Conveyor systems are an integral part of warehouses, offering optimal throughput and reducing manual labour. However, many conveyors also require accessory systems to make the transportation process more streamlined. One such system is sortation conveyors, which can effectively sort products on the assembly line. However, selecting one for a particular operation can be challenging, as there are multiple varieties available in the market. To simplify the process, here are 3 factors to consider before installing a sortation conveyor.
How To Select A Sortation Conveyor?
Weight And Dimensions Of The Material Being Transported
When it comes to selecting a sortation conveyor, one of the key factors to consider is the weight and dimensions of the material being transported. This will help determine the type of conveyor that is best suited for a specific application.
For instance, for transporting heavy materials, a robust conveyor will be required. Apart from the weight and the dimensions, the surface area in contact with the conveyor surface is also paramount. This is because the friction between the surface of the conveyor and the product can determine if it will slip or not during transportation. For instance, a product surface suitable for a conveyor belt might not be compatible with a roller conveyor.
Speed Of Sortation
The type of product being conveyed will also dictate the maximum allowable speed for the conveyor. For instance, if the conveyor is handling fragile items, then a slower speed is mandatory. The same applies to heavier items to prevent them from toppling over.
The desired throughput is another factor to consider when determining the speed of the sortation conveyor. Therefore, if the volume of goods being processed is large, then the conveyor speed needs to be optimized for the best results.
Space And Financial Constraints
The cost of the equipment is always a top priority, as well as the square footage that the machinery will need to be placed.
In terms of cost, there are a few things to factor in. The initial price tag is important, but so is the long-term cost of ownership. This includes things like maintenance and operational costs.
As for square footage, this will largely depend on the size and scale of the operation. For limited spaces, it is important to be more selective. There are compact options available that can still get the job done effectively.
Thus, by factoring in these 3 criteria, it is easy to select an appropriate sortation conveyor for a particular application.
To know more about sortation conveyors and how they can contribute to the effective functioning of a conveyor system, reach out to us at Norpak Handling. We have been providing businesses throughout Canada with top-of-the-line conveyors and equipment for decades. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can craft highly customized material-handling solutions specific to your requirements.
