To be competitive in today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, it’s important to be agile. To this end, more manufacturers are implementing flexible manufacturing concepts to facilitate production changes on the shop floor. Examples include roll away equipment with quick electrical connections or the use of prefabricated modular manufacturing cells.

Electrical components that make the final connection are central to successfully implementing this strategy. This is where MENNEKES products shine, as they provide safe power for portable equipment used by manufacturers in varied plant environments.

Exploring Flexible Manufacturing Strategies

Traditional plant floor machinery was often hardwired. On the other hand, incorporating plug-in plant equipment enables manufacturers to quickly adapt to product line extensions, volume changes and packaging options. This approach achieves the desired flexibility and minimizes manufacturing downtime.

A plant floor becomes a dynamic and adaptable space when designed with modular and portable equipment. For example, the pharmaceutical industry often uses modular process systems with pre-fabricated skids. Pin and sleeve devices assist with their transport and on-site assembly.

Flexibility With MENNEKES Wiring Devices

MENNEKES products provide easy, reliable and safe power connections. Our IEC 60309 pin and sleeve devices, rated at 20A, 30A, 60A and 100A, meet various equipment load requirements. Their non-metallic, impact-resistant housing also boosts operator safety.

Applications that benefit from quick power connections include end-of-line packaging equipment like portable conveyors. And in food and beverage plants, MENNEKES plugs and connectors are the preferred choice for their Type 4X watertight rating, durability and ease of daily washdown.

AMAXX Power Distribution. Enhancing flexibility, AMAXX® power distribution units can be configured with multiple receptacles to match varied equipment needs as floor requirements change. Switched and interlocked receptacle modules assure “no-load” connection of plant equipment for operator safety. AMAXX® is built to withstand high temperatures and corrosive washdown solutions and is suitable for areas with frequent washdown requirements.

Switched and Interlocked Receptacles. Available with 20A-100A ratings, all units feature a patented interlocking mechanism to assure no-load mating and disconnecting of portable equipment. Their compact design is also ideal for space-limited installations; examples include manufacturing skid packages or production cells with multiple pieces of equipment. The use of these components unlocks greater plant floor flexibility while maintaining operator safety.

Sloped-Top Stainless-Steel Product. Our SLP Series of disconnects is ideal for hygiene-critical environments like food and beverage facilities. The 15-degree sloped roof aids in liquid runoff, preventing contaminant buildup and supporting sanitation regulations. SpecMAXX® customizable enclosures also offer compact installation for multiple disconnects or receptacles.

Contact us today to learn more about our range of electrical solutions for your manufacturing application.