Conveyor Systems

Types of Conveyors

TRANSPORTATION CONVEYORS

Transportation conveyors are used to move items from one location to another, without requiring rigorous manual labor. They’re most often used to handle lightweight items such as poly-bags or discrete "eaches", as well as cases or totes.. These conveyors ensure the efficient flow of products within the warehouse, optimizing overall operations. 

Belted Conveyor. One type of transportation conveyor is a belted conveyor, that utilizes continuously moving belts to transport items along their surfaces. This type of conveyor system is used for handling small-medium sized products that require consistent, stable movement throughout the process.

Roller Conveyor. Another common type of transportation conveyor is a roller conveyor. Roller conveyors utilize a series of rotating cylinders, known as rollers, to transport items. These rollers are equipped to handle heavy materials or materials that are irregularly shaped. Because the rollers exert less friction than conveyor belts, roller conveyors are suitable for products that need to be manually rotated or adjusted throughout the process. Rollers are also more durable and adaptable than belt conveyors.  

MOTORIZED DRIVE ROLLERS

Instead of one external motor like those found in belt and roller conveyors, motorized drive rollers have integrated motors within each of the rollers themselves, eliminating the need for additional drive mechanisms. These integrated motors reduce the complexity of the conveyor system, saving space, reducing the need for maintenance, and allowing for easier adaptability and customization. Motorized drive rollers are able to efficiently handle pallets, cases and totes that require precision and accuracy.

ACCUMULATION CONVEYORS

Accumulation conveyors play a crucial role in establishing buffer zones within the warehouse, allowing for the accumulation of products during temporary pauses in production or distribution. These conveyors can be further classified based on the applied pressure.

Zero Pressure. Zero pressure accumulation conveyors are equipped with sensors and controls to ensure that products do not come into contact with each other while accumulating. This gentle transportation approach minimizes the risk of damage or jamming.

Minimum Pressure. Minimum pressure accumulation conveyors maintain a slight contact between products during accumulation, ensuring product stability while minimizing the pressure exerted. This type of conveyor is ideal for applications where maintaining balance is crucial.

GRAVITY CONVEYORS

Gravity conveyors leverage inclined or declined surfaces to transport products without the need for external power. Commonly used for transporting boxes, totes, cartons, and similar items, these conveyors utilize gravity as the primary driving force.

PALLET CONVEYORS

Pallet conveyors are designed to handle pallets and pallet boards efficiently. These robust conveyors ensure reliable transportation, contributing to the seamless movement of large and heavy loads within the warehouse.

How to Choose a Conveyor System

Type of Product or Material
The type of product or material that will be transported on the conveyor plays the biggest role in selecting the appropriate conveyor system. Factors such as:

• Size. Larger items might require wider conveyors or roller systems, while smaller items might be better suited for belted or precision roller conveyors.
• Weight. Heavier items often necessitate conveyor systems like powered roller or pallet conveyors that can handle significant loads without compromising performance.
• Fragility. For fragile items, conveyors with gentle handling features, such as zero-pressure accumulation conveyors, are preferable to minimize the risk of damage.

Space Constraints
Assess the available space within the warehouse. Consider aspects such as:

• Layout Analysis. Assess the flow of operations within your warehouse. Identify areas where conveyors can streamline processes and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Dimensional Constraints. Measure the dimensions of the available space. Ensure that the selected conveyor system fits within these dimensions while allowing for necessary walkways and operational clearances.
• Vertical Space Utilization. Consider utilizing vertical space with inclined or vertical conveyors to maximize floor space. This is particularly useful in warehouses with limited horizontal space but ample vertical clearance.
• Modular Solutions. Opt for modular conveyor systems that can be reconfigured or expanded as needed. This provides flexibility for future growth or changes in warehouse operations.

By carefully analyzing space constraints, you can select a conveyor system that not only fits within your warehouse but also enhances operational efficiency without compromising safety or workflow.