RoundTrack systems
System advantages and system properties
Inventor and market leader of RoundTrack systems
The company’s founder Wilfried Strothmann invented the RoundTrack in the 80s and registered a series of new patents. Strothmann constantly expands its product range, so that the company’s intelligent solutions continue to meet the customers’ ever more stringent requirements. The RoundTrack sets standards for efficient product and material flow of loads weighing up to 200 t. It is capable of transporting heavy components or even entire machines and systems. This means the RoundTrack system offers all the advantages of modern line assembly in entirely new dimensions.
System advantages
The RoundTrack advantage
Advantage over traditional transport systems
Advantage over Vulkollan wheels
The RoundTrack offers an impressive reduction of the rolling friction coefficient by a factor of >10 and therefore requires significantly less energy than the above-mentioned systems. Moreover, the RoundTrack wheel is highly resistant to environmental factors and foreign objects along its route. The compact design permits a relatively low cart height and the form closure integrated in the wheel profile allows for absorption of transverse forces and reliable track guiding. As an extra benefit, the RoundTrack steel wheels are 100 % recyclable, making them more sustainable than any other material.
Advantages over crane systems
The RoundTrack system is easy to implement in existing production workshops and does not require complicated workshop infrastructure. Floor-level transport ensures greater safety. The transport carriages in use are available immediately at all times and do not require additional auxiliary equipment. There are no recurring costs for special training courses or safety inspections of slinging means.
Advantages over air cushion vehicles
Once again, the RoundTrack system has lower energy requirements. The RoundTrack does not require expensive preparation of a pneumatic system nor additional energy for lifting the load. The floor work required is also limited to installation of the RoundTrack, so no extensive floor preparation and maintenance is necessary.
Advantage over alternative rail systems
Crane track |
Crane track |
Railway track |
Tram track |
Strothmann |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 = very good |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Protection against dirt |
2 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
Ease of cleaning |
4 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
2 |
Avoidance of edge loads |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
Track precision |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
Rolling resistance |
4 |
6 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
Accident prevention |
6 |
1 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
Reduction in wear |
3 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
Load-bearing capacity |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
Replaceability |
6 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
1 |
Average |
4 |
3,6 |
4 |
4,4 |
1,6 |
Compared with other rail systems, the Strothmann RoundTrack offers exceptional benefits. This comparison is based on an assessment by TEG-S of the Fraunhofer Society.
Maximised energy efficiency
No other transport system has a lower energy consumption than the RoundTrack when moving heavy loads.
- minimised energy requirement
- consistent consumption thanks to a practically wear-free system
- combined energy efficiency and low-maintenance features make production significantly more eco-friendly (CO2 footprint)
Modern assembly line based on Industry 4.0
With the flow assembly line Strothmann customers were able to reduce production costs by over 40 %.
- Tools and materials can be assigned to individual stations
- Assembly and testing devices need only be kept on hand at one station
- No duplicate processes at various assembly stations
- Transparent processes: notable improvement of quality throughout the entire value added chain
