Conveyor systems are one of the essential components in any factory because they expedite production flow. However, selecting the right type and size of conveyor for your specific workflow is very important to improve productivity and efficiency. The following blog outlines some of the most popular types of slat conveyors and slat conveyor parts in use today.
1. Gravity Roller Conveyor
A gravity roller is one of the most common conveyor systems and is very affordable. It includes a series of rollers that are pointed on a frame, eventually providing a rolling surface. The parts can move when the surface is mounted on a decline angle. It’s also great for very light products.
2. Slat Conveyors
A slat conveyor refers to a two-strand chain system where slats are connected to the chain and a guiding system. The conveyor has a smooth surface with fixtures and tooling details that help keep the products at the desired positions. Slat conveyors are also used as a working surface for assembly and other manufacturing positions, and the conveyor system provides more positioning of the product parts.
3. Power & Free Conveyors
This conveyor system is categorized as an overhead conveyor system and comes with two tracks. One track of this system has a continuously moving chain, and the other track has trolleys that can move along the chain using pusher mechanisms. The conveyor system is quite versatile and makes the overhead system quite productive.
4. Chain Conveyors
Chain conveyor systems consist of floor-mounted chain conveyor parts used for heavy items. This system is usually beneficial for products having uneven lower surfaces. The conveyor system is used to carry pallets and industrial containers. If required, products are mounted on the fixture, and the fixture is then carried across the chains.
5. Motorized Roller Conveyor
Motorized roller conveyors consist of rollers that are spaced apart from each other at uniform lengths and powered with the help of motors. The system’s design is similar to a gravity conveyor but can help transport a bigger load. The overall load determines the number of motors required. A chain or belt is also used to link the rollers together.
6. Monorail Conveyor
Monorail conveyor systems are used to carry products over large distances. Signal wires present within the hanging rails offer electricity to the rails, which can then be hung across the structure of the building. The area above the production area is used for monorail conveyors. The carriers in certain designs can also descend to the production level. Since the structure is quite sturdy, it can easily carry heavy objects over large distances.
7. Live Roller Conveyor
A live roller conveyor consists of rollers and chains connected with the help of a motor and gearbox. This conveyor system can also be used to transport heavy-duty materials, such as tires, pallets, seats, and containers, from one place to another.
How to Select the Right Conveyor System
A lot needs to be considered when selecting the right conveyor for a warehouse. Firstly, it’s important to understand what kinds of products will be transported. Secondly, their sizes and weights decide the type of conveyors that can be used. Identifying the need to transfer these products, such as by storing, resequencing, or transporting them to customers, is also critical.
Another important factor to consider is the constraints in the working space, such as the space available in the warehouse. Conveyors can make warehouse operations very productive. However, they can also take up a lot of space in the warehouse. Hence, a conveyor system that can fit the warehouse while amplifying the overall speed and ease of operations should be selected.
Conveyor systems are also categorized in terms of their overhead or floor styles. Overhead conveyor systems are usually preferred for warehouses that have a lot of floors and products that are quite heavy. On the other hand, floor-styled conveyors such as belts or gravity roller conveyors require far more space compared to overhead conveyor systems; hence, they’re the best fit for warehouses with a lot more space.
Warehouses also need to consider how they want to load and unload the products. Some products require precise positioning of the parts, and hence, such products require systems consisting of tooling, carriers, and pallets. On the other hand, some products don’t require such precision, and they can easily be transported with the help of a roller conveyor or simple belt.
Finally, the speed required for the conveyor belt should also be considered. Conveyor systems that move very fast require more investment. Therefore, budget factors in for many companies. The best systems are those that are both affordable and fast.
Conclusion
Conveyor systems are pretty important when it comes to transporting products from one point to another in a factory or industry. However, selecting the right conveyor system is quite important in order to amplify the company’s productivity levels. If you’re searching for conveyor rollers suppliers, then get in touch with us. The company specializes in a variety of material handling integrations and storage solutions. Contact us today!