In the loading zone, the Flexspeed front mode detects gaps between racks or, in the case of a flight type system, empty spots on the conveyor. These high- volume conveyor models can handle up to 355 racks or 8,000 plates per hour. List prices for a complete system start at around £51,000.

Flexspeed gradually reduces the conveyor belt speed until the gaps are gone so that the machine is fully utilised, with no loss of capacity. Smaller gaps optimise performance, thus reducing costs, and give better rinse and drying results. They also lead to less waiting time in the removal area. 

In the unloading zone, the Flexspeed end mode detects frequent triggering of the limit switch, gradually reducing transport speed until it detects continuous operation again. It’s cost effective, as it ensures the machine is continuously running, with no reduction in capacity, and it means less wear and tear, as it avoids the issue of stop-start operation. 

Paul Crowley, marketing development manager at Winterhalter UK, said: “Flexspeed is a brilliant feature. It’s a great example of engineering coming up with a practical solution to meet a problem that every site is likely to have at some time. It will be especially beneficial to any foodservice operation having to cope with staff shortages.”