Multiple package sizes in a production line are becoming the norm for consumer goods manufacturers. That means production lines have to be adaptable. Here are 10 quick changeover solutions for guide rails.

1. 10 Rail options for thefast, faster and fastestchangeover

2. Tool less guide rail brackets Upgrading to tool-less brackets, like the hand ratchet shown here, is a low-cost investment that helps to speed-up manual adjustments.

3. RULER GUIDES This ruler guide bracket saves change-over time by removing the measuring tasks between product runs.

4. Hand wheel A hand wheel is a tool-less option for changing rail openings. Hand wheels can move rail sections as long as 20 feet.

5. COUNTER Rail guide When extreme precision is necessary, a counter can be integrated with the rail to set exact rail widths.

6. Pin-in-place guide rails Production lines that only have a few product sizes can utilize a pin-in-place system. There is a separate pin position on the bracket for each size.

7. MIN-max This rail adjustment system, called Min-Max, is used to guide the rail to minimum or maximum positions.

8. Quick set guide A tool-less guide rail option, the quick set rail has a positioning spacer that pops in place on the preset adjustment.

9. Interchangeable guides Guides are specially designed out of UHMW and are set in place on conveyor to accommodate for different product size runs.

10. Flip out rail Guides can be designed with a hinge to flip in and out when not needed. This flip-out rail also allows access for cleaning.

11. Pneumatic rails Often used in high volume production lines, automatic rail adjustments are another option to reduce changeover time.

12. Robo rails Robo rails provide more flexibility for product widths. The purchase cost is higher, but it is also the fastest, most versatile and accurate method.

13. While there are many things that can be done to reduce change-over between product sizes; rails are usually first on the list. Visit www.nercon.com for more information!