Conveyor systems are used in a wide variety of applications in manufacturing and distribution. Of course there are different types of system suited to different tasks, so it’s important to select the right one for your needs.
Consider the environment
Environmental factors may not immediately spring to mind when talking about conveyors, but they are an important factor in the choice. Depending on the product you are handling, the conveyor may need to be able to cope with oils and spillages of liquids or dust and debris. It’s important that the system keeps working whatever the situation.
In food handling environments you also need to consider how easy it is to keep the system clean in order to comply with regulations.
Type of product
Another key factor is the kind of product that the system will be handling. Depending on size and weight, in some instances a powered conveyor may be needed; in others gravity rollers may be sufficient to do the job. Generally speaking smaller, lighter items are more likely to need a powered system to avoid jams and bottlenecks.
For powders and granular substances, a vacuum conveyor from somewhere like https://www.aptech.uk.com/pneumatic-conveying-systems/vacuum-conveying/ may be the answer to transferring them in bulk quantities.
Ups and downs
Floor space is usually at a premium in most businesses, so it’s important to make the most of it. This may mean transferring products to different floors or to mezzanine levels. Doing this means that any conveyor system needs to be designed to work effectively in the space available without creating changes in level that can’t easily be surmounted. An incline that’s too steep, for example, may cause problems, making it necessary to look at alternatives such as spiral conveyors in order to get a practical solution within a smaller footprint. Experimenting with things like different friction materials can make a difference too.
It’s important to carry out tests with the type of product or material you intend to handle before installing a system. Conveyors may not always be given the same attention as other types of industrial machinery, but the wrong choice can mean a product getting stalled on the production line or not making its way smoothly through the distribution process. Good planning and product testing are therefore essential for making the right choice.
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