Choosing the Right Conveyor Manufacturer

Material handling conveyor systems are integral to warehouses, manufacturing plants and different production facilities. They are used to transport products, raw materials and finished goods efficiently.

To ensure your conveyor system operates at optimum capacity, select the right manufacturer. You will want to consider factors such as: specialised functionality, a range of belt materials, and CIP (clean-in-place) capabilities.

Belt Support

Conveyor belt systems move massive amounts of materials for a variety of industries. Their pace, direction, curvature and size varies, depending on the needs of each application. Durable belting material and proper use of support rollers help these systems withstand heavy-duty conditions.

For example, conveyor belt systems transport cardboard boxes and palates full of medical supplies for packaging and distribution in the pharmaceutical industry. These systems also transport materials for manufacturing and assembly lines. Henry Ford famously used a conveyor belt assembly line to lower the amount of time it took to build a car from 12 hours to just over an hour in 1913.

Endless conveyor belts are designed for the specific requirements of each industry. Their seamless construction leads to reduced maintenance costs and downtime, while their durability enhances operational efficiency. They can be customized with various profiles, cleats and perforations to increase performance. These features are useful in specific applications, like assisting materials up inclines or preventing products from slipping off the belt. They can also be coated with anti-static and flame-resistant coatings for safety in hazardous environments.

Pulley System

Conveyor pulleys are crucial components that perform critical functions such as driving the belt, maintaining tension, changing direction and providing support. They are also a vital component of conveyor systems that need to be durable enough to withstand harsh industrial environments. Based in Sydney, Australia, TSGlobal is an industry leader in high-quality conveyor pulleys that ensure operational success.

A fixed pulley is a wheel with bearings at its center that rotates on an axle, with the rope moving over it. This simple design allows for the mechanical advantage of reducing the effort needed to lift something that would otherwise be too heavy to handle by a person or machine.

For this reason, it’s important to choose a conveyor system that uses the best and most durable pulleys possible. Using the right lagging material and shaft locking assembly is also essential for maximizing pulley life. A taper friction lock assembly is recommended because it eliminates clearance and eccentricity, making it a reliable, cost-effective option. The most common type of end disc for a pulley is a machined steel one.

Motor

The motor is the power source that provides traction to conveyor belts and keeps them moving. It is important that any conveyor manufacturer supplies a quality motor, and one that meets the specific needs of the application and industry. For example, a warehouse that carries conveyor manufacturers food and medicine should be able to use conveyors with motors approved by the FDA.

Conveyor systems are a powerful way to improve the pace of manufacturing processes. They can move materials and products at high speeds, reduce manual labor, and enhance productivity. They can also help businesses conserve space, reduce waste, and ensure safety in the workplace.

With supply chain hurdles and worker shortages causing manufacturers to rush production, many are searching for conveyor systems. Industrial marketplace IndustryNet has seen sourcing activity for conveyor systems surge in recent months. To help companies determine if automated conveyor belts are the right fit for their facilities, Gough Econ offers free facility analysis and expert advice.

Belt Material

The belt material used in conveyor systems can impact the performance and longevity of the equipment. Choosing the right material can improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and help your company achieve sustainability goals. High-quality materials offer superior tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat and chemicals. They are also less prone to clogging and can handle heavier loads without stretching or losing strength.

The weight and nature of the materials you transport will determine what type of conveyor belt you need. For example, food processing environments must meet strict hygiene standards and require non-toxic, easy to clean conveyor belts that are resistant to bacteria growth. Stainless steel and food-grade rubber are suitable for these applications.

For warehouse and logistics applications, lightweight PVC or fabric belts are suitable for handling light loads. For heavier loads, reinforcement belts are needed to ensure durability and withstand abrasion. Other factors to consider include the operating environment and specific requirements, such as oil resistance or flame retardancy. Innovative materials are gaining popularity, such as energy-optimized rubber compounds that minimize power consumption and self-healing belts that repair minor cuts and abrasions.

Maintenance

A conveyor system is a crucial aspect of any facility, acting as a backbone for production and material handling. But when a conveyor malfunctions, it can disrupt workflows and lead to lost productivity. Luckily, proper maintenance procedures can minimize mechanical failures and prevent downtime.

To keep a conveyor running smoothly, daily checks of its components are important. A conveyor should also be regularly inspected for excessive noise or vibration, which could indicate loose or worn parts. The maintenance team should document the maintenance schedule and tasks in a log. This helps to track and plan for future work.

Some of the more frequent conveyor maintenance tasks include lubricating gears, checking belt cleanliness and tensioning the belt cleaner. In addition, the equipment supplier should provide a detailed checklist to follow for each type of conveyor, including a list of recommended Spa Turntable platform lubricants. Another important consideration is to ensure that all electrical control and pneumatic systems are grounded. Insufficient or faulty grounding can result in stray and induced voltages, which may cause erratic operations.

Lastly, strict lock-out, tag-out practices should be followed to make sure any conveyor that is being worked on cannot run while workers are working on it. It is also essential that the maintenance team wears appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) while performing maintenance.