Conveyors are material handling systems that are designed to move all sorts of materials, parts, and supplies. The purpose of each of these systems is to save business on time, energy, and cost. When it comes these conveyor systems, there are many different kinds. Each has their own “pros” and “cons.” This series of articles is going to cover all of the major kinds of conveyor systems and which systems are best suited for certain operations. Factors that determine this are costs, energy consumption, materials being conveyed, and more. With out further delay, lets determine which conveyor is best for your business.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from SINODA.
These conveyors tend to be our bread and butter since they tend to use our belts. A belt conveyor has at least two pulleys with some sort of belt material stretched over them to varying degree (keep in mind each kind of belt has a specified elongation rate). These conveyors offer a high degree of control over the movement of the product so that objects with abnormal weight distribution, strange/small shapes and surfaces, and bags can move in the same speed and direction of the pulley. With that being said, common products that are used in these systems are light boxes, bags, and products that are easily damaged. The products can move in complex layouts or incline/decline operations. If you have an incline or decline conveyor the belt is crucial due to the friction between the surface of the belt and the product being conveyed. Typical applications of these conveyor systems are:
High speed scan tunnels/bar coding (belt conveyors are important because it keeps the product stabilized)
Distribution centers (gapping, tracking , pusher sorters , etc. within these centers necessitate belt systems)
Assembly, kitting, and pacing lines
Economic and high speed transport
These conveyors use chain driven slats (or plates) to move materials that are too large to be carried by a belt. Slats provide a hard, flat surface for the items that are being conveyed which is perfect for heavy items with inconsistent shapes. The plates in these system are usually made of plastic or metal which not only allows them to withstand high weight but also allows them to function in hazardous high temperature environments that would normally damage belts. There are three things to consider when it comes to selecting slat/apron conveyors.
Product description - one must always consider the weight and size of the product and the distance that it is being conveyed.
Slats and supports material composition - when purchasing this kind of equipment you need to note any potent chemicals, hot materials, or significant physical interaction.
Any special considerations during manufacturing
Based on those selection criteria, there are three main kinds of apron/slat conveyors; standard, heavy duty, and apron.
This is the fastest and most energy efficient of these kinds of conveyors. They are used when there is a need to transport small to medium sized materials that do not accumulate but DO require precise orientation control.
These are very similar to the standard version, however, they convey many thousands of pounds at a much slower rate. The upside to these is that they provide not only conveyance but a workplace for people to work on the product as it is being conveyed. This is why heavy duty slat conveyors are found in the automative assembly industry. They are also very reliable and easy to maintain. The only downside to heavy duty slat conveyors is that they are expensive when it comes to the initial purchase and powering the machine.
Aprons differentiate where the slats are interlinked with raised edges so that there is a seal on the conveyor. Another benefit to apron conveyors is that they can be made from materials that allow the conveyance of hot or corrosive materials without leaking (for example the chemical production and recycling industries). Other industries that apron conveyors are used in are; grain production, iron works, and concrete delivery.
This is a very simple conveyor system where there are balls on the surface of a table that are able to roll. This is usually not powered and allows things with flat bottoms to roll from one place to another. A major benefit of this conveyor system is that products can move in any direction. This is why these conveyor systems are usually placed at the start, end, and at any point where the product needs to change directions in a system. A major drawback of this system is that the product being conveyed needs to be flat bottomed. You will be unable to use bags for this kind of conveying system. There are two major factors that need to be kept in mind when selecting a ball transfer system.
The length and width of the smallerst conveyed item should be at least three times the table’s ball spacing dimensions.
The largest item being conveyed needs to with less than the combined capacity of the ball transfers supporting it.
This one is really easy. Just imagine the slides that you used to go down as a child. This is hands down the least expensive method of conveying materials. You put the package on the chute and let gravity do the rest. Chutes are generally used to accumulate things between floors. These chutes can be in spiral formation to minimize the floor space needed to install one. The biggest problems with this system is that; items can only go down, you can not control the orientation of the product, and packages can jam and block the chute.
An overhead lifting mechanism is used to move a beam that has “fingers” attached to it by bearing brackets. This beam is lifted and lowered in a circular motion allowing things to “walk” down a path.
Choosing a conveyor may feel like an overwhelming task initially. This makes it important to read up on the key features of conveyor systems in order to be able to make an informed decision, not least because the purchase and installation of a conveyor system demands plenty of time and a significant investment. This article explores some important factors to be aware of to ensure that buyers get the best conveyor system available out there.
Table of Contents
The global market size of conveyor systems
Different types of conveyor systems
Things to consider when choosing a conveyor system
Conclusion
The global conveyor systems market was worth US$ 9,113.9 million in and is expected to reach US$ 15,183.1 million by (Allied Market Research). This market is growing at 5.1% yearly from to . One of the reasons for this growth is the increasing use of automation in industries. Automated conveyor systems can handle large volumes of goods and save the delivery time. This is why more and more industries are adopting automated solutions. Another reason for the growth is the use of lean manufacturing techniques.
These techniques help reduce waste and increase productivity. Conveyor systems can save costs by handling large volumes and reducing the need for labor. This is why they are becoming more popular in different industries.
The following are some categories of industrial conveyors available in the market:
A belt conveyor is the simplest and most versatile material handling system. It is essential in the construction and gravel waste production line, as it connects the broken equipment of multiple levels and sand production facilities.
Are you interested in learning more about Conveyor Case Chain? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
It deploys multiple pulleys and a belt that never ends to move a product from one place to another. The belt is made of rubber or fabric and ranges between 5′ long to 102′ long.
A roller conveyor comprises a series of rollers supported on a frame. Objects move on this system through power, gravity, or manual force. You need a sturdy surface supported by at least three rollers to transport materials. These rollers are great for situations where you need to accumulate items. They also help reduce the resistance of the products when moving at a faster speed.
Cable conveyors are often customized to fit a specific container or a production area. These cables do two important things: they keep the products from falling off the line and make the conveyor move in your industrial space. When a conveyor system uses fewer worn-out parts, it needs less maintenance. They are often hung from the ceiling to keep cable conveyor systems working their best. This frees up important space on the production floor.
As the name suggests, overhead conveyors work above or over the head of workers and industry equipment. Some parts called carriers are connected to the chain or trollies in the conveyor system. These carriers handle the materials and can be moved by either manual force or a motor. The track and carriers are designed to be flexible and can be shaped in different ways, which makes them very versatile for various uses.
Overhead conveyors are easy to set up in most factories because their modular design allows them to work around the complex turns and machines on the factory floor.
Besides these, many other options exist for an industrial conveyor system. These include chain conveyors, screw conveyors, vertical conveyors, bucket elevators, and many more. It is essential to scan the market requirements and make informed decisions when stocking for the target prospects.
Flat chain conveyors are used as transport for the machined and non-machined components. They are perfect for putting bottles, cans, or small boxes together in industries that work with food, drinks, glass, medicine, and paint. The ones with steel chains are used to transport sharp and hot objects.
The way they are built allows for complicated paths in three-dimensional space without disconnecting or changing the conveyor. It is also easy to make quick and cost-effective adjustments for production needs. This system offers significant cost savings due to its economic efficiency. Its modular design makes it possible to customize and adapt to specific requirements. It is also easily extendable, allowing for future expansion as needed.
Furthermore, for long transportation distances, multiple belts can be arranged consecutively, enabling smooth and continuous movement of goods from one point to another.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a conveyor system:
The work environment creates a strong impact on the conveyor system selection. For instance, some health and safety measures are required when people are working closely with the equipment.
In some cases where the industry deals with liquid, some bottles may leak. And when a bottle leaks, the liquid can spill onto the conveyor, leading to products slipping on inclined surfaces or causing issues with the conveyor’s drive system if it is not designed to handle such situations.
When selecting a conveyor, the most important factor is the product specification. Following are the key aspects to consider during this phase:
Considering these product specifications will ensure an appropriate conveyor selection that matches the specific product needs.
It is wrong to assume that bigger is always better regarding conveyor systems. The amount of space available is also a determinant of which conveyor will work for an industry.
The factory owners should seek the help of professionals who help them choose a system that befits their space. They will assist you in creating a plan that suits your operation. They will consider factors such as the available floor space, the height of the ceiling, and any obstructions from other equipment.
Businesses often suffer due to poor or less-maintained equipment. While machinery failures are common, getting them up and running as soon as possible is vital.
Like any other equipment, conveyor systems have various mechanical parts that need regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation. It’s crucial to have reliable conveyor equipment in your operations. Having a dependable team that can perform routine cleaning and maintenance tasks is also wise.
As industries grow, having enough floor space becomes more important. Sometimes, products must move up or down between different floors or over existing equipment. If the right conveyor isn’t chosen, this elevation change can cause serious problems.
Various incline/decline conveyors are available, including belted conveyors with different high-friction belts, plastic chain conveyors with high-friction inserts, cleated conveyors, wedge conveyors, and spiral conveyors. Testing the product with different conveyors before selecting is always a good idea.
Always keep the larger picture in mind when choosing equipment for any industry. Having a strategy and knowing what modifications may be required is key to making the right choice. For example, if the owners wish to expand their operations, they must choose the conveyor belt accordingly.
This approach will make future expansions easier to implement without requiring significant modifications or additional expenses. But if you are setting up a permanent system, you may opt for a slightly different approach.
When choosing a conveyor system, it is vital to think about certain things like what kind of products will be moving on it, how heavy they are, how much room is available in the building, the conditions in which the conveyor will be used, and how easy it is to clean and maintain.
Even though the price is important, choosing the right conveyor system is more important to ensure a good return on investment in the long run. A wrong selection can cause accidents and injuries, loss of products, and the owner could get in trouble with the people who regulate the business. This could dent the wholesaler’s reputation from whom the conveyor system was sourced.
For more information, please visit Conveyor Snap-On Chain.