In modern conveyor systems, space optimization and efficient material flow are crucial for productivity. A direction changer, also referred to as a stroke converter or corner transfer unit, plays a key role in ensuring seamless, 90-degree transfers of goods without disrupting overall logistics. These systems allow products to be efficiently reoriented, redirected, or sorted between different conveyor lines, making them indispensable for automated warehouses, production lines, and logistics hubs.
Direction Changer
Optimizing conveyor flow with 90-degree transfers
Designed to lift and reposition goods, direction changers minimize material congestion, improve system throughput, and offer gentle handling of delicate or fragile products. Industries that require precise and safe transport, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, food production, and automotive manufacturing, benefit significantly from these smart material handling solutions. By integrating direction changers into a conveyor network, businesses can streamline their workflows, reduce downtime, and optimize overall productivity.
Why use a Direction Changer?
A direction changer is essential in space-constrained environments where direct conveyor paths are not feasible. Traditional straight-line conveyor systems may be inefficient or impractical, particularly in facilities requiring multi-directional transport or where separate processing zones need to be linked. By incorporating a direction-changing solution, businesses can:
Enhance Workflow Efficiency – Maintain a steady and controlled material flow even in high-throughput environments.
Optimize Space Utilization – Allow for compact, right-angled layouts without sacrificing system capacity.
Prevent Product Damage – Minimize friction and impact, ensuring delicate goods remain undamaged during transit.
Enable Smart Automation – Improve operational accuracy with sensor-driven motion control.
Reduce Labor Costs – Automate product transfers, minimizing manual intervention.
In today’s competitive manufacturing and logistics industries, efficient material handling is critical. TEGEL-TECHNIK’s direction changers provide custom-built solutions to ensure maximum productivity across various industrial sectors.
Comprehensive range of Direction Changers
TEGEL-TECHNIK provides a diverse selection of direction-changing conveyors, tailored for different industries and product types. Similar to turntables, transfer carts, and vertical lifts, these systems can be integrated with various conveyor components, such as roller conveyors, chain conveyors, belt conveyors, to suit specific applications. Our portfolio includes:
Roller Transfer Units – Designed for low-friction handling of boxes, totes, and lightweight components.
Chain Transfer Units – Ideal for heavy-duty loads such as pallets, industrial equipment, and steel frames.
Belt Transfer Systems – Ensure smooth, vibration-free transport for fragile products and soft-bottomed goods.
Toothed Belt Direction Changers – Deliver precise, controlled positioning, minimizing vibrations and slippage.
Each of these systems is highly customizable, allowing for adjustments in speed, load capacity, lifting height, and operational features. Whether for automated sorting, product realignment, or space-optimized material flow, our solutions are engineered to meet your exact operational requirements.
How Direction Changers work
The functionality of a direction changer relies on a combination of lifting mechanisms and conveyor integration. These units use a secondary conveyor system that moves vertically between the existing conveyor rollers or belts, lifting the product and smoothly transferring it at a 90-degree angle. The process can be adjusted for continuous operation or intermittent movement, depending on workflow demands.
Key transfer mechanisms:
High-Speed Sorting – Belt and roller transfers ensure quick and seamless redirection in sorting centers and distribution hubs.
Heavy-Duty Handling – Chain-driven and toothed belt units offer stability and strength for industrial applications.
Gentle Handling Solutions – Low-pressure roller and vacuum-assisted units minimize impact, protecting delicate materials.
By selecting the appropriate transfer type, businesses can enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure smooth workflow integration.
Key benefits of TEGEL-TECHNIK Direction Changers
Our direction changers are designed for maximum reliability and efficiency in high-demand industrial environments. Key advantages include:
Adaptability for Various Industries – Suitable for use in logistics, manufacturing, automotive, packaging, and recycling.
Optimized Space Utilization – Enables compact conveyor layouts, even in facilities with limited floor space.
Built for Durability – Constructed with premium-grade materials, ensuring long-term reliability.
Fast & Cost-Effective Integration – Can be seamlessly incorporated into existing conveyor systems with minimal modifications.
Higher Productivity & Lower Costs – Automates material flow, reducing labor costs and improving efficiency.
Seamless System Compatibility – Engineered for smooth integration with mechanical, electrical, and software-driven automation systems.
Everything from a single source: We offer a high level of vertical integration with an extensive range of mechanical, electrical and software services. As a company and manufacturer in the field of conveyor technology, we have been drawing on our valuable experience since 1982.
These features make TEGEL-TECHNIK’s direction changers the go-to solution for businesses seeking enhanced operational control, automation, and efficiency.
Industry applications for Direction Changers
Direction changers play an integral role in modern automation and material handling. Industries that rely on efficient re-routing of goods include:
Intralogistics – Direction changers play a crucial role in storage and order picking systems, ensuring an efficient and streamlined distribution of goods within warehouses and logistics centers.
Production – In manufacturing environments, workpieces are seamlessly transferred between different processing stations with the help of direction changers. These units are particularly beneficial in white goods production, where they assist in feeding robotic stations and other automated processing systems.
One example of gentle product transport is lifting transfer units with toothed belts: We implemented these requirements for a customer for the transport of dishwasher inner containers.Gentle Product Transport – When handling fragile materials, specialized direction changers equipped with toothed belts ensure smooth and damage-free movement. For instance, we implemented a customized solution for transporting dishwasher inner containers, meeting the highest standards of precision and care.
Assembly – Within assembly lines, ergonomic and efficient component feeding is essential. Direction changers optimize the workflow by facilitating a seamless transition of parts to assembly stations, reducing manual handling and improving workplace efficiency.
Packaging – In palletizing systems, direction changers are frequently utilized for the precise and efficient transport of packaged goods. One of our projects involved a heavy-duty pallet handling system, where heavy Euro pallets were directed to a robotic filling station using a carrier chain conveyor, also referred to as a chain lift transfer unit.
Recycling – In waste management and recycling facilities, direction changers are integrated into sorting systems, streamlining the process of separating and transporting recyclable materials.
Heavy Load Handling – Direction changers are engineered to move even the heaviest goods effortlessly. In one of our customer projects, we developed a customized carrying chain conveyor system designed for feeding heavy load carriers into a robotic workstation. The direction changers were integrated with driven roller conveyors, ensuring stable and precise load handling. This specific configuration is also known as a roller lift transfer unit.
Whether for high-speed sorting, delicate product handling, or heavy-duty industrial processing, TEGEL-TECHNIK’s direction changers are engineered to meet industry-specific challenges.
Custom Direction Changers – tailored to your needs
Each production facility presents unique challenges, and standardized solutions may not always be effective. That’s why TEGEL-TECHNIK specializes in tailor-made direction changers, developed to suit the precise requirements of different industries.
Custom Speed & Load Capacities – Designed for small, fragile goods or high-capacity industrial loads.
Industry-Specific Coatings & Surfaces – Protect delicate materials from scratches, slippage, or contamination.
Seamless Automation Integration – Compatible with PLC-controlled, sensor-driven, and AI-assisted logistics systems.
Flexible Layouts & Modular Designs – Ensures scalability and easy integration into future expansions.
Our engineering expertise allows us to develop high-performance, energy-efficient, and fully automated conveyor solutions that enhance material flow, maximize throughput, and reduce operational costs.
Why choose TEGEL-TECHNIK for Direction Changers?
With over 40 years of experience in conveyor technology, TEGEL-TECHNIK is a trusted partner for businesses seeking top-tier, high-quality material handling solutions. Our end-to-end expertise covers:
Mechanical Engineering & Custom Development
Electrical & Software Integration
On-Site Installation & Maintenance Support
Industry-Specific Customizations & Automation Solutions
If you’re looking for customized direction changers that align with your specific workflow, contact TEGEL-TECHNIK today to discuss your tailored conveyor system requirements.
Gallery of application examples
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