The number of materials that conveying and packaging systems deal with is vast. However, don’t assume that means these systems are a one-size-fits-all kind of deal—in fact, it is quite the contrary. Manufacturers create each piece of a conveying and packing system, from the storage silos to the conveyors, with precise transportation capabilities in mind.
This guide to full line conveying and packaging considerations will point you in the right direction when shopping for workplace equipment. It probably seems like a lot to handle at first, but the more you discover what sets each piece of equipment apart, the easier it will become to understand which one is right for your specific needs.
Investing in High-Quality Parts
Conveying and packaging tasks involve many moving parts. To ensure these components complete each task consistently well, you have to be careful when choosing each one. It’s understandable to feel the temptation to invest in cheaper equipment to cut costs. However, sacrificing quality for cost is a big mistake in this industry. Investing in high-quality parts from reliable suppliers will help you reflect that quality in the products you sell.
Meticulous Manufacturing
Partnering with a manufacturer to custom-build conveying and packaging equipment is essential. The reason this partnership is so crucial is because of how different each facility’s specifications are.
From the characteristics of the materials moving through the system to how much space you have available, you must discuss quite a few factors with your system manufacturer. Here at DoverMEI, we work closely with you to design systems and components, like an industrial vacuum blower, in a way that meets your specifications so it can naturally and effectively integrate into your current workflow.
Remember—don’t just consider how much space you have available to fit the system itself. You also have to consider convenient accessibility for maintenance and any other tasks that require employees to work closely with the equipment. Meticulously choosing a reliable manufacturer who can meet your specific needs will ensure you have the right equipment for handling materials day-in and day-out.
Searching for Silos
A silo might look like a simple metal construct, but there are many variations that are compatible with specific conditions. The three main types of metal storage silos include flat-bottom, conical-bottom, and horizontal variations. Which one is best for your facility depends on what you’re storing in them, how much material you’re reserving at one time, how much space you have for installing the structure, and how long you need to store the materials inside.
Flat-bottom silos are very popular units for storing grain due to their versatility, durability, and ability to house materials over long periods of time. You’ll frequently see flat-bottom silos in the food industry, but if you install a sweep auger attachment, their storage capabilities can expand beyond the grain. If you need short-term storage for large quantities of materials like ash or cement, you should consider choosing a horizontal silo.
On the other hand, conical-bottom storage units will assist with storing small quantities of materials over a short period of time. Specifically, conical-bottom silos are great for powders and granular products.
As you can see, it’s a bit of a juggling act to match all of the right factors together and determine what system is best for you. Luckily, as previously discussed, partnering with a reliable equipment manufacturer will help you check all the right boxes before committing to a silo. Ask your manufacturer about “custom silos” as an option before settling on the three main variations first.
Installing the Right Conveyor
Like silos, there are various conveyor types available. Each one is useful, but typically not for the same type of task. Variations include belt, pneumatic, sanitary, roller, and overhead conveyors. Even belt conveyors have different variations, including flat, curved, modular, and cleated.
As we briefly touched on above, what conveyor you need depends on a few factors. The relevant factors include the material you’re transporting, the size of your facility, and the cleaning standards you require.
Repeating those points might make this article sound like a broken record, but it’s essential to understand the similar and differing factors each piece of equipment requires you to consider. Factors like your material’s characteristics affect more parts of the handling and packaging process than you might realize.
If you’re transporting smaller materials like minerals and dust, then pneumatic (vacuum) and screw (auger) conveyors can benefit your daily workflow in an invaluable way. These capabilities make pneumatic and screw conveyors popular in the food and agriculture industries. However, if you’re moving larger and bulkier materials such as automobile parts, you’ll benefit more from installing a chain conveyor system.
Considering cleaning standards is essential because not every conveyor can handle the cleaning chemicals and frequency that some can. For example, sanitary conveyors earn their name due to their ability to withstand frequent and thorough cleaning procedures.
Thanks to their cleaning capabilities, sanitary conveyors are popular tools in the food industry. Cross-contamination can hinder your health standards, so ensuring you have the right equipment in place to prevent it from occurring is crucial.
Just like when you’re choosing a silo, choosing a conveyor system requires you to consider quite a few factors, but with a good manufacturer by your side, you can avoid making costly mistakes. At the end of the day, you shouldn’t feel the need to be an expert in every conveyor; you just need to have a good understanding of which one best suits your needs. Suffice it to say, these systems should improve your current workflow, not hinder it.
Now that you have a better understanding of full line conveying and packaging considerations, you can seek a reliable manufacturer to help you bring these concepts to life. It might sound a bit dramatic, but whether or not you follow this step does drastically affect your equipment’s quality and efficiency. Obviously, high quality and efficiency are fairly necessary standards to uphold in material handling facilities.
Investing in the wrong equipment will only lead to costly mistakes in the long run. However, taking the time to build the perfect system from the ground up will help you provide the workplace with an effective means of completing daily tasks.
