Conveyor systems must be easy to clean and must not have any hard-to-reach corners where dirt can accumulate. The systems are therefore fully welded, with continuous side guides without any interruptions. Stainless steel versions are available as an option, which allow for complete cleanability and meet the requirements of sensitive production environments.

Design details and technical differences

Even though a spiral conveyor may seem simple at first glance, its implementation involves considerable technical complexity. Different angles of inclination, tight radii, and varying conveyor heights require precise design. Small details play a particularly important role at transitions between individual conveyor belts. Tight radii enable small gap dimensions, which means that products are guided stably and do not tip over. Another feature is the continuous support of the transported goods. The slats or support elements are designed so that the products do not move or tilt. This ensures smooth running and minimizes downtime – an essential factor in high-performance systems.

Advantages of spiral conveyor technology at a glance

Vertical conveyor technology offers a number of practical advantages that make it attractive for many industries:

• Space-saving bridging of large heights within compact system layouts
• Continuous product flow without interrupting the material flow
• High flexibility when integrating into existing conveyor lines
• Suitable for different types of packaging and mass flows
• Hygienic design for sensitive production areas

Logistics and industry as further fields of application

Originally strongly rooted in logistics, the technology has long since established itself in other industrial sectors. In distribution centers, goods flows are organized across several levels, while in industry, production steps are connected vertically. Packaged products can thus be transported efficiently between processing, testing, and shipping. Vertical conveyor technology is becoming increasingly important, especially in modern factories where space must be used optimally. It enables compact layouts and supports modular system concepts in which expansions or adjustments can be implemented relatively easily.

Robustness and continuous operation

Another aspect is the design for continuous operation. The systems are designed for round-the-clock use and operate with low wear, as mechanically stressed interfaces are largely eliminated. Thanks to the continuous welded construction and stable guidance of the conveyor belts, performance remains constant even under high loads. The combination of structural stability, hygienic design, and flexible adaptability makes spiral conveyor technology a resilient solution for a wide range of requirements. At the trade fair, it will become clear that this is not a single product, but a modular system that can be adapted to different industries and applications.

Outlook for future requirements

With increasing demands on efficiency, hygiene, and space utilization, the importance of vertical conveyor technology will continue to grow. Production and logistics processes are becoming more complex, buildings taller, and throughputs larger. Spiral conveyors offer a proven response to these developments and can also be integrated into existing systems. The trade fair presentation shows that the technology is not only mature, but also versatile. For companies in the beverage industry, logistics, and manufacturing, it offers a stable foundation for organizing material flows reliably and in a space-saving manner—today and in the future.