Why are conveyor systems used?
Conveyor systems save time and effort when handling goods, such as raw materials, packages, and components.
Where vast numbers of products are concerned, having staff manually move them from A to B would be time consuming, inefficient, and costly. Not to mention having items carried around a warehouse or factory would be quite unsafe for the employees, who would be at risk of accidents, causing strains, and other injuries.
Using conveyor systems allows employees to safely transport goods with minimal effort, at greater speeds, allowing for maximum efficiency.
How does a conveyor system work?
A roller conveyor works though a series of parallel metal or plastic rollers attached between a frame. When the rollers spin, items placed on top of them are transported forwards. The rollers can be powered, meaning they are attached to a motor that spins each roller. These will transport products placed upon them automatically. Alternatively they can be unpowered, in this case the force of gravity can be utilised to aid products in travelling over the rollers. This is achieved by the roller conveyor being installed on an incline. In some cases however, manual force (pushing) is required.
Whilst a belt conveyor system works through the use of a continuous loop of material wrapped around two or more pulleys (or drums). At least one of these pulleys is driven by a motor. As this drive pulley spins the belt is propelled, allowing for anything placed upon the belt to be transported on it.
A ball transfer system works in a similar manner to a roller conveyor however balls are used instead of rollers. A number of balls are mounted into a surface and then parts or products can be placed upon them. As the balls are able to spin, the product can be manoeuvred over the balls with ease.
Where are conveyor systems used?
- Production Lines
- Manufacturing
- Automotive industries
- Food & drink production
- Packing Industries
- Agriculture
- Warehouse & logistics
- Mining operations
