Conveyor systems play a vital role in the efficient and reliable transportation of goods, and products along a predetermined path within your facility. By automating material handling, they directly enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and boost productivity. Additionally, these systems improve accuracy by ensuring precise part orientation and handling, which minimizes errors and defects. They also reduce the risk of accidents by limiting manual handling and exposure to hazardous materials. Furthermore, most conveyor systems are highly modular, offering the flexibility to adapt to changing production requirements and layouts with little to no downtime in your operation.
Different types of conveyor systems include belt conveyors which are ideal for the simple transportation of items without the need for specific part orientation. Overhead conveyors use a chain that runs along a track mounted above. Parts are attached to the chain and hang down, allowing for efficient movement. Pallet conveyors feature a pallet riding on top of a chain equipped with rollers. The pallet remains in a fixed position during transportation, which facilitates automated unloading. Finally, precision index conveyors use fixtures to maintain the correct orientation of parts during transportation. They are particularly suited for applications that require precise handling.
These systems can all be broken down further into specialized categories. Food and beverage conveyors are specifically designed for sanitary and washdown environments and comply with FDA and USDA regulations. Fully automated conveyors are tailored for high-speed and high-volume applications, these conveyors streamline production processes. These conveyors are designed to manage complex assembly and inspection tasks efficiently. Ergonomic conveyors prioritize worker safety and comfort, incorporating gentle curves, low-profile designs, and reduced noise levels. Custom conveyors are specially designed for particular industries or applications. They can be integrated with existing systems to meet unique operational requirements.
The most utilized conveyor styles include gravity and powered conveyors, pneumatic and photo-eye, cable drive and drive-line conveyors, lift gates and cross-overs, incline/decline conveyors, sorting systems, and high-speed scanning systems.
When deciding what type of conveyor system is appropriate for your facility it is important to consider the following:
- Part Orientation: Determine if the part can change orientation during transportation or requires fixed orientation.
- Manufacturing Process: Consider the specific requirements of the manufacturing process, such as automated loading/unloading, part tracking, and material handling.
- Layout: Evaluate the conveyor’s travel path, including inclines, declines, and corners, to ensure efficient and safe transportation.
- Material Handling: Choose a conveyor system suitable for the type of material being handled.
If you are considering conveyor systems for your facility, contact us for a quote or more information and we will provide you with options that fit your budget and meet your business needs.
