Conveyor System: Definition & Features

Introduction

Conveyor systems are popular in a wide range of industries. To fit best the individual needs, choosing the right version of the conveyor system can be crucial.

Types of Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems come in various forms, each tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries and applications.

The selection of a conveyor system depends on several factors, including the type of load being transported, the size and weight of the items, rotation capacity, and conveyance speed.

Below are the primary types of conveyor belts used in industrial settings:

• Roller Conveyor Belts
• Belt Conveyor Belts
• Modular Plastic Conveyor Belts
• Flexible Conveyor Belts
• Slat Conveyor Belts
• Spiral Conveyor Belts
• Pallet Conveyor Belts

Each of these conveyor systems has unique features and is suited to individual needs.

Roller Conveyor Belts

Roller conveyor belts are one of the most common types used in manufacturing and assembly lines. They consist of a series of rollers mounted on supports, creating a path along which items can move, either by gravity or through a powered system. This type of conveyor belt is ideal for moving heavy loads and items with a firm bottom surface, such as boxes and pallets.

Applications of Roller Conveyor Belts:

• Manufacturing: Roller conveyors are used extensively in manufacturing environments where heavy components need to be transported efficiently along the production line.
• Assembly Lines: In assembly operations, these conveyors enable the smooth and continuous movement of products, reducing manual handling and increasing productivity.
• Shipping and Receiving: Roller conveyors are also common in shipping and receiving areas where items need to be moved quickly and efficiently from one point to another.

Belt Conveyor Belts

Belt conveyors are versatile and widely used across various industries for moving products of different sizes and shapes. These systems feature a continuous belt made from materials such as rubber, PVC, or fabric, which moves over a series of pulleys driven by motors. Belt conveyors are particularly suitable for transporting items along flat or inclined paths.

Applications of Belt Conveyor Belts:

• Packaging Lines: In packaging operations, belt conveyors are used to move products through sorting and packaging processes, ensuring smooth and efficient handling.
• Sorting Operations: These conveyors are ideal for sorting operations where items of various sizes and shapes need to be accurately sorted and directed to different locations.
• Transport of Delicate Items: Belt conveyors are gentle on items, making them suitable for transporting delicate products that require careful handling.

Modular Plastic Conveyor Belts

Modular plastic conveyor belts are made from interlocked plastic modules arranged in a bricklayed pattern. These belts offer high durability and flexibility, making them easy to clean and configure to suit various layouts. They are particularly valued in industries where hygiene is a priority, such as food processing and pharmaceuticals.

Applications of Modular Plastic Conveyor Belts:

• Food Processing: These conveyors are widely used in food processing plants where high hygiene standards are required. Their easy-to-clean surfaces ensure that they meet the stringent cleanliness standards of the industry.
• Pharmaceuticals: In pharmaceutical manufacturing, modular plastic belts are used to transport products in a clean and sterile environment, reducing the risk of contamination.
• Adaptable Layouts: The flexibility of modular plastic belts allows them to be configured to meet the changing needs of a production line, making them ideal for dynamic environments.

Flexible Conveyor Belts

Flexible conveyor belts are designed to be extendable and adaptable to various configurations. They can be curved, stretched, and contracted, making them ideal for temporary setups or spaces with obstacles. These conveyors are typically made of steel rollers or skate wheels mounted on a flexible frame.

Applications of Flexible Conveyor Belts:

• Loading and Unloading Trucks: Flexible conveyors are highly effective in loading and unloading operations, especially in areas where space is limited or where the conveyor path needs to be adjusted frequently.
• Navigating Obstacles: In dynamic environments such as e-commerce warehouses, these conveyors can be easily adjusted to move goods around obstacles, ensuring efficient material handling.
• Temporary Setups: For temporary setups in shipping and receiving areas, flexible conveyors offer a practical solution, providing mobility and adaptability as needed.
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Slat and Spiral Conveyor Belts

Slat conveyor belts consist of slats or plates attached to a chain, providing a solid and flat surface for products to rest on as they move along the conveyor. Spiral conveyors, on the other hand, transport items vertically along a spiral path, saving space by connecting different levels within a facility.

Applications of Slat Conveyor Belts:

• Heavy Industry: Slat conveyors are suitable for transporting heavy or hot items, such as metal parts, through ovens or cooling areas. Their durable construction ensures that they can withstand harsh conditions without degrading.
• Assembly Lines: In assembly lines where products need to be moved at a consistent speed and without damage, slat conveyors offer a reliable solution.

Applications of Spiral Conveyor Belts:

• Multi-Level Warehousing: Spiral conveyors are ideal for multi-level warehousing operations where space is limited. They efficiently connect different floors, allowing for vertical transport within a compact footprint.
• Logistics and Distribution: In logistics centers, spiral conveyors are used to move goods between different levels, improving workflow and reducing the need for elevators or large vertical space.

Pallet Conveyor Belts

Pallet conveyor belts are specifically designed to handle heavy loads, such as pallets or large containers. These conveyors are available in roller or chain versions and are essential in warehouses dealing with bulk goods and heavy items.

Applications of Pallet Conveyor Belts:

• Bulk Material Handling: Pallet conveyors are indispensable in industries that deal with large quantities of heavy goods. They facilitate the efficient movement of pallets to and from storage areas, loading docks, and other critical points in a warehouse.
• Heavy-Duty Transportation: In environments where heavy-duty transportation is required, such as in manufacturing or distribution centers, pallet conveyors ensure that heavy loads are moved safely and efficiently.

Material Considerations for Conveyor Belts

Conveyor belts are made from a variety of materials, each chosen for specific industrial needs. The material of the belt impacts its performance, maintenance, and suitability for different applications.

Common Materials Used in Conveyor Belts:

• Rubber: Known for its durability, rubber belts are ideal for transporting heavy loads in industries such as mining or construction. However, they may struggle in extreme temperatures.
• PVC: PVC belts offer versatility and chemical resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of industries, although they may not handle very heavy loads as effectively as rubber.
• Fabric: Lightweight and flexible, fabric belts are perfect for food processing or packaging applications but may lack the robustness for heavy-duty tasks.
• Steel: Steel belts excel in high-temperature environments and are unmatched in durability. However, their weight and cost may limit their application.
• Modular Plastic: Modular plastic belts provide excellent flexibility and easy maintenance, particularly in food processing. However, they may have higher initial costs and lower load capacities compared to metal options.
• Wire Mesh: Wire mesh belts are suitable for drying processes, offering good airflow and durability, though their open design may not be appropriate for very small items.

Final words

To ensure the movement of products performs optimally, clarifying concerned factors such as in and out spot, warehouse layout, and floor capacity couldn’t be overestimated.

If you would like to automate your warehouse operation, don’t hesitate to contact us now, our experts of intralogistics will advise you the best fit for your warehouse.