Conveyors are the backbone of any manufacturing process. They take raw materials and route them to where they need to go, while also carrying finished products out of the factory. But choosing a conveyor isn’t always an easy task because there are many different options on the market. Take into account the type of products you will be making, the production rate, and your goals. There are many factors that come into play when deciding what type is right for your needs and you should consider each before making your final decision. Let’s take a look at the six factors you should consider when choosing a conveyor.
What Is A Conveyor?
First of all, let’s take a quick look at what a conveyor is. Conveyors are machines that transport materials from one place to another. They come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the type of material they are transporting and the application. There are too many different types of conveyors to list them all but there are three main types of conveyors:
Material Handling Conveyors
These are used to move materials around a factory or warehouse. They can be used to move products between machines or to move products from one end of the factory to the other. For example, a bucket elevator would be a material handling conveyor, since it involves vertical and horizontal transportation of bulk materials. This type of conveyor is usually used to move heavy or bulky materials.
Package Handling Conveyors
These are used to move packages and boxes around a warehouse. They are smaller and faster than material handling conveyors and can be used to move products between machines or to move them from one end of the warehouse to the other. For example, a belt conveyor would be a package handling conveyor.
Assembly Line Conveyors
These conveyors are used in assembly lines to move parts and components from one machine to another. They are often used in conjunction with robotics and other automated systems. They can be used to move products between machines or to move them from one end of the line to the other.
Now that you know what a conveyor is, let’s take a look at the factors you should consider when choosing one for your needs.
Product Dimensions
The first factor you should consider is the product dimensions. The conveyor must be able to accommodate the size and weight of the product. If the product is too big or too heavy, the conveyor will not be able to handle it and will break down. Make sure to choose a conveyor that is big enough and strong enough to handle the product. This is one of the key factors to determining what kind of conveyor you will need. Take into account all of the products you will be making and make sure the conveyor can handle them.
Production Rate
The next factor you should consider is the production rate. The conveyor must be able to accommodate the speed of the production line. If the production rate is too fast or too slow, the conveyor will not be able to keep up and will break down. Make sure to choose a conveyor that is fast enough to keep up with the production rate. The production rate will be one of the main factors in determining the appropriate conveyor speed.
Product Type
The next factor you should consider is the product type. If the product is a liquid, a gas, or a powder, the conveyor will not be able to handle it and will break down. Make sure to choose a conveyor that is appropriate for the type of product being transported. There are many different conveyors that are designed specifically for liquid, gas, or powder products. For example, a chain-driven live roller conveyor would be a great choice if your product is a wooden pallet. If you have a plastic footed pallet then a large plastic chain conveyor might be a better choice. A stainless steel belt conveyor would be a great choice if your product is dirty or sticky.
Conveyor Washdown Considerations
The next factor you should consider is the washdown considerations. If the conveyor will be exposed to moisture or water, you need to choose a conveyor that is washdown-proof. There are many different conveyors on the market so make sure to choose ones that are designed specifically for wet environments. This way, you can be sure that the conveyor will not break down or rust. If high water pressure is needed then the conveyor must be able to withstand it. Determine what chemicals will be used for cleaning, as this could have an impact on the type of conveyor you choose.
Conveyor Construction Requirements
The last factor you should consider is the construction requirements. If the conveyor will be used in a hazardous environment, you need to choose a conveyor that is explosion-proof. This way, you can be sure that the conveyor will not explode in a hazardous environment. Another thing to consider is the material the conveyor is made of. If the conveyor will be used in a corrosive environment, you need to choose a conveyor that is made of corrosion-resistant material.
When choosing a conveyor, there are many factors you should consider. From the type of product you will be making, to the material the conveyor is made of, each decision made can impact your production rate and the end product. Research the different types of conveyors and their benefits to find the perfect one for your business.
If you’re not sure where to start there are many online resources, such as articles and tutorials, that can get you started. Talk to the people who know more about conveyors than you do; your equipment supplier should be able to help you make the right decision for your business. Read product reviews before buying any machine to be sure you’re making the best decision for your needs. Take into account the factors listed here and make an informed decision. Choosing the right equipment for your business is not an easy task. We hope this article will help you choose!
