How to choose the right conveyor solution in 3 simple steps

A conveyor is a piece of mechanical equipment that handles the task of moving a product from point A to point B. The technology behind it is pretty simple. However, choosing the right conveyor can present a challenge. The wrong type of equipment will decrease your throughput, productivity, and as a result – your profits. We have put together the ultimate guide on conveyors that will help you make an informed decision.

STEP 1. DECIDE ON THE TYPE

NON-POWERED CONVEYORS

This is by far the simplest type of conveyor that doesn’t require any forces but inertia and gravity to move the product forward. Non-powered conveyors can be used to load packages into the truck, take away the products coming out of a sorter or help employees push the goods to the next workstation. The two most common types of non-powered conveyors are skatewheel and roller. To choose the right conveyor type, remember the main difference between them:

•  Skatewheel is perfect when you need to maintain the speed of the product. It is also a good choice for curved sections of the line because each little wheel moves individually.
•  Roller conveyor, on the contrary, is ideal for slowing down theproducts coming out of a high-speed sorter. Another plus is that roller conveyors are more affordable than skatewheel and require less maintenance. The main drawback of non-powered conveyors is inability to control the exact speed of the line

POWERED CONVEYORS

There are a lot of different types of powered conveyors. The two most popular are belt and roller ones. Don’t know how to choose the right conveyor?

•  Belt ones are traditionally used for transporting goods.
•  Whereas roller ones help with accumulation.

Another important factor is the size and weight of the product. Rollers are great at handling heavy packages, however, they won’t do a good job with small or super light objects that can fall between or off the rollers. In this case, it is better to use belt conveyors. They have rubber surface which can be ribbed to provide a better grip on incline or decline. When it comes to choosing the right conveyor rollers diameter, take the size of your product into consideration. There should always be at least three rollers per one item to make sure it has a smooth ride without any wobbling or gaps.

STEP 2. CONSIDER IMPORTANT DETAILS

Still wondering how to choose the right conveyor belt? There is a lot more to it than just selecting the type:

•  Safety
  
  High-quality conveyors always have safety mechanisms. If they don’t, make sure you install special guards to protect your employees. Remember: safety comes first.
•  Flexibility
  
  You never know how your product line will change over the years so choose the right conveyor with separate modules to easily adjust it, if needed. Also, go big if you can afford it. The wider the conveyor, the more types and sizes of products it can accommodate.
•  Maintenance

Before installing any conveyor, figure out the maintenance plan, and how much it will cost you to repair the system should it go down. Choose the right conveyor solution that is reliable and easy to maintain.

STEP 3. PICK THE BEST SUPPLIER

Last but not least, you should choose the right company to provide you with high-quality conveyor systems. Look for a partner that is:

•  Reliable
•  Experienced
•  Has been in business for a long time
•  Handles both installment and maintenance
•  Fits your budget

Now you know how to choose the right conveyor. Invest in the best equipment and watch your profit skyrocket!