The Main Types of Conveyor
There is a wide range of conveyor belts available on the market. Many of these vary and can be created bespoke to suit the individual requirements of one’s workplace. Understanding what conveyor belts are available on the market can be quite a confusing and daunting task. That is why here at MHEL we have compiled a list of the main types of conveyor on the market to make your task just that little bit easier.
What Are The Main Types Of Conveyor?
Belt conveyors – belt conveyors are the most well known form of conveyor belt. They are a simple strap mechanism to keep things flowing without the need for manual labour. There are two or more rollers with a belt tensioned between the two. One of these rollers will be powered and allow the whole belt to move.
Mesh belt conveyors – these consist of woven metal that creates a mesh belt. They can be a wide opening or a small opening mesh on requirements. Mesh belt conveyors are lightweight so good to use for food and especially effective as oven conveyors.
Stainless steel conveyors – stainless steel conveyors are another type of conveyor and are usually good for us in pharmaceuticals or food industries as they can be sterile clean, and therefore extremely hygienic.
Gravity rollers – gravity rollers are a type of conveyor that can move with the movement of products. This means there is no need for motor power sources. They basically consist of numerous rollers that allows the products to slide over them. If the gravity rollers are on a decline the products will move automatically. If the rollers are flat it would require manual input to move the products.
Chain driven rollers – chain driven rollers are useful for when you require a little bit more power. Standard rollers allow items to ‘slip’. However if a product requires more power to move this is where chain driven rollers are useful. If heavy objects need to be moved each roller is bound to the next by a chain and creates ‘driver rollers’.
Free track conveyor belts – free track conveyor belts allow a low-cost solution to handling problems. They are simple in that they basically consist of a trolley style carrier powered by gravity or hand.
Slat belt conveyors – slat belt conveyors are useful when belt or roller conveyors are not suitable. This may occur when there are high temperature ovens, heavy products or dirty and arduous conditions. Slat belt conveyors are made of steel, hardwood or plastic are fitted to make a moving ‘table’ surface.
Plate link conveyors – plate link conveyors are made from metallic or rubber plates. They are similar to slat belt conveyors in how the plates over link one another. Metal plate link conveyors are especially useful for high or low temperatures that would damage rubber or fabric belts or plates.
Powered monorail conveyors – powered monorail conveyor systems consist of a conveyor chain that is supported above head height via floor stands to maximise floor space below. It allows workers to inspect and treat products while it is hanging over the factory floor. This allows greater productivity and efficiency. This is especially useful in shot blasting and powder coating as each angle can be approached easily without endangering employees.
Power and free – power and free is the name applied to an overhead chain system which has the ability to provide specialised zones to buffer storage for loads. This would be impossible on a conventional overhead conveyor without stopping the entire system hence causing disruptions and affecting productivity and efficiency.
Bottle conveyors – bottle conveyors are useful for applications such as blow moulding or filling and packaging bottles. Bottle conveyors are available in various speeds to allow various drinks production lines.
Types Of Conveyor Belts
As you can see there are many various main types of conveyor belt available on the market. The right kind of conveyor for you is dependent upon many conditions. Various circumstances must be considered. What kind of materials will you be transporting? How much room have you got available? What kind of heat will you be dealing with? Here at MHEL we are experts in conveyor systems and material handling. Get in contact today for a quote.
