The Natrix shoe sorter family with its push-off elements (shoes) is an important component of TGW's systems and solutions. The TGW experts drew on their 25 years of experience when designing the new version with parallel push-off technology. The key requirement was that the high-performance system had to be energy-efficient and offer maximum flexibility.

Up to 15,000 load carriers per hour

The performance, the length, the discharge angle and the conveyed material determine the design of a sorter. Thanks to its wide range of variants (22 degree or 30 degree discharge, parallel or conventional push-off technology), the Natrix module fits perfectly into the overall TGW concept and can be divided into three stages:

• Up to 15,000 load carriers per hour: At very high output, parallel push-off technology is used and the conveyed goods are merged before the sorter using a so-called sawtooth merge.
• Up to 10,000 load carriers per hour: This variant uses conventional push-off technology and also a sawtooth merge.
• Up to 6,000 load carriers per hour: For low performance requirements, a so-called channelizer, also known as a 3:1 merge, is used. This means that two supply lines and the sorter overflow are merged.

In order to achieve the required throughput rates and enable fast delivery, the load carriers are conveyed precisely and the performance is automatically compared with the throughput data. Intelligent algorithms form the basis of the control system: They intervene automatically before a malfunction occurs. The subsystems used are also fully integrated. The smart control system and the highest quality standards for hardware and software ensure that ejection errors are minimized.

Maximum availability and flexibility

Flexibility was also at the heart of the considerations. "Change as your business changes" is the credo. For example, users can use different load carriers - whether cardboard boxes, containers, trays or paperbags. The dimensions and maximum weight can also vary. The Natrix sorter was developed for TGW's core sectors of fashion, food, industrial and consumer goods - and can be used for omni-channel models, e-commerce or supplying stores.

In focus: energy efficiency

An intelligent algorithm that determines the speed plays a central role in the energy efficiency of the Natrix sorter. When demand is low, the system consumes little energy. The control system only calls up full power when it is needed. The use of energy-saving components also contributes to a green overall concept. This not only protects the environment, but also the company's finances. The use of high-quality components means that maintenance costs are low and intervals are long. This makes a decisive contribution to low total cost of ownership.