Conveyors

Conveyors a.k.a conveyor belts are automated systems to move material between fixed points. During sortation, it also holds materials as a short-term buffer.

Conveyors are commonly used for the movement of:

• unit loads
  
• cases


• cartons


• pallets

Conveyor systems function with 2 pulleys that continually loop over the material that rotates over them. The belt, on which the material is placed, is supported by a series of rollers along the path.

Characteristics:

• high throughput, fast response and suitable for continuous or intermittent movement
  
• few operators required to manage


• low power requirement


• suitable for fixed routes

There are 2 types of conveyor systems:

• Gravity conveyor systems


• Powered conveyor systems

Gravity conveyor systems:

Requires no power supply, motors or switchgear. To achieve control of movement, such system requires incline.

Listed below are the various types of gravity conveyor systems:


Chutes

Skate wheel conveyors (for lightweight cases and cartons)




Powered conveyor systems:

It is power-operated thus inclines are neither required nor recommended.

Listed below are the various types of powered conveyor systems:


Powered roller conveyors

Flat Belt conveyors




Slat conveyors

Chain conveyors

Overhead conveyors