There are many different types of industrial conveyor systems that can meet a wide range of manufacturer needs. From belt systems to screw systems, the field of conveyor systems is quite unique. If you’re planning on installing a new conveyor, it’s important that you know about these different types of systems so you can find the best one to suit your specific needs.
Belt Conveyors
This is one of the most commonly known types of conveyors because of its simplicity. Often when you hear the term “conveyor belt,” this is what’s being discussed. When something is placed on one end of the belt conveyor, the conveyor carries it down to the other end. It’s very straightforward, but it’s good to know that there are several subsections of belt conveyors.
Flat Belt Conveyors
This type of conveyor is essentially what’s described above. The attribute that makes this type of belt conveyor so valued and widely used is its versatility. This conveyor optimizes friction to move objects of all sizes, whether it’s a light load or a heavy load. However, not all flat belt conveyors can take heavy loads. So if that’s what you need, double-check to make sure you have found the right flat belt. Its versatility also lies within its belt material, which can be altered to fit different requirements for different objects.
Cleated Belt Conveyors
This type of belt has cleats on its surface that come in different shapes and sizes. These cleats help carry loose materials along the conveyor belt, up inclines, and through declines, while minimizing movement during the trip. This belt helps ensure a consistent placement on the conveyor from beginning to end, or as far as you require it to go. That way, your materials can remain properly intact during travel.
Modular Belt Conveyors
This type of belt is often plastic-based and sectioned-off, as opposed to the continuous loop of belt used by flat belt conveyors. Because of this, pieces of the belt can be removed and replaced if necessary.
Curved Belt Conveyors
This type of belt conveyor is specifically outfitted for maneuvering curves in the track. It may seem like a simple task, but many conveyors are not properly outfitted for corners and must be modified to do so. By using one of these belts, you can avoid going through the application of such modifications, so long as it fits the rest of your required actions.
Sanitary Conveyors
This type of conveyor is built specifically to handle frequent cleanings. It’s mostly used in industries like the food industry, where conveyors must be cleaned regularly to combat cross-contamination. Because these areas must be cleaned thoroughly with various cleaning chemicals, a conveyor that can withstand that pressure is required. Luckily, these sanitary conveyors fit that bill perfectly, hence their name.
Roller Conveyors
Like the name suggests, this belt is made up of rollers that are used to move products along the track. They are better suited for handling material loaded on with the assistance of gravity as opposed to human contact. Allowing them to be placed onto the roller conveyor with the help of another machine (instead of a human) minimizes damage to the rollers.
Overhead Conveyors
This type of conveyor is utilized when you need to transport something while it is hanging, like clothes at a dry cleaner shop. There are two distinct styles of overhead conveyors—motorized and hand-operated. The definition of each is self-explanatory—motorized overheads are operated by a motor while hand-operated overheads are controlled by someone moving the materials by hand. Out of the two overhead conveyor types, hand-operated is often cited as the most affordable option, as well as the easiest to install.
Chain Conveyors
This type of conveyor is built to handle big, bulky materials. Chain conveyors will often function at a slower pace than other types of systems. Automobile plants or factories moving large containers often utilize this kind of conveyor system. Another attribute chain conveyors have to offer is multiple contact points for the material being carried. Likewise, they offer multiple loading/removing points for manufacturers to utilize.
Vacuum Conveyors
This type of conveyor differs from the aforementioned systems in a very interesting way. It transports goods by utilizing air pressure instead of a normal track or belt. Vacuum, or “pneumatic,” conveyors are often used in mail rooms to transport envelopes and packages. The vacuum system is very useful if you want to take materials from separated channels and bring them to a singular location.
Applications for this range from moving paper products to moving products like food, dust, or minerals. The vacuum system can be quite flexible when it comes to making adjustments for certain products. For instance, the vacuums can come in different sizes to account for various products. Additionally, depending on the materials being transported, you can choose to have a vacuum constructed with metal or nonmetal materials.
Screw Conveyors
Don’t worry, that’s not a statement; it is in fact a type of conveyor system. This is another conveyor that comes with a very unique design. Screw, or “auger,” conveyors are typically used in the agriculture business. The reason for this is that the screw device is best suited for moving granular material and liquids. It uses a helical screw to move these materials, typically through a compartment such as a tube. It can be used to not only move those materials, but to mix or blend products as well. They are great for handling powders, grains, etc. Much like the vacuum conveyors, you can use a screw conveyor constructed out of either metal or nonmetal materials depending on the products being transported.
With so many types of conveyors out there, finding the right one may feel daunting. As you can see, there are many different types of industrial conveyor systems. All of which come with their own unique attributes. By looking closely at each of these options, you can seek out the best system for the specific applications you require of it. Even after finding the right one, it may seem like a hassle to get it installed correctly. That’s why DoverMEI helps customers install pneumatic systems, as well as many other types of conveyor systems.
