How to Choose the Right Conveyor Solution for Your Facility
Conveyors are a necessary part of just about any production facility or warehouse; they give added protection against damage and allow for easier visual access for sorting. Conveyors are made with belts or rollers, and some are powered, meaning they move items along themselves, whereas others may simply be a line of rollers that allow you to push products manually.
Because there are so many conveyor solutions for production facilities and warehouses, note a few factors to consider in order to choose the right type for your location:
1. Oily or greasy parts
If the parts you will be moving will be oily or greasy, such as those used in automotive or machinery production, you want to choose a chain roller rather than a belt roller. The chains or drums will allow oil and grease to drip away and not get accumulated on the belt. The same is true if parts will be wet as they move down the conveyor.
2. Ease of access
Some motorized conveyors will have large gears on the side of a conveyor, to move the chain or belt along. If you need to access the conveyor for sorting, be sure you opt for one with gears underneath the chain or belt. You also want to note the height of the walls or lip of a conveyor as it must be large enough to hold the items it will be moving but still allow for easy access by operators. Not all conveyors are meant for access by operators so ensure you note the measurements, placement of gears, and the like.
3. Drag chain
A drag chain refers to a type of conveyor that gives resistance to items that are being pushed along. This is done to help control larger, heavier loads. As an example, if you use a conveyor to move a loaded pallet, it would be easy for this heavy product to simply slide along the conveyor especially if it's on any type of slope. A drag chain slows down the links or rollers from underneath; it provides this drag or resistance for added safety. If you're choosing a conveyor for very heavy or cumbersome loads, look for one with a drag chain.
4. Wire mesh
If you're moving hot parts or even hot foods that should be cooled during the conveying process, look for wire mesh rather than rollers or a belt. Rollers and belts can hold heat and not allow it to escape, whereas wire mesh will allow heat to escape through the conveyor itself.
Contact a company such as Belle Banne Conveyor Products to learn more.