Education

A Comprehensive Guide To Understanding Conveyor Systems

Conveyor Systems

Conveyor Systems

Whether you are the owner or manager of a distribution or manufacturing business, or an employee of such a company that wants to understand more about the operations and production side of the business, learning the proverbial ins and outs of one of the most important elements of the company can only serve to benefit.

With that being said, continue reading for a comprehensive guide to understanding conveyor systems and the supreme importance of ensuring they are thoroughly and correctly maintained.

The Conveyor System Itself

Essentially, industrial conveyor systems are mechanical assemblies or devices that use minimal yet incredible efficient effort to transport physical items, regardless of size or weight, through the factory.

There are many different types of conveyor systems, and when updating or upgrading parts of the whole system, it is important to deal with a renowned and reputable supplier, such as fluent conveyors, who will ensure every aspect of the system is as efficient and safe as possible.

Conveyor systems usually have a foundational frame that supports a belt, wheels, or rollers and is powered by gravity, a motor, or else operated manually. Obviously, the type of material being transported decrees the style and make-up of the system itself.

Belt Conveyor Systems

Belt conveyor systems use continuous rolls of belts to move products extended in a continuous loop suspended between two separated end-pulleys. Most systems have a supporting roll attached underneath.

The heavier the material the belt conveyor system is tasked with transporting, the thicker, more durable, and wider the belt needed. Most belts are commonly made from metal, plastic, leather, rubber, or particularly strong fabric.

Wheel Conveyor Systems

Wheel conveyors are one of the most popular systems and essentially use wheels that are unpowered to transport products using either manual power or taking advantage of gravity.

Usually, one finds wheel conveyor systems used for the unloading or loading of trucks or to transport pallets and packages along factory assembly lines. Dependent entirely on the application and requirements of the specific loads, wheel conveyors are configured by wheel spacing and the number and size of the wheels.

Roller Conveyor Systems

Roller conveyance systems use frames that mount rollers positioned in parallel to each other and are specifically designed for the material by the dimensions of the axle center and the diameter of the roller itself.

Roller mechanisms are unpowered and instead rely on gravity to move the product along or else are manually operated when materials are being transported horizontally. Depending on the floor plan and layout of the factory, roller conveyor systems can either be curved or straight.

Conveyance System Safety

As important to the efficient and profitable running of a business that conveyance systems are, incorrect handling and maintenance can become a proverbial health and safety nightmare.

Always ensure that the entire system is dust and litter free, any unfamiliar noise or friction point is inspected and rectified, and that operators always wear the right personal protective equipment to keep them safe when working on or near machines.