Conveyor Systems
There are many benefits to automating material handling conveyance in place of utilizing manual labor, forklifts or manual lifts. Conveyors have virtually no limit on the number of items that can be continuously loaded and unloaded, and with regular maintenance, conveyor systems can essentially run indefinitely. Also, conveyors installed with automated incline belts can unload products without the need for manual labor, eliminating material unloading supervision.
Conveyance systems can be configured to feed materials between levels with virtually no height limitation, which is especially useful for large, multi-level facilities. Additionally, conveyor speeds can be controlled through programming or interfaces, reducing the chances of an item breaking or other handling issues stemming from product loss. Lastly, conveyors can transport materials in both directions, which is useful in instances where material is moved between different ends of a facility during a product’s manufacturing phase.
Without conveyors, materials would have to be manually transported and tracked which adds costs and potential handling issues. With increasing labor costs and labor-management issues, conveyance automation is the best solution for moving products through production.
Integration with Automation Systems
Conveyors can be integrated with a wide range of different types of automation systems. The integration can be with existing production systems or entirely new systems and processes.
- Sorting systems – These systems use sensors, scanners, or other devices to identify and separate items based on certain criteria, such as size, shape, color, weight or barcode. Conveyors are used to move the items to the appropriate bins, chutes or destinations after they are sorted.
- Assembly systems – These systems use robots, machines, or other devices to assemble parts or components into finished products. Conveyors are used to deliver the parts or components to the assembly stations and to transport the finished products to the packaging or storage areas.
- Packaging systems – These systems use machines, software, or other devices to pack, label, seal, or wrap products for shipment or distribution. Conveyors are used to feed the products into the packaging machines and to move the packaged products to the loading docks or warehouses.
- Inspection systems – These systems use cameras, sensors, scanners, or other devices to check the quality, quantity, or condition of products or materials. Conveyors are used to present the products or materials to the inspection devices and to divert any defective or non-conforming items to the rejection or rework areas.
Types of Conveyor Systems
The industry and application typically select the optimal sort of automated conveyor system. Whatever your conveyor requirements are, we can help, but here are a few popular types of conveyors seen in warehouses, distribution centers and supply chains.
Steel Belt Conveyors
Steel belt conveyors are made of thin, flexible metal strips that can withstand high temperatures, abrasion, corrosion, and impact. Steel belt conveyors are suitable for handling heavy, bulky, or sharp materials, such as scrap metal, wood chips, glass, or cement. Steel belt conveyors can also operate in harsh environments, such as furnaces, ovens or foundries. Steel belt conveyors have several advantages over other types of conveyors, such as low maintenance, high durability, and long service life.
Stranded Chain Conveyors
Stranded chain conveyors use metal chains to transport materials or products. They are typically used for heavy or bulky items that require a high level of durability and resistance to abrasion. Stranded chain conveyors consist of two or more parallel chains that run along a series of rollers, pulleys, or sprockets. The chains are attached to the load by hooks, plates, or slats. The load is moved by the friction between the chains and the rollers, or by the rotation of the sprockets. Stranded chain conveyors can operate horizontally, vertically, or at an angle, depending on the application and design.
Slider Bed Conveyors
Slider Bed Conveyors are a type of belt conveyor that use a flat surface to support and move the belt along. They are ideal for applications that require low friction, smooth operation and minimal maintenance. Slider Bed conveyors can handle light to medium loads, and can be configured with different belt types, widths and speeds. Slider Bed conveyors are commonly used in packaging, sorting, assembly and inspection processes.
Steel Roller Conveyors
Steel Roller conveyors are used for applications that require a smooth, continuous and controlled movement of goods. Steel roller conveyors can handle heavy loads, resist corrosion and abrasion, and operate in high temperatures. They are also easy to maintain and customize according to the specific needs of the industry.
MRF Sorting Lines
Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) sorting lines are a type of conveyor typically used in the recycling industry to separate different types of materials. They consist of a series of belts, screens, magnets, and optical sorters that move the waste along the line and divert it into different bins or containers. MRF Sorting Lines conveyors can improve the efficiency and quality of recycling by reducing manual labor and increasing the recovery rate of valuable materials.
If your process is still dependent on moving materials around a facility via forklift or manual handling then conveyance solutions are your answer. Requiring fewer workers and improved throughput, conveyors can keep your business competitive for years to come. Contact us today and speak with one of our applications engineers and they will help guide you through the process.
