What is a conveyor system?
A conveyor system is a piece of mechanical materials handling equipment designed to transport loads or materials from one place to another, without the need for manual labour. Conveyors are fast and efficient, making them perfect for manufacturing and distribution sites across all industries.
There are two types of conveyor systems, gravity conveyors and powered conveyor systems. So, if you’re looking to invest in a conveyor system for your business, the following article will highlight the differences between the two.
Gravity conveyor system
As the name suggests, gravity conveyor systems are systems that take advantage of gravity as a means of transporting items via a slight decline. There are two primary types of gravity conveyor systems:
Skate wheel conveyor systems
The structure of the skate wheel conveyor is where it gets its name from. They are formed from a number of small skate wheels mounted on shafts which are fitted into a frame of a conveyor belt. Benefits of a skate wheel conveyor system include products moving independently from each other, despite being in close proximity on the conveyor belt. Additionally, they are excellent at transporting light-weight goods, especially round bends, providing more flexibility for your setup.
Roller conveyor systems
Roller conveyor systems are very similar to the previously mentioned skate wheel conveyors with the key difference of using unidirectional rollers as opposed to skate wheels. They are more suited to heavy loads as they often have a slower operating speed than skate wheel conveyors helping to control heavy loads through the conveyor system.
Powered conveyor system
Similarly, to the previous conveyor system, the powered conveyor system operates as the name suggests, using electricity to power a conveyor. Powered conveyors do not have to rely on gravity to operate, allowing them to function on an incline or on a flat line. Powered conveyor systems are able to transport goods along a much longer conveyor line (imagine parcel sortation or food manufacturing lines), providing greater efficiency and flexibility for the business.
Powered conveyor belts include:
Belt conveyors
A continuous loop of belt wrapped around one or more drums spinning it in an infinite loop.
Accumulation conveyors
Designed to hold or stop items on a conveyor belt these conveyors are used for factory assembly or to support picking and packing.
Chain conveyors
Formed from a single or double chain within a conveyor assembly, these conveyors are used to move material through production lines.
So how do gravity and powered conveyor systems compare?
Well firstly to answer this question it is important to ask:
How do you want your goods to be moved?
It is important to consider this due to the inability of gravity conveyor belts to move up an incline unlike their powered counterparts. The use of a gravity conveyor relies on the availability of additional space to set up an incline in order to be functional and this can limit the situations in which they can be suitable.
Additionally, the need for an incline restricts the gravity conveyors ability to move products for longer distances. In case of long production lines or extensive sortation systems, powered conveyors would be necessary. The addition of further technology including scanners and sensors, means powered conveyor systems can become an integral part of an advanced production or sortation line.
Finally, although being able to adjust the degree at which items travel down the conveyor, gravity conveyors are unable to accurately control the speed at which items are transported down them. When transporting fragile goods, careful handling is a necessity therein forcing the use of powered conveyors which offer a more controlled and secure mode of transport for goods.
Flexibility and cost of gravity conveyors vs powered conveyors
In addition to being far more flexible in their construction and deconstruction, gravity conveyor belts are significantly less expensive than powered systems. However, they do come with the downside of requiring an incline, can only cover short distances, and there is no way to control the flow of goods.
Powered systems can require a larger initial investment due to the electro-mechanical components which are required, however they do have many advantages, especially from a technological perspective. Being able to integrate with other advanced systems can ensure the efficient and precise movement of goods throughout the premises, all while future-proofing your manufacturing or sortation site.
Conveyor systems from Elmleigh
At Elmleigh, we work closely with our clients to provide automated conveyor solutions that are integrated to their process through concept, design, manufacture, and installation. Our automated conveyor systems are optimised to suit current business needs yet flexible and extendable to meet future demand. We are specialists in the field enabling businesses to grow and reap the rewards of all available conveyor technologies. As part of our engagement process, Elmleigh will audit your site and propose a solution that works specifically for you. Find out more about conveyor system design from Elmleigh or contact us on 01455 847045.