Qimarox
Home/Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Lead times, materials, maintenance and configurations — the 150 questions our engineers field most. Filter by machine to see only what applies to your model.

63 QUESTIONS

What is the delivery time for a Prorunner mk5?+

The lead time for Prorunner Mk5 is generally between 8 to 16 weeks*, with custom requirements taking a longer time.

*(this time is an approximation and can be subject to change, when placing an order you will get a definitive delivery time)

What is the thickness of the powder coating layer on the machines?+

The thickness of the powder coating must be at least between 60µm and 90µm per layer. With a primer and a topcoat, the thickness is at least 120-180µm.

When having an EPD coating, an extra 18-25µm is added.

Do the actuators used by Qimarox meet the UL/CSA requirements?+

Actuators that Qimarox use without UL/CSA classification, are underneath the 100VA and are thereby usable when using a Class 2 Power Supply and/or is secured with for example product number 9000-41042-0100400 of Murr Electronics.

How to do maintenance on the shuttle conveyors of the Prorunner mk5 and Prorunner mk5-XL? And what is the recommended free space below the conveyors to do maintenance?+

The maintenance should be done from below. The recommended free space below the shuttle conveyors is 800mm. This information is also shown on the drawings shared in offer and order phase.

Are the front covers available in multiple colors?+

Yes, the front covers (Alupanel) are available in the following colors:

Black RAL9005

Blue RAL5002

Digital White

Green RAL6005

Green RAL6024

Ivory RAL1015

Red RAL 3020

Silver RAL9006 (standard color)

White

Yellow RAL1023

Can the machines be placed in a environment with temperatures above the 40 degrees celcius?+

The machines are not suitable for temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Its components have not been rated or classified for use in such high-temperature environments. Operating the machine beyond this limit may lead to performance issues, accelerated wear, or component failure. For applications requiring higher temperature resistance, get in touch with Qimarox.

Can the machines be placed in a hygienic environment?+

The machines are not available in a hygienic version. It has not been designed or constructed to meet the specific requirements necessary for hygienic applications. As alternative we can supply a stainless steel version and for the Prorunner mk5 a Wash Down version is available.

Can the machines be places in a moisture environment?+

The machines can be configured in multiple variants for use in moisture environments or when the machines are cleaned with water. To ensure durability and performance, materials and protective coatings resistant to corrosion are essential. Proper selection of components, such as EPD coating, stainless steel or the Wash Down variant, can prevent material degradation.

Can the machines be places in a salt water environment?+

The machines can be configured in multiple variants for use in environments involving saltwater exposure. To ensure durability and performance, materials and protective coatings resistant to corrosion are essential. Proper selection of components, such as stainless steel or EPD coating, can prevent material degradation. For applications requiring salt water resistance, get in touch with Qimarox.

Can the machines be placed in a battery industry (no zinc parts) environment?+

The machines can be supplied without the inclusion of zinc material. If desired, alternative materials or coatings can be used based on specific requirements. For applications requiring no zinc parts, get in touch with Qimarox.

Can the machines be used in a dusty or dirty environment?+

The machines can be used in dusty environments. It is crucial to adhere to the prescribed maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Dust accumulation can impair functionality, leading to increased wear and potential failure. Regular maintenance helps prevent these issues, safeguarding operational efficiency and reducing downtime. Compliance with the maintenance plan is essential for sustained reliability and safety. Please note that the machine can not be used in ATEX environments.

Can the machines be placed in an earthquake region?+

The machines has not been tested or calculated for seismic regions. Structural integrity under seismic loads is unverified. Design modifications or anchoring may be necessary for compliance and safety. Until then, operate with caution in high-seismic-risk areas.

What is EPD (KTL) coating?+

EPD coating is a pretreatment before powder coating, which makes the coating more resistant to e.g. moisture environments.

Can the machine be supplied with EPD (KTL) coating?+
Are support brackets mounted to structure with bolts down or up?+

Brackets can be mounted in both orientation. The customer can implement whichever is easier.

Do we have a lift specially developed for the ‘Clean Room Environment’?+

No, we do not have a lift specially made for ‘Clean room enviroment’. We do have the mk5 WD, which is made of stainless steel and can be power washed. It is for the integrator to decide if this complies.

Is the distance between the carriers always the same?+

No, there can be differences due to total chain length, column height, product height and number of carriers needed for the capacity. This is to maximize utilization of the chain wheel used to tension the chain.

Is it needed to anchor the lift for stability?+

The machine needs to be anchored to the floor, see documentation. Above 4 meters height the machine also needs to be anchored every 4 meters to a solid structure for sideways stabilization.

What brake voltage should be used for the gear motors?+

This depends on the motor and the customer’s preference. We use brake voltage 400V AC as standard.

Why are there sometimes (like PVC or PF-00) sleeves on the conveyor rollers?+

This is to increase the friction between the rollers and the product. This allows, for example, plastic crates (which slide easily) to be transported more effectively. It can also reduce the noise level when ‘harder’ products are transported.

Does this vertical conveyors use pneumatics?+

No, a standard mk5 does not use pneumatics. However, some add-on conveyors such as tilting conveyors or bypass stoppers require pneumatics.

Can a machine be later converted to be used for a heavier product?+

Yes, this is possible. However, the lift needs to be recalculated to see if the gear motor still meets the requirements. It might be needed to equip the machine with a new gear motor. Always consult Qimarox for changes.

How is an mk5 delivered in terms of electrical components?+

The standard is with an infeed and outfeed sensor on the column and a rotation detection on the lower sprocket for a basic lift. The conveyors all have two standard photocells with reflectors to detect the products.

Can gear motors from a supplier other than SEW be used to control the shuttle conveyors?+

No, we supply standard modules with SEW gear motors. These modules are engineered based on the sizes of these gear motors (shafts, attachment, clearance), and deviating from this can cause a lot of customization.

Can a column be hung through a floor?+

In certain situations, this is possible (Always in consultation with and with approval of Qimarox). There are special brackets with which the lift can hang through a floor. We can supply the brackets, but the integrator needs to construct the attachment for fixating the machine to the floor.

Can the x-direction of the products be larger than indicated in the specifications?+

No, the x-size is limited to the maximum values provided in the lift specifications. Because it is a continuous lift, the forks on the opposite side come along in the opposite direction. If a product is too wide, a collision will occur.

Is it possible to implement an mk5 as a start-stop elevator?+

This is possible, but the machine is not designed for this purpose. The mk5 is essentially a continuous vertical conveyor meant to start empty and then continue running continuously. When the machine is used for start-stop sequence, a heavier gear motor will needed.

Is it possible to have both infeed/s and the outfeed/s in only one side of the lift?+

Yes, this is possible. There are two options; the first is with front infeed (v-belt conveyors), in this situation there will be an of sett of 650mm between the infeed and discharge conveyor. The second option is from the side with roller conveyors, in this situation the product needs to pass the down going part of the vertical conveyor and therefore the overall throughput is lower.

Would it be possible to supply our own I/O module for this Product?+

To know if this is possible we need to have more information on the I/O module to use so we can check if it can be mounted on the same location as our standard unit or if we need to make changes to the design. In every situation additional cost can apply and it may also effect delivery time. Preferred is to stick with the standaard options supplied by Qimarox.

Leaving the unit out will also generate additional cost as it would require a change request. Ask your sales representatives for the possibilities.

What brake voltage should be used for the motors?+

This depends on the motor and the customer’s preference. We use brake voltage 400V AC as standard.

Why are there sometimes (e.g. PVC or PF-00) sleeves on the conveyor rollers?+

This is to increase the friction between the rollers and the product. This allows, for example, plastic crates (which slide easily) to be transported more effectively.

Does this lift have pneumatics?+

All our vertical conveyors are fully electrical. However, some add-ons such as tilting conveyors or stoppers (e.g. in a bypass conveyor) require pneumatics.

How often do we need to lubricate the bearings?+

Bearings we have installed do not need to be lubricated. Installed bearings are sealed bearings (ZZ and 2RS) and are factory-filled with grease. They cannot be re-lubricated. These bearings have a maintenance-free lifespan. Re-lubrication is not necessary; instead, in case of wear or reduced performance, the bearings should be replaced.

Can the machines be placed in an ATEX environment?+

The machines are not suitable for ATEX environments. It has not been designed or certified for use in explosive atmospheres as defined by ATEX standards.

Does anything have to be done to make the vertical conveyor CE worthy?+

The Prorunner vertical conveyors always carry the CE certificate from Qimarox. When the system integrator incorporates the lift into a larger system, they must issue a CE certificate for the entire system to ensure overall compliance.

Why does Qimarox not apply counterbalance-weights to its vertical product and pallet elevators?+

By not using a counter weight it’s possible to have more flexibility for your lay-out as pallets can go in and out in each direction. Anther factor is cost, on engineering, material and maintenance. For each different application the weight would be different and by adding moving parts maintenance becomes more expensive. Also the counter weight would need safety pins for person safety when entering the safety zone.

All these additional costs will not compensate the slightly higher cost of a stronger gear motor.

What is the difference between an incremental encoder and an absolute encoder? Which is used by Qimarox?+

An absolute encoder gives an absolute position. An incremental encoder measures the changes in position. With each movement, counting the number of steps. Qimarox uses incremental encoders from SEW because of their high quality and simplicity.

Do all the rollers of the RDC2 roller conveyor have the same diameter?+

Yes the diameter of the rollers is 40mm, although the drive roller has a diameter of 50mm.

If the optional sleeved roller is used the rollers have a diameter of 44 mm and the drive roller of 54mm.

Do you offer a continues vertical conveyor as the Prorunner mk5 that is capable of transporting bigger products?+

Yes, there is an XL version with a maximum product size up to 900 x 610mm.

Would it be possible to install the Prorunner mk5 in a cold-store environment or freezing room?+

With additional parts the Prorunner mk5 can be installed in a freezing environment up to -25⁰C.

When do we need to use a Prorunner mk5 XL?+

The Mk5 XL becomes an option when product dimensions exceed 600 x 610 mm.

Is it possible to install the mk5 outside?+

No, that’s not possible. The mk5 is engineered for indoor use.

Would it be possible to deliver the machines in custom RAL colors?+

Yes, We can deliver this machine in the RAL colour of your choice.

Please check with your sales representative the implications on cost and delivery time.

Can we use an mk5 lift and have an up and down product flow at the same time?+

Yes, due to the flexible design, we can configure a continuous lift with shuttle conveyors, so products can move up and down at the same time.

What is the maximum capacity with a Prorunner mk5 sorter?+

The maximum capacity is subject to various things such as the product dimensions and column height. In ideal situations, the capacity can go up to 1800 per hour.

Can the Prorunner mk5 be used as a buffering system?+

Yes, but in order to maximize buffering capacity, the lift has to operate in step by step mode (Start-Stop). The capacity is very dependent on the configuration. Please contact our sales representative for more information.

Is it possible to have retractable conveyors for sorting on the PRmk5-WD?+

No, retractable conveyors have an IP rating of 54, which is not enough to be washed down.

What documents are included with the vertical conveyor?+

The included documents are a layout of the vertical conveyor (2D, 3D), specifications of the unit and gear motor and a list of the spare parts with risk table and a 3D pdf file to identify parts.

What is the largest product that can be transported by the Prorunner mk5?+

The maximum product size of the Prorunner mk5 is 600×610 mm. The maximum product height depends on the height of the machine and the requested capacity. We also offer the Prorunner mk5 XL, which can transport 900×610 mm.

What determines the capacity of the mk5?+

There are multiple factors that determine the capacity of a mk5 vertical conveyor.

Most important factor is the maximum height of the products to be handled.

Some other factors: column height, amount of in- and outfeed levels, conveyor type, product weight and product size.

Is the Prorunner mk5 available in a stainless steel or hygennic version?+

The Prorunner mk5 is, besides the standard, available as a (partly) stainless steel and a washdown version.

What is the difference between wipe-down and wash-down?+

Every machine can be wipe-down by using standard cleaning material and cloth. Only the PRmk5-WD can be cleaned using water.

Can the gear motor be at the bottom for easy access/maintenance?+

No, The mk5 is a fully pre-engineered machine. During development, the gear motor position has been chosen with load and energy consumption in mind. Changing the position to the bottom of the lift would have a negative impact on energy consumption.

Are we able to do a FAT (factory acceptance test) at Qimarox?+

An FAT can be arranged up to a certain height. Please consult your sales representative for possibilities.

In most situations the final assembly is performed on site to reduce shipment cost and optimize handling of the parts. In these situations a FAT will not be possible.

Can we handle bigger product dimensions with the mk5 wash down?+

No, the mk5 wash-down has the same maximum product dimensions as a standard mk5 (600×610). If the need arises to transport bigger products, we recommend the mk5 XL, which can transport products up to 900×610 mm, however the mk5-XL is not available as a Wash-Down version.

Is it possible to feed the product to the machine manually?+

No, our vertical conveyors are designed to work within an automated conveyor system.

Are Qimarox vertical conveyors supplied with software?+

Yes, a functional description and software block will be provided by Qimarox.

We supply software blocks for both Siemens and AllenBradley Platforms, the software can be used to be implemented within your project software.

Our aim is to make integration of the equipment as easy as possible to any integrator.

Can a integrator assemble the vertical conveyors on site by themselves?+

Yes this is possible but we strongly advise you to make use of our experienced technicians on site (ask our sales department for the options in your region). If this is not possible Qimarox supplies the assembly instructions.

Can the gear motor be supplied with a MoviMot?+

The Prorunner mk1 and mk5 are available with a MoviMot drive system. This is not a standard component, which means that delivery time may be longer and costs may be higher.

What kind of shipments options are there? And what kind of options are there+
How are the products packaged when they go overseas?+

We pack our products on wood with an heat treatment. When the shipment goes overseas we use VCI worthy foil to ensure that the shipment is free of moisture and dust.

Has the wood used for the packaging been treated against pests?+

Yes, all our wood is treated against pests by a heat treatment and meets the world wide ISPM 15 standard.

What is the shipment volume?+

This of course depends on the height of the lift and any accessories ordered. However, each lift can be sent in modules, which means that the volume can be very limited.

Question not covered? An engineer answers faster than you would expect.

Contact