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There are three popular types of transport conveyor systems—belt, roller, and overhead conveyors—each with unique qualities and functions. But what differentiates them and why? As you learn more about these systems and their qualities, learn how to invest in one that’s perfect for your facility.
What Is a Transport Conveyor System?
Before jumping into the details of each type of transport conveyor system, you should understand what it is. Conveyor technologies are excellent alternatives to manual transport processes that allow for the efficient and organized movement of goods between locations. Conveyors are extremely adaptable and can be used as standalone pieces of equipment or part of a larger automated system, whichever is more beneficial.
Whether sorting, transporting, loading, unloading, palletizing, or completing order fulfillment, conveyors are great for creating a reliable, streamlined process that makes for an efficient warehouse or facility.
Key Differentiators
Unlike other warehouse equipment, transport conveyor systems provide the most efficient and cost-effective means of moving goods within a facility. Unlike traditional transport methods such as forklift equipment or manual labor, conveyor systems are typically automated and can be easily adjusted to meet the facility’s changing needs.
Plus, these systems are usually low maintenance and require minimal operator training. The components are typically easy to access and upkeep, making them an ideal choice for warehouses with many employees. As you learn more about the various conveyor types, observe how their unique qualities set them apart from other machines.
Belt Conveyors
One of the most common, simplest, and easily-recognized types of conveyors, belt conveyor systems use a belt and a closed-loop pulley system. The belts are made of a durable material such as rubber or PVC specifically designed to keep loose or bulky materials in the center of the conveyor as it pulls items across long distances.
Driven by a motor that propels items along the conveyor track, belts can come in different sizes, such as troughed, flat, and cleated. As the most common type of belt used in conveyor systems, flat belts are the simplest to set up and provide a reliable outlet for transporting goods.
The Benefits
Belt conveyors are durable and require minimal maintenance. They’re also relatively easy to install, with no complex wiring or installation required. With their speed and direction-adjusting components, warehouse operators can enjoy the flexibility of easy transport that keeps productivity in mind. And as a relatively simple option to install and maintain, these conveyors can help reduce labor, equipment, and energy costs.
When Your Warehouse Needs a Belt Conveyor
If a simple, versatile piece of equipment is something your facility needs, powered belt conveyors are a sensible option. Plus, if you have light-to-moderately sized items, bagged items, or fragile products, they’re a reliable option that offers much more control.
Roller Conveyors
As hinted by its namesake, roller conveyors are transport conveyor systems that use rollers to move objects along a flat surface. They are composed of steel rollers that rotate on a track and are powered by an electrical motor or a manual crank. Commonly used in warehouses, industrial facilities, and other production areas, these conveyors effectively move large or heavy materials from one point to another with minimal effort.
These come in multiple forms: powered, non-powered, or custom roller conveyors. Their use has grown significantly over the past several decades as they have become more widely available and cost-effective.
The Benefits
Whether you’re looking for a short-term solution or a long-term investment, roller conveyors offer immense benefits that can increase your operation’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability. One of the biggest draws is their simple yet robust design that supports light to heavy-duty loads. Powered, live roller conveyors can also be paired with multiple types of conveyor solutions, which offers flexibility that many warehouse operators are drawn to. And as one of the most economical material handling solutions available, non-powered gravity roller conveyors can lay flat and provide less-labor intensive movement. Not only does it guarantee a simpler assembly line, but a gravity conveyor can also be a more cost-effective solution due to the reduced need for a power source.
When Your Warehouse Needs a Roller Conveyor
For warehouses and industrial facilities facing increased demand for transporting goods, roller conveyors offer a practical and efficient solution. If maintaining precise control and positioning of your product isn’t as much of a priority, or you’re transporting products with flat surfaces and curves, a roller conveyor is ideal.
Overhead Conveyors
Overhead conveyor systems are a unique approach to conveyor technology that suspends the system from the ceiling, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in moving large volumes of goods at a faster rate. The components involve many parts, including a track, chain drive, control panel, carriers, and trolleys, all powered by an electric motor. The track runs along the length of the facility and can be configured in various ways to suit the business’s particular needs.
There are multiple types of overhead conveyors, such as I-beam, enclosed track, and power and free conveyors.
The Benefits
The main advantage of overhead conveyors is their ability to transport goods quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for businesses that handle large volumes of products. Their design allows them to do lots of work while conserving warehouse space, creating a more practical working environment.
Additionally, powered overhead conveyors provide improved safety in the workplace. As the system is located above workers, it eliminates the need for manual handling of materials, reducing the risk of labor-related injuries. Furthermore, the enclosed track design ensures that materials are securely held in place and can’t fall onto workers below or on neighboring machines or equipment.
When Your Warehouse Needs an Overhead Conveyor
An overhead conveyor system is an excellent choice if your facility needs to conserve space while handling heavier and more complex loads. They can reduce the need for manual handling and help you eliminate material handling bottlenecks. Plus, their high-quality technology provides the flexibility to adjust your system and accommodate changing production needs.
Call on Southwest Warehouse Solutions for Simplified Conveyor Systems
If you’re still wondering whether your warehouse needs a conveyor system, call on Southwest Warehouse Solutions. With our industry-leading conveyor systems, your facility can benefit from equipment that satisfies multiple jobs and suits your workflow.
Start transforming your warehouse and contact us today to learn more.
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