In most manufacturing facilities or warehouses, conveyor systems play a large role in operational efficiency and success. Conveyors can come in many different types, including belt conveyors, roller conveyors, and more, depending on the specific applications you are looking for. In general, conveyors are powered by a motor, gravity, or manually. For instance, belt conveyors are often motor-powered while roller conveyors can run on gravity and can also be motor-powered. With that said, full systems are typically completely motor-powered.
Regardless of the type of conveyor, there are certain important specifications that have to be considered closely before you make a decision.
Load capacity
The load capacity per unit length is an important specification to get down in the initial stages of your purchasing process, especially for custom conveyors, in order to ensure that your custom conveyor length is capable of handling the volume of products you need it to. Overloading a conveyor can lead to decreased efficiency, and potentially even damage to the conveyor or your products.
Rated speed
This is usually measured in terms of ft/min., giving you a clear of idea of how fast your conveyor will travel in a set amount of time. This is important to note so that you can find a conveying system that works best with how your operations are currently run. Thanks to their stability, belt conveyors can normally go quite fast.
Throughput
This attribute measures the capacity of a conveyor in handling the units that it conveys. This measurement is normally expressed in terms of volume per unit time. It is important to optimize for this as it will determine the efficiency of your system. If your system utilizes case packing machines, take into account how many cases are discharged onto your conveyor per minute. Also consider how many lines are being merged into one, and how long each case is. All of these factors will be used to determine what speed your conveyor needs to be in order to handle the volume of units conveyed.
These are just a few of the many factors you need to consider before purchasing a system. Of course, there are more things to consider, especially if you are opting for a customized system. This is why it is crucial for you to get in touch with experts such as Norpak Handling. Whether you’re looking for belt conveyors or any other type of conveyor, we will be able to help you find the perfect system for your needs.
