Receiving zone
Receive at machine speed
The receiving table uses a variable-speed drive and adjusts from 30 to 90 ft/min.
Doucet BT3
DOUCET MACHINERIES
BT3 Return Conveyor for Medium-to-Large Edgebanders
Doucet BT3 is a third-generation belt-transfer return system for medium-to-large edgebanders. Five roller-length models—BT3-24, BT3-30, BT3-36, BT3-48 and BT3-60—share the same receive, lower, lateral-transfer and powered-return architecture while retaining model-specific panel capacity.
5 roller-length models30–90 ft/min receiving180 ft/min belt transfer60–180 ft/min return2" lower return linePT-90 option
Production problem
Panels exiting the edgebander need to come back to the infeed operator for the next pass without dedicating a second handling loop at outfeed.
Machine mechanism
Receiving rollers lower after trailing-edge detection; nested transfer belts side-shift the panel onto a parallel powered return conveyor.
Three speed zones
Receiving, lateral transfer and powered return are separate motion zones with separate operating speeds.
BT3-24 / 30 / 36 / 48 / 60
30–90 ft/min receiving
180 ft/min transfer
60–180 ft/min return
PT-90 on all models
Trailing-edge detection
Start with the production problem
Return the panel to the edgebander operator while keeping opposing flows from fighting each other.
BT3's defining logic is mechanical flow management: receive the outgoing panel, lower it below pass line, shift it sideways and send it back on a parallel powered return.
Sensor logic
Detect the trailing edge
The down-stroke sequence is triggered by detection of the panel's trailing end.
Transfer zone
Transfer sideways
Belts nested between the rollers side-shift the panel at a fixed 180 ft/min.
Return zone
Return below pass line
Return rollers sit 2 inches below the equipment pass line so panels moving in opposite directions can overlap without interference.
Application fit
Best fit: medium-to-large edgebanders with repeated multi-pass panel work.
BT3 is designed for medium-to-large edgebanders where panels make repeated passes and return handling becomes part of the cell flow.
Strong fit
Medium-to-large edgebanders
Designed for medium-to-large edgebander installations.
Strong fit
Multiple panel passes
The return architecture supports panels coming back to the infeed operator for subsequent edges.
Sizing
Five roller-length models
Model selection starts with the real panel envelope and floor space.
Option fit
Long rectangular panels
PT-90 is available across all five models to rotate selected long/narrow panels 90 degrees during transfer.
Option fit
Small parts
A panel deviator and movable support ledge address small-part stability/volume conditions.
Select the BT3 model from the panel mix backwards
Model suffix alone is not enough—the capacity chart changes with operating condition.
BT3-24 through BT3-60 are roller-length model designations. Maximum panel capacity changes with the operating condition, including four-sided return, long-side processing with a 5-foot receiving condition, and PT-90 configurations.
Define the edgebander
Manufacturer/model, pass line, processing speed, infeed/outfeed direction and length.
Define the panel mix
Actual L × W × T, weight, long/narrow frequency and small-part percentage.
Define the passes
Two-sided, four-sided or long-side workflows and where a 90-degree turn is required.
Choose the roller-length model
Match the BT3 model to the applicable capacity condition rather than treating the suffix as a universal panel-width rating.
Close options + layout
Confirm PT-90, panel deviator, air table, movable support ledge, hand, return length and final cell layout.
Machine architecture / work cycle
Receive → lower → lateral belt transfer → parallel powered return.
BT3 uses receiving rollers, trailing-edge detection, nested lateral-transfer belts and a parallel powered return conveyor.
Receive
1 — Receive
Powered receiving rollers accept the panel from the edgebander.
Down stroke
2 — Lower
Trailing-end detection triggers the receiving-roller down stroke.
Lateral transfer
3 — Side-shift
Nested belts transfer the panel laterally to the return rollers.
Return
4 — Return
Powered return rollers send the panel back parallel to the edgebander.
Cross-over architecture
The return line is 2 inches lower than the equipment pass line.
That exact height relationship is what allows outgoing and returning panels to overlap in plan view without interfering with each other.
The return rollers sit 2 inches below the equipment pass line, allowing outgoing and returning panels to overlap in plan view without interference.
Opposing flow is separated vertically.
The return rollers sit 2 inches below the equipment pass line. This is a process-interface dimension, not an overall machine-height specification.
Final pass-line and interface geometry is matched to the actual edgebander and BT3 layout.
Technical data
BT3 operating data and options.
Receiving, lateral-transfer and return speeds remain separate. Panel capacities are model- and condition-specific.
| Field | BT3 value |
|---|---|
| Product | BT3 for Edgebanders |
| Generation | Third generation belt-transfer return system |
| Host machine | Medium-to-large edgebanders |
| Roller-length models | BT3-24 / BT3-30 / BT3-36 / BT3-48 / BT3-60 |
| Receiving mechanism | Receiving rollers with down stroke triggered by trailing-end detection |
| Transfer method | Belts nested between receiving rollers side-shift panels to motorized return rollers |
| Return-line offset | Return rollers 2" below equipment pass line |
| Receiving table speed | 30–90 ft/min adjustable |
| Belt transfer speed | 180 ft/min fixed |
| Return conveyor speed | 60–180 ft/min adjustable |
| PT-90 panel turner | Option; available on all models; turns selected panels 90° during transfer |
| Panel deviator | Option for parts less than 6" wide |
| Air table | Option |
| Movable support ledge | Option #D115-319 for high volume of short parts |
Speed zones: 30–90 ft/min receiving; 180 ft/min lateral transfer; 60–180 ft/min powered return.
Panel-capacity chart
Model capacity changes with the operating condition.
BT3 capacity is shown separately for standard four-sided return, long-side processing with a 5-foot receiving condition, and four-sided processing with PT-90 plus extension.
Use the model row and operating-condition column that matches the actual return workflow.
Minimum: 12" × 12" standard; 4" × 12" with panel deviator.
Model maximums vary by operating condition, so use the capacity column that matches the actual return workflow.
Each BT3 model retains its own capacity row; size the application from the selected model rather than the largest-family value.
| Model | 4 sides | Long side + 5' receiving | 4 sides with PT-90 + extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT3-24 | 36" × 36" | 36" × 96" | 24" × 72" |
| BT3-30 | 45" × 45" | 45" × 96" | 30" × 84" |
| BT3-36 | 52" × 52" | 52" × 96" | 36" × 96" |
| BT3-48 | 66" × 66" | 66" × 96" | 48" × 108" |
| BT3-60 | 84" × 84" | 84" × 96" | 48" × 120" |
PT-90 panel turner
Turn long rectangular panels 90 degrees as part of the transfer.
PT-90 is available across the BT3 family for long, narrow panels when a 90-degree turn is required during transfer.
The turn occurs during transfer between the receiving and return zones, reducing overhang for selected long and narrow panels.
The panel turns during the transfer between receiving and return rollers.
This reduces panel overhang while short sides are processed on long, narrow panels.
PT-90 is optional equipment, not standard on every BT3.
Small-part handling
Standard minimum and option-assisted minimum are different.
Standard minimum panel size is 12 × 12 inches. With the panel deviator, the minimum is 4 × 12 inches.
Standard minimum
12" × 12"
Standard minimum panel size.
With option
4" × 12"
Minimum panel size with the panel deviator.
Option trigger
Less than 6" wide
Panel deviator application threshold.
High-volume short parts
#D115-319
Movable support ledge option for high volume of short parts.
Ownership / changeover
Manage BT3 as part of the edgebander cell, not as an isolated conveyor.
Treat the return system, transfer devices and safety interfaces as one installed edgebander cell.
Planning
Panel-mix records
Keep the selected BT3 model and option package tied to the actual panel families it was sized for.
Ownership
Transfer surfaces
Receiving rollers, belts and return rollers are key material-contact/flow components.
Changeover
Optional turn/deviate tools
PT-90 and small-part options change the usable workflow and capacity conditions.
Safety
Qualified service
Controls, pneumatic down stroke, drives and safeguarding follow installed-machine documentation and qualified personnel.
Production-cell integration
The exact edgebander controls the interface length, pass line and speed-matching requirements.
The final return layout is built around the actual edgebander geometry, processing speed, operator side and panel mix.
Edgebander outfeed
Panel exits onto BT3 receiving rollers.
Trailing-end detect
Receive table initiates its down stroke after the panel clears.
Lateral transfer
Nested belts move the panel to the parallel return line.
Optional turn/deviate
PT-90 or small-part devices alter orientation/support where configured.
Return to operator
Powered rollers return the panel at the configured return speed.
Business-case framework
Measure outfeed handling and edgebander utilization against the configured BT3 cell.
Use the customer’s actual shift pattern, panel mix, return frequency and handling time to evaluate the production case.
Current state
Current outfeed labor
Measure time spent receiving, carrying, turning and staging panels.
Flow
Edgebander utilization
Record waiting caused by return handling, congestion or operator travel.
Production basis
Panel mix / passes
Count the average number of passes and how often PT-90 or small-part handling is needed.
Business case
Configured BT3 case
Compare measured current-state labor and flow against the actual selected BT3 model/options.
Application data package
Send the edgebander and real panel mix before locking the BT3 size.
Model choice is driven by the workpiece distribution and pass conditions, not only the largest occasional panel.
Host machine
Edgebander
Manufacturer/model, total length, pass line, processing speed and outfeed geometry.
Workpiece
Panel envelope
Min/max L × W × T, weight and percentage of each size family.
Sequence
Pass pattern
Two/four-sided flow, long/narrow panels, short parts and 90-degree turn needs.
Integration
Cell requirements
Available floor space, operator side, air-table needs, PT-90/small-part options and required utilities.
BT3 FAQ
Questions that keep the exact model, speed zones and options straight.
Key BT3 sizing, speed and option questions.
What is the Doucet BT3?
A third-generation belt-transfer return conveyor family designed for medium-to-large edgebanders.
Which BT3 models are available?
BT3-24, BT3-30, BT3-36, BT3-48 and BT3-60 are the five roller-length models in the BT3 family.
What is the receiving speed?
30 to 90 ft/min, adjustable.
What is the belt-transfer speed?
180 ft/min, fixed.
What is the return-conveyor speed?
60 to 180 ft/min, adjustable.
Why are the return rollers 2 inches lower?
The offset prevents interference when outgoing and returning panels overlap while travelling in opposite directions.
What is the standard minimum panel size?
12 × 12 inches.
How small can it go with the panel deviator?
4 × 12 inches with the panel deviator.
Is PT-90 standard?
No. It is an option available on all models and turns selected panels 90 degrees during transfer.
Do all BT3 models have the same maximum panel size?
No. Model capacities differ, and the operating-condition columns are not interchangeable.
BT3 application review
Size the return conveyor from your edgebander and panel mix.
Send the host machine, workpiece envelope, pass sequence and option requirements.