Conveyor Systems – Unsung Heroes in a Multitude of Industries

From grocery stores restocking smoothly to airports swiftly moving luggage, these mechanical marvels work to enhance productivity and reduce manual strain in a multitude of industries. They’re the unsung heroes behind every smooth production cycle, and we take them for granted.

Choosing the ideal conveyor for your facility will depend on several factors. Product weight, dimensions and fragility will dictate conveyor width, guide rail specifications and roller center locations.

Belt Conveyors

Designed to meet the diverse needs of industries that receive, transport, warehouse, manufacture and dispatch goods, conveyor systems are vital industrial mechanisms that ensure efficient material handling. Consisting of a continuous belt loop, they transport various products horizontally, inclined, or vertically, optimizing material flow and minimizing manual labor requirements. Moreover, they enhance operational efficiency, boost productivity and profitability, and reduce costs.

The main components of a belt conveyor are: the belt, pulleys and frame. The belt is a wide, flat piece of textile, rubber, or plastic that runs continuously along the conveyor system, and the pulleys are motorized wheels that support it. Material is loaded onto the belt at the feed end, and friction between the belt and pulleys drives it to the discharge end where it is unloaded.

There are different types of belt conveyors for a variety of applications, from specialized materials like stone and coal to general conveyor packaging and material handling. For instance, a cleated belt conveyor uses metal slats rather than a traditional belt to carry heavy items. This type of conveyor is used for baggage handling in airports and supermarket checkout lines.

Other types of conveyors include merge and curved conveyors. Merge conveyors are ideal when space is limited and it is necessary to connect two separate points in a straight line. Curved conveyors are used when a curved route is needed and winding conveyors would take up too much room. These systems also have safety features such as trip cords along the sides and safe start-stop buttons to protect workers from accidents.

Roller Conveyors

Conveyor rollers are used to transport items within a manufacturing setting, and the force to propel them can be either gravity or electrically powered. They offer flexibility and scalability to accommodate various sizes of materials, as well as efficiency in power consumption and space utilization.

There are many types of conveyor rollers, with each one designed for different applications. Rubber-coated rollers, for example, are ideal for heavy or fragile materials because the rubber layer helps increase friction between the roller and the material being transported. This ensures a reliable movement and prevents items from slipping or falling off the conveyor.

For higher speed or longer distances, powered roller conveyors are often used. These have a motor that drives the conveyor rollers and can be controlled via a programmable logic controller (PLC). They are typically used in distribution and assembly because they allow for quick maneuvers.

Powered conveyor systems can also be equipped with zone configurations to allow products to be segmented, accumulated, or stopped at various points on the line. For example, mk North America’s RBM-P 2255 power roller conveyor features 24-volt powered rollers with drive cards bandsaw manufacturers that provide zones for accumulation and stop/start operations. This allows for product to be moved from one zone to another while preventing back pressure that can negatively impact quality. It also helps to ensure proper sizing of each zone.

Gravity Conveyors

Gravity conveyors use the force of gravity to move materials and require no external power source. They are often used for order picking and packaging processes, as well as in shipping/receiving and assembly areas. They reduce manual material handling by conveying lightweight cartons, trays and totes. They are also useful in elaborate configurations and flow systems as well as smaller, standalone applications.

These conveyors are based on simple physics and have fewer moving parts than powered systems, making them less expensive to maintain and repair. Many of these conveyors can be adjusted, expanded and moved, allowing them to adapt to changing production requirements. This versatility is especially valuable for operations that need temporary or portable conveyor lines.

Skate wheel and roller conveyors are both examples of gravity conveyor systems. These conveyors utilize tube-shaped wheels built into a steel or aluminum conveyor frame. These wheels are spaced apart and placed on axles that run longways from the sides of the conveyor. The wheels and axles rotate to allow items to slide along with the force of gravity, reducing the manual effort needed to transport the goods. This system is ideal for lighter loads such as food packaging, vehicle parts or lumber.

SJF carries several different types of gravity conveyors and replacement conveyor rollers. We also offer permanent supports for these conveyors that are anchored to the floor to support the entire system and ensure it remains in place over time.

Chain Conveyors

Chain conveyors are often used to transport products up and down production lines. However, they can also be used to transfer loads throughout a warehouse or storage facility. They are usually made up of a continuous metal chain that has single pendants suspended from it. They are designed to handle heavy or abrasive materials, and they are capable of handling high temperatures.

A chain conveyor can have different kinds of chains that are suitable for different applications. For example, a stainless steel chain is ideal for use in harsh environments because it can withstand heat and resist corrosion. It is also easier to clean than other kinds of conveyors. Moreover, it can be used to transport fragile products such as glass or painted parts. It can even have non-marring pads attached to it to reduce product damage.

Choosing the right conveyor system for your business can help you maximize efficiency and boost productivity. It is important to consider all of your options before settling on one. Be sure to choose a model that is compatible with your current workflow and that will be able to accommodate future changes. In addition, you should always keep OSHA guidelines and factory standards in mind when selecting a conveyor.

Regardless of which conveyor you select, it is essential to have proper maintenance in place. Regular inspections can identify potential problems before they become serious. It is also a good idea to have an emergency stop switch on your conveyor to prevent accidents.