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.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
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.
I recommend: Many conveyor equipment providers also design the systems they sell.
Automotion helps its clients find solutions and works with them to design the perfect conveyor systems.
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.
I recommend: Mini Mover Conveyors is a division of Whipple Enterprises, Inc., which has been around since 1949. This company may not suit everyone's needs, but they produce high-precision conveyor equipment for a number of applications.
Titan Industries, Inc. and
Clayton H. Landis Co., Inc. are two conveyor manufacturers that provide a huge array of solutions. Make sure to take a good look at both these companies, especially for heavy industrial conveyors.
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.
I recommend: National Conveyor and Welding will not only help you with the arrangement, setup and maintenance of conveyor machines, it provides a wide range of warehouse and manufacturing solutions.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- 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.
The official source of Conveyors is the Conveyors page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
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