Advantages and disadvantages of different conveyor systems

In our previous article we gave an overview of the most common conveyor systems on the market &#; belt conveyors, roller conveyors and powered roller conveyors which are all floor conveyors , and we also had a look at overhead conveyors . Now, let&#;s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of these different conveyor systems. Hopefully it will be helpful when choosing what conveyor best suits your needs.

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1. Belt Conveyor System

Advantages

• One of the cheapest conveyors
• Simple and easy to use
• Can have changes in elevation
• Can be loaded from any place along the belt

Disadvantages

• The simplicity means very limited features
• Belt can be difficult to clean and generally does not leave a very successful result
• Sticky material can get stuck on the belt and transfer to the return side, the rolls, idlers and pulleys

2. Roller Conveyor System

Advantages

• Can use gravity for moving the product on a decline angle
• No power means less cost and more environmentally friendly
• Quite modular andcan be utilized in many ways
• Fairly low maintenance

Disadvantages

• Products may end up being damaged when moved by gravity
• Heavy and therefore not very portable
• No control of conveyor speed

3. Powered Roller Conveyor System

Advantages

• Effective horizontal transportation over a longer distance
• The speed and also the process can be easily controlled and the risk for damage is reduced as the parts never touch
• The small zones of the system are powered independently and can be set up to run only when an item is present
• If a motor breaks down, it will only stop one zone

Disadvantages

• Noisier than many other conveyors
• More expensive than other conveyors
• Not as flexible with what type of items it can handle

4. Overhead Conveyor System

Advantages

• Can utilize the space overhead maximizing the full capacity of a facility
• Buffer stores of serial produced components can be stored and sequentially delivered to a pick point when required
• Full production systems can be created in a friction drive overhead conveyor using multi drive technology offering speed differentials
• Lower operating costs and known for being very safe

Disadvantages

• Generally more expensive than a floor based conveyor system
• If breaking down, it can be more challenging to repair if no foresight at the planning stage and installation for maintenance
• If chain based, it tends to need continual lubrication meaning grease or oil might drop from the system

As you can see, there are pros and cons for each conveyor system. One of the most important things to consider is therefore your specific business and the type of material you wish to transport. Some of the material&#;s characteristics to consider are size, weight, and density. But key considerations should also be the size of the system compared to the size of your facility as well as the environment itself &#; temperature, humidity and vibration for example. Feel free to contact us and we&#;ll help you determine any potential risks and possible countermeasures in order to create the safest and most effective environment.

Previous articles:

How does a friction-based overhead conveyor system work?
Advantages with a friction-based overhead conveyor system
Different types of overhead conveyor systems 

The Difference Between Conveyor Belts and Chain Conveyors

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There aren&#;t any particular features that make conveyors that use belts versus chains better than the other. Rather, they each offer unique advantages and disadvantages that complement one another. So, it&#;s essential that you understand the difference between conveyor belts and chain conveyors to find the type that your business needs.

Conveyor Belts

Belt conveyors are systems with two or more pulleys that constantly rotate an endless line belt. The belt is typically made of durable plastic rubber or PVC this is also very flexible. A conveyor belt looks and operates similarly to a treadmill. However, rather than being about five feet long, conveyor belts can stretch as long as the facility needs them to be.

Advantages

Conveyor belts are preferred because of their cost-effectiveness. Besides the obvious financial gains they provide by increasing production speed, belt systems are cost-effective even when compared to other conveyors because of the PVC&#;s competitive pricing.

They also have production advantages. Rubber belt systems have comparatively soft tops, making them great for producing products that require gentile care. Also, the continuous belt means is easy to clean, which is why belt systems are often used in the manicuring and packing of food products.

Disadvantages

One of the main drawbacks of using a belt system is that the same surface that makes it great for handling gentle objects isn&#;t as effective when transporting heavier, more abrasive material. While it might work at first, over time the rubber will typically get damaged sooner than it usually would when moving appropriate material.

Chain Conveyors

Chain conveyors are systems made of a series of small parts that connect together to make the track that the merchandise moves along. While metal is the most common material used, chain conveyors can be made from various materials that are all designed to withstand the daily stress of carrying heavy loads.

Advantages

Chain conveyors are more durable than belts, making them the preferred choice for heavier loads. However, they have a high chance of causing damage. Also, since chain conveyors are made from a series of interlocking chains, they&#;re easier to fix than their counterpart. This is because everything is designed in one piece.

However, if part of the belt gets damaged, the whole thing is damaged. On the other hand, if a link on a chain gets damaged, it can easily be fixed since it&#;s just one small part of a larger system, making dismantling the entire thing unnecessary.

Disadvantages

Chain conveyors aren&#;t used in food production because they can get dirty quickly. They have many small cracks and crevices that dirt and grime can get into. The chains also can cause problems for more fragile loads that need the gentle touch of a PVC belt.

Hopefully, after checking the difference between conveyor belts and chain conveyors, you can order the one that will be the perfect addition to your manufacturing facility&#;s production practices. Reach out to our team at Redline Systems for more information about the specific models of portable incline conveyors we offer and their recommended uses.

For more information, please visit Conveyor Top Chain.