How to Choose the Best Conveyor System for You
Things to Consider
 INDUSTRY
 The industry a conveyor is designed for can impact multiple factors of their design. As an example, a conveyor for transporting food products will need to be built with quality, hygienic, food grade materials. A packing application may need an intergrated system combining a conveyor with packing tables, which would improve efficiency and create an egonomical working environment for your employees. In conclusion, knowing your industry well can help aid in designing a conveyor system to be perfectly suited for its application.
Additionally, an extra point to consider is energy efficiency and cost, say your product is a food item, it may need to be transported quickly by a conveyor system. Will a higher speed motor be more efficient? If so, will this impact budgets?
- Application examples:
+ Warehouse & Logistics
+ Vehicle Loading
+ Packing
+ Food & Drink
+ Manufacturing
+ Sortation
+ Floor to Floor
  PRODUCT
  PRODUCTWhen deciding on a conveyor it is important to know the product it will be transporting. Features about the product including dimentions and weight will determine a conveyors specific details during the design stage.
- For example, consider these types of questions:
+ Does it require special treatment due to conditions such as high moisture?
+ Size, shape, weight and material of product?
  HANDLING
  HANDLINGHow to choose the best conveyor? Consider the product that will be handled by employees, this will determine whether or not a powered, unpowered or a combined system is best suited. If more handling of the product is required, extra details on the conveyor system design (such as safety rails or conveyor motor speed) and guidelines will have to be considered for the safety of staff.
When designing a production line conveyor system layout for example, consider the space available and the accessibility for cleaning and maintenance staff. These two factors could change the entire shape and design of a system, thinking about these points will create an optimal production line design, which will prioritize work flow and enhance productivity.
+ How often will employees handle the product?
+ What is the available space for the conveyor system?
+ Does the conveyor design require extra safety details for employees?
+ Does the production require an accumulation / Rotary table?
Our team can guide you in choosing the right conveyor system for your application, please consider information such as:
- Industry
- Product
- Budget
- Available Space
Contact our team through the Spaceguard Enquiry Form or alternatively find more information about our bespoke conveyor products and contact our team via our sister website: www.conveyorsystems.co.uk.
A Rotary Table can be a useful addition to your production system for product accumulation.
Conveyor Types
There are numerous conveyor types and custom options available on the market today. Below are some of the most commonly purchased and utilized conveyors across various industries. Our company specializes in designing and building standard conveyor systems, as well as collaborating closely with clients to create completely bespoke conveyor system designs, tailored to their specific space and requirements.
Let's begin by exploring the two most common conveyor styles:
Roller Conveyors
Most Commonly Transported Items on Roller Conveyors
- Crates
- Boxes
- Totes
- Cartons
- Trays
- Pallets
Roller conveyors consist of a continuous row of rollers, making them ideal for transporting flat objects with a rigid base. This design ensures smooth movement across the rollers.
Unsuitable Items: Loose items, such as bags and packets, are not recommended for roller conveyors as they can become stuck or caught between the rollers. The transported product should cover several rollers to ensure efficient movement along the conveyor.
Common Applications: Roller conveyor systems are frequently used in industrial warehouses, production factories, assembly lines, and airports.
- Find more information on our article 'What is a Roller Conveyor?'
Belt Conveyors
Most Common Items Transported Using Belt Conveyor Systems
- Packaged Products
- Loose Materials
- Packets & Bagged Goods
- Food & Drink Products
- Luggage
Belt conveyor systems feature a continuous belt made from various materials, allowing for smooth transportation of items. They are the most versatile conveyor type available, thanks to the variety of belt options and a flat surface that can transport almost any product.
While belt conveyors can transport nearly any item, sharp or very heavy products may cause damage to the belt.
Common Applications: Belt conveyors are widely used across numerous industries, including farming, e-fulfillment centers, warehouses, supermarkets, factories, and mining.
Belt Material Examples
When to Use a Belt Conveyor Over a Roller Conveyor
Advantages of Belt Conveyors:
- Versatility: Belt conveyors can transport a wide variety of items and products, whereas roller conveyors may snag loose items or allow smaller items to fall through gaps between the rollers.
- Reduced Handling: Belt conveyors require less manual handling, which can improve employee well-being and morale. This also reduces the risk of human error during product transportation.
Consider Belt Conveyors for:
- Diverse Product Types: Ideal for transporting different sizes and types of items without the risk of snagging or falling.
- Employee Efficiency: Suitable for environments where reducing manual effort and minimizing human error is important.
Applications: Belt conveyors are perfect for settings where smooth, continuous transportation of various products is needed, enhancing efficiency and safety in the workplace.
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Click Here to read more information about 'Choosing the Right Belt Conveyor'
Commonly Used Conveyors
Slat Conveyors
- Ideal for food & beverage
- Variable Speeds
- Stainless Steel chains available
- Completely Customisable
Lineshaft Driven Roller Conveyor
- Uses a series of bands to connect each roller to a spinning shaft underneath
- Great for cartons, boxes or totes
Gravity Roller Conveyor
- Unpowered - Uses momentum of gravity
- Easily transports goods
- Special Application versions available
- Robust & Reliable
Ball Tables
- Multi-Directional movement
- Unpowered
- Great for transferring & turning heavy objects
- Choice of ball size & pitch
Flexible Roller Conveyors
- Also known as 'Expandable Conveyors'
- Different Roller Styles available
- Heavy Duty options
- Ideal for smaller spaces & Storage
Pallet Conveyor
- Less Forklift Use
- Pallet Accumulation
- Improved Health & Safety
- Low Maintenance
- Faster Transport Time
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