Selecting the correct conveyor depends primarily on the items to be moved or conveyed. The products weight, size, stability, consistency and bottom surface affect how it will convey. The following are common system that we use.

Skatewheel


Skatewheel conveyors uses a series of small metal, aluminum, or plastic wheels aligned in rows. These units are non-powered and rely on gravity for conveying. They are ideal for moving sacks or bags down an incline. They are also found in shipping areas and used to convey products down specific lanes for loading into outbound trucks.

Since they do not have motors, skatewheel systems are typically inexpensive and are often portable. They are also economical to maintain. Since there are no motors to force items along, products may catch or stick on wheel conveyors. Therefore, it is recommended that their use be limited to short runs and areas that are easily accessible.

Belt


Belt conveyors are ideal for the general transport of light and medium weight products through out a facility.

The belt rests on a roller bed. Motors in combination with a gearbox and drive system move the belt along, which in turn moves the products that are resting on the top surface.

With a large amount of surface area contacted between belt and product, these conveyors produce sufficient friction to make them ideal for transporting items along inclines or declines and for conveying odd shaped items

Slider Bed Belt

Slider bed conveyors are suited for unstable loads that travel at low speed. They are often located at load stations and assembly stations. Similar to belt conveyors these systems typically convey products on an unpainted surface. Since the bed is solid, there is a large amount of surface contact, making these conveyors ideal for odd shaped items and small items that are not placed into totes.

Live Roller

Live roller conveyors are a common fixture in distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. These systems feature a a series of elongated rollers mounted across the conveying bed. Belts, chains, or line shafts power the rollers.

Belt driven systems usually require less maintenance and offer the lowest overall cost. Chain systems are more complex. Line shaft systems allow for quick changes in flow and are often chosen for systems that involve right angle transfers and diverts. Line shaft units tend to be quieter.

Live roller systems are well suited to a wide range of product conveying. Many facilities with a varied of product mix choose live rollers. They can handle heavy loads and are also ideal for dirty or harsh conditions. Products can easily merge into these systems as well as divert to other lines. They are also used to accumulate product.

Factors to take into account is that products must have a solid bottom and sufficient weight to ride properly on the rollers. Loose articles can easily fall between rollers, therefore it is recommended that items be either boxed or placed in totes.

Accumulation

Systems that include work-in-process or require a buffer often use accumulation conveyors.

Accumulation allows the product to back up without stopping the rest of the work flow. They are commonly used at workstations or for preparing product before it enters a sortation system. Accumulation systems consist of rollers or belts that power and stop automatically to provide spacing between cartons as directed by either photo-eyes or sensing rollers.

Accumulating conveyors are more expensive and require additional controls and motors than many other systems, but the benefits in flexibility out weight the added costs.

Take the confusion out of what conveyor system best suits your requirements by calling us today. We would be happy to review your requirements and designing a system that will work for you.

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