Automation conveyor systems are very essential in efficient operations nowadays. One is meant to help streamline your material handling processes and enhance the automation process of production. A good conveyor system assures a reduction in manual labour and increases output and efficiency. In your pursuit of this kind of system, it will be really interesting to know as we take different types of automation conveyor systems you can use for your business.
1. Belt Conveyor Systems
Among all other kinds of conveyor systems used in industries today, one of the most prevalent types is belt conveyor systems. How this work is based on transporting goods from one point to another using a constant loop made of rubber or synthetic. Belt conveyor systems are versatile, making them suitable for material handling in manufacturing, packaging, and food production.
Why use belt conveyor systems?
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Silky material flow: The sleekness and continuity of belt conveyor movement necessitate the automation level of production.
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Flexible design: They can be configured to fit any workspace.
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Light and heavy materials: From small packets to heavy products, the conveyors can come in handy with different weight lengths.
Moreover, belt conveyor systems are easy to operate and maintain, making them a reliable option for businesses aiming for improved productivity levels.
2. Roller Conveyor Systems
The next system to come is the roller conveyor system; they are largely used in warehouses, distribution centres, and manufacturing plants. Moreover, this system has a chain of rollers that move products along the line. There are two types of roller conveyors- gravity roller conveyors and powered roller conveyors.
Advantages of Roller Conveyor Systems:
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Low maintenance: They require very minor maintenance whereby this minimizes downtime.
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Versatile to any materials: Be it fragile items or bulkier products, roller conveyors can handle all.
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Economical: Gravity roller conveyors are energy sippers since they function on gravity rather than with motors.
In addition, roller conveyors serve best for a company in need of both manual and automated handling of materials.
3. Chain Conveyor Systems
Chain conveyor systems are also another good alternative for businesses that need to move heavy weights. Unlike belt or roller conveyors, which depend on a continuous band to draw materials along, chain conveyors rely on a chain to move the material. Their use is much easier in industries such as automotive, steel, and shipping, which most of the time work with huge and big materials.
Why are Chain Conveyor Systems Ideal?
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Strength and durability: They can take up much more weight than the other kind of conveyors.
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High productivity: It is suitable for line automation in heavy industries.
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Suitable for bulky goods: Even huge materials that no human can carry alone can be conveyed.
Further, chain conveyor systems can work in tough conditions, making them suitable for raw material-related businesses or extreme conditions.
4. Pneumatic Conveyor System
Pneumatic conveyor systems are unusual because they utilize pressure to transport materials within pipes. Such systems are ideal for carrying bulk materials, such as grains, powders, or small elements. Industries can apply such systems in pharmacies, food processing industries, or chemical manufacturing plants.
Benefits of Pneumatic Conveyor Systems
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Gentle handling: They are very suitable for dealing with delicate products as there is no mechanical moving element that touches the material.
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Rapid conveying: Pneumatic systems can move at extremely high velocity, which speeds up the automation of manufacturing.
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Space-saving: Since the material will move through tubes, these systems tend to fit in almost all available spaces.
Furthermore, pneumatic systems are clean and efficient as well because companies that aim at material handling automation due to prevention against contamination can be served well.
5. Modular Conveyor Systems
Modular conveyor systems are very flexible and customizable to business-to-business requirements. It's composed of individual modules that could easily be reconfigured depending upon changes in different production processes. However, these systems are useful for those businesses that need flexibility and scalability in their operations.
Advantages of Modular Conveyor Systems
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Customization design: You can modify the system to meet your needs.
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Easy to install and modify: The production needs may change, and you can easily alter the layout.
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Cost advantage: You do not need to acquire a completely new system but can add or delete modules as required.
Flexibility is a long-term investment for companies that would want to keep in step with the changing times in material handling and production automation requirements.
6. Overhead Conveyor Systems
One of the best solutions for companies with minimal floor space is to have overhead conveyor systems, suspended from the ceiling and travelling products along a track. Additionally, it clears valuable workspace, as overhead conveyors are usually used in automotive plants, dry cleaners, and assembly lines.
Overhead Conveyor Systems- Benefits
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Optimal space usage: Moving materials above saves you floor space for other operations.
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Higher productivity: Suitable for straight assembly lines where different operations are done in passing.
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Heavy-duty and very sturdy: Made for long-lasting purposes and can endure heavy usage.
Companies can easily add these overhead conveyors to virtually any existing production line, making them a flexible option that offers a smart investment for those looking to increase productivity.
7. Screw Conveyor Systems
Screw conveyor systems transfer bulk materials like grains, powders, and small particles. Moreover, a rotating helical screw blade carries the materials inside a tube. Industries such as agriculture, food processing, and mining commonly use these systems.
Why Choose Screw Conveyor Systems?
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Well suited for bulk material transport: These can carry heavy bulks without much hassle.
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Closed design: Screw conveyors minimize the possibility of contamination and are suitable for sensitive material.
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Energy efficiency: The screw conveyor consumes less energy and is hence one of the most economical solutions.
Other than being cost-effective in terms of energy consumption, screw conveyors are also highly versatile to fit most environments and can easily be customized depending on business requirements.
Conclusion
The proper automation conveyor system for your business can boost the efficiency of your material handling processes and enhance production automation. However, ranging from a light material belt conveyor to a chain conveyor that has the heft to handle such heavy applications, there is the right solution for you. Lastly, considering the kind of materials to be handled, available space, and budget makes a real choice.
An automation conveyor system is, therefore, an investment since, apart from improving the efficiency of your firm, it saves on labour and increases the productivity of any business generally.