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Automation Spotlight: Conveyor Systems

We’re moving right along in our 10-part series on useful automation. If you missed our previous posts, you can check them out here:

For Part 6, we’re featuring… 

Conveyor Systems

 

belt conveyor


Function:

Conveyor systems are designed to efficiently move products through various stages of production, packaging, warehousing, and distribution. They streamline operations by reducing manual handling and speeding up processes.

Applications:

    1. Packaging Lines: Transporting products through stages of packaging, labeling, and sealing.
    2. Order Fulfillment: Moving items in a warehouse to assemble orders for shipping.
    3. Sorting: Automatically sorting products based on size, weight, or destination.
    4. Inventory Management: Moving products to and from storage areas.
    5. Retail Distribution: Transporting goods from storage to retail floors.
    6. Returns Processing: Handling returned items for inspection and restocking.
    7. E-commerce: Facilitating the rapid movement of items from storage to shipping areas in fulfillment centers.
    8. Inspection: Conveying products through quality control and inspection stations.
    9. Cooling and Freezing: Moving products through cooling or freezing tunnels.
    10. Baking and Cooking: Transporting products through ovens or fryers.
    11. Distribution: Moving packaged goods to storage areas or shipping docks.

Types:

    1. Belt Conveyors: Commonly used for transporting goods in a straight line or through changes in elevation.
    2. Roller Conveyors: Ideal for moving products that require accumulation and can handle varied item sizes.
    3. Slat Conveyors: Suitable for heavy-duty products and assembly line operations.
    4. Spiral Conveyors: Used for vertical transportation of products in limited spaces.
    5. Pallet Conveyors: Designed to move heavy pallets of goods in warehouses and distribution centers.
    6. Sortation Systems: Use different methods (tilt-tray, cross-belt, shoe sorters) to direct products to specific destinations.
    7. Overhead Conveyors: Used for hanging items like garments, maximizing floor space utilization.
    8. Modular Plastic Belt Conveyors: Easily cleaned and ideal for food processing applications.
    9. Wire Mesh Belt Conveyors: Used in high-temperature applications like baking and frying.
    10. Incline/Decline Conveyors: Used to move products between different elevations.
    11. Bucket Elevators: Transport bulk materials vertically.
    12. Vibratory Conveyors: Move products using vibration, ideal for sorting and distributing bulk materials.
    13. Spiral Conveyors: Used for cooling, freezing, or proofing processes.

conveyor systems cross power roller

Advantages:

    1. Efficiency: Increases the speed and accuracy of product movement, reducing processing time.
    2. Reduced Labor Costs: Minimizes the need for manual handling, cutting down on labor expenses.
    3. Consistency: Ensures uniform handling and processing of products.
    4. Flexibility: Can be adapted to various product types and sizes.
    5. Space Utilization: Optimizes the use of available space in warehouses and retail environments.
    6. Error Reduction: Decreases human error in order picking and product handling.
    7. Scalability: Easily scalable to accommodate growing operations or seasonal demand spikes.
    8. Hygiene: Can be designed easy-to-clean components to meet stringent sanitary standards.
    9. Customization: Can be tailored to specific requirements and layouts.

Adaptability:

    1. Modular Components: Can be reconfigured to meet changing needs or new product lines.
    2. Integration with Technology: Compatible with warehouse management systems (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for real-time tracking and automation.
    3. Customization: Can be tailored to specific retail and consumer goods requirements, including size, weight, and packaging type.
    4. Environmental Adaptability: Designed to function in various environments, including temperature-controlled areas for perishables.
    5. Handling Diverse Products: Capable of handling a wide range of products, from small electronics to bulk items like furniture.
    6. Sanitary Design: Features such as easy disassembly, smooth surfaces, and stainless-steel construction to ensure easy cleaning and maintenance.
    7. Temperature Control: Can be designed to operate in different temperature environments, including refrigerated and heated areas.
    8. Compliance: Can meet industry standards and regulations for food safety, including HACCP, FDA, and USDA guidelines.

The engineers at Maryland-based Arnold Automation are happy to give you and your team a FREE consultation to assess your needs, then identify and integrate the best automation solutions for your business. 

Call Arnold Automation today at 855-276-6537 or submit a quick form and we’ll get right back to you.

Laura Cadden
Arnold Packaging & Arnold Automation
Protecting Your Product and Your Profit