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.
Explanation:
