Farms, mines, airports, grocery stores and even cafeterias use conveyors, but the focus here is on industrial conveyor systems, especially in production facilities. Conveyors were first adapted to factory use to prevent human contact with harmful substances, but their uses have grown because they lower labor costs and increase production speed.
There are some non-motorized conveyors out there. For instance, the force of gravity on a product can move a sloped conveyor. Other conveyors work similarly to rollers, where workers move objects along the conveyor manually. Most powered conveyors are driven by motors attached to pulleys or a belts over rotating drums.
Here are three popular types of power conveyors:
1. Belt conveyors are made of rubber or cloth straps, or from linked conveyor components like baskets, carts or, most often, flat segments. Belts are vital to most production facilities.
2. Screw conveyors are comprised of a helical flight piece attached to a motor turned shaft, generally used for moving bulk particle material.
3. Pneumatic conveyor systems are handy at banks, but they are also applicable in industrial situations for moving abrasives, pellets and tablets.
Design your conveyor equipment completely before you buy
Whether you're designing your own system or working with the team of a conveyor manufacturer, completing the design phase is the first step. Be smart: ask a lot of questions and don't leave anything hanging before you commit to purchasing components. You can prevent costly backtracking if you take the time to revise or rethink your plan completely before you order conveyor machinery.
Shop for quality conveyor machinery
Obviously, you want to work with a solid industrial conveyor company. The best manufacturers provide a wide array of options and services so they can offer the best possible solution for their clients. Don't compromise. If one company can't help you accomplish your goals, another company probably can.
Install and maintain your conveyor components
Depending on what services your conveyor supplier provides and the parameters of the conveyor system you are working with, the set up of your conveyor components could be a major task for which you'll need some outside help. And once your equipment is set up, you'll want to maintain it to prevent production halts and to promote the longevity of your conveyor equipment.
- If your company manufactures a number of similar products or similarly packaged products, see what kind of adaptability you can design into your conveyor systems. If your production values allow you to alternate products on one line, it can save a lot of money and floor space.
