When it comes to conveyor systems, one size does not fit all. From the layout to the load capacity and even the material choice based on the environment, manufacturers need the ability to modify the material handling machine to meet specific needs.
Known for its customizable solutions, mk North America showcased a wide range of material handling systems for packaging at Automate 2025 in Detroit.
The company, headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, displayed three adaptable offerings at the show, including a shuttle system with robotic elements, a flexible chain conveyor for medium-sized goods, and a recirculating pallet system.
“One thing we pride ourselves on is the design to order based on what the customer needs, building out exactly the cell and system our customers want in their facility,” said Michael Zampano, mechanical project engineer at mk North America, in an interview with Packaging OEM.
To assist machine builders and manufacturers with the smooth integration of its equipment, mk North America also offers design and support services.
This image shows mk’s Versaflex (left), a shuttle system that’s made possible through a collaboration with Igus’ Rbtx platform (center), and a recirculating pallet system, the SPU 2040 (left). Source: Sarah Wynm
Shuttle system for pick-and-place operations
The company’s shuttle system is designed for simple pick-and-place operations. It’s capable of moving small boxes and parcels in packaging and e-commerce environments, and is made possible through a collaboration between mk and Igus’ Rbtx platform.
It features mk’s flat belt conveyor feeding the shuttle, which includes the company’s LZR timing belt and an internal drive roller. From there, the box moves down a plastic modular belt conveyor, which features a streamlined design and is resistant to wear and tear.
“The beauty of this design is that it’s showing off three different material handling solutions,” said Scott Blais Jr., mk’s sales and development manager, during a live demo.
The system also offers sustainability benefits by reducing energy consumption.
“It’s an energy-efficient machine, it’s recycling air right now from the environment,” explained Blais. “As long as you can power the robot, you can get the air.”
It can be integrated seamlessly into existing lines and typically takes three to four weeks to commission.
Custom conveyor integration with Igus
Blais noted that mk and Igus have a long-standing relationship. Through that partnership, they’re able to provide customizable conveyors with robotic capabilities.
“The beautiful part about what Rbtx and Igus are doing, in conjunction with our conveyors, is that if you’re a creative mind, or an engineering mind, the world is your oyster,” said Blais.
Flexible medium-duty pallet conveyor
Also featured was mk’s VersaFlex AP10 pallet conveyor, engineered for medium-duty pallet-handling applications.
“VersaFlex is our tabletop chain conveyor system that we offer pallet systems and general conveyance for packaging, small parts, and even finished parts,” said Zampano.
It features a stop setup with singulation and lift-and-locate technology, as it can properly align with machine operations and various setups.
“This is for applications where parts are not massive, but still have a little bit of weight,” said Zampano. “This system can handle up to 60 pounds per pallet.”
The company showcased VersaFlex with a racetrack loop to highlight the variety of positions machine builders can utilize, along with different turn orientations.
Optimizing pallet movement
In addition, mk displayed its recirculating pallet system, the SPU 2040, which works in any application where two machines need to be combined.
“The unique thing about this is that it allows the pallets to recirculate on the underside of the conveyor and return to the operator pick station without needing a separate return conveyor for the pallet,” said Cory Santor, inside sales manager at mk North America.
It’s available in two different chain widths, which are selected based on the specific pallet size.
“This saves a lot of space in your footprint, not needing any type of return track,” said Santor. “It’s done through the use of pneumatic stops and lift and locate.”
The company said it can also be used to slash downtime in your facility.
“The operator has the chance to quickly load and go do something else, compared to asynchronous operation, where they would have to place a part each time,” said Santor. “The conveyor indexes up the position, allowing them to load and move about the facility to do other operations.”
It features easy integration, doesn’t require a PLC, and has a positioning accuracy of plus or minus 0.2 millimeters. This system tends to take about 10 weeks to commission.
“This is basically a turnkey system,” said Santor. “It can be brought into a facility without needing extra equipment.”
Working with machine builders
mk collaborates with machine builders and OEMs to provide the correct machine for their specific needs, and the company guides the specific customer to the proper solution for their project.
“When it comes to OEMs, I think we’re a fantastic partner because we have such a large breadth of product offerings. We can a la carte the solution to meet their unique machinery and equipment,” Blais said.
Digital access for machinery at your fingertips
To keep operators updated with information about mk’s equipment, the company uses QR codes on each machine so users can access data by using their smartphones.
“There’s a QR code that brings you right to the product page on our website, including all the documentation you need for service, along with the drawings themselves and any other wiring or mk-related documents you may need,” said Zampano.
It’s part of a transformation in packaging that’s shifting the industry towards digital, including the adoption of 2D barcodes that are similar to the QR codes mk uses on its machines.
Made in America
Except for the cobot on display, all mk’s equipment featured at Automate was assembled using their own aluminum extrusion profiles.
“We have a 27-year relationship with an extruder in the Northeast – very strong ties,” said Blais. “Maybe the most impressive thing is that we stock the most common 40% of those profiles and do all cutting in-house. From initial concept to shipment, everything comes right out of Connecticut.”
The company says it transforms these raw materials into fully automated assemblies, deployed in systems across North America.
To learn more about mk North America’s material handling solutions, click here.
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