Everything You Need To Know About Warehouse Conveyors
Warehouse conveyors are mechanical systems that move materials, products, or goods within a warehouse or distribution center. They are also essential for improving efficiency and reducing manual labor. Additionally, these conveyors can be integrated with other automated mechanisms to create a fully mechanized and systematized material handling system.
The trend of quick and precise order fulfillment has increased the demand for a conveyor system as an essential element of warehouse management. This article will explore everything you need to know about warehouse conveyor systems, from their different types and configurations to their key advantages.
Types of Warehouse Conveyor Systems
Warehouse conveyor systems come in different types and configurations, each designed for specific applications and material handling requirements. Here are some of the most popular types in the warehouse and logistics industries:
Belt Conveyor Systems
Belt conveyor systems consist of a strap stretched over a series of rollers. The strap is driven by a motor, which causes it to move along the rollers, transporting goods from one end to the other. They are often used in the packaging and distribution sectors because they can move large volumes of goods quickly and efficiently.
Depending on the application and the warehouses layout, they can be configured in many ways. For example, they can be straight, curved, horizontal, or inclined. They can also be designed to move goods in a straight line or along a specific path. Moreover, some systems have adjustable speeds and can be programmed to start and stop automatically, while others require manual control.
Incline Conveyor Systems
Incline conveyor systems are designed to move products or materials between different levels in a facility. They consist of a belt mounted on a series of rollers. The strap is driven by a motor, which moves it upwards or downwards along an inclined path. The angle of the incline can also be adjusted to suit the application’s specific needs.
They are used for a wide range of applications, from transporting raw materials to finished products. They can also have cleated belts for additional grip, preventing goods from slipping during transportation. Other systems may incorporate side rails or guides to keep products centered on the belt.
Gravity Conveyor Systems
Gravity conveyor systems work by using a series of rollers or skate wheels to move goods along the equipment’s length. The rollers or wheels are set at a slight angle, causing goods to move down under their weight. They do not require an external power source, making them a cost-effective and energy-efficient option.
These conveyors are available in various configurations, including straight or curved designs, and can be customized to fit specific applications. They are also commonly used for transporting goods with a flat bottom, such as boxes, totes, and cartons. Furthermore, they are easy to install and operate, making them one of the most popular choices for material handling in different industries.
Benefits of Utilizing Warehouse Conveyors
Warehouse conveyor systems are essential to modern material handling mechanisms, providing benefits for warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. Here are some of the key benefits of utilizing this technology:
Increased Efficiency
Warehouse transport systems automate the moving of goods, reducing the need for manual labor and boosting productivity. With these technologies, products can be transported quickly and efficiently, improving turnaround times and reducing the risk of errors.
Improved Safety
Conveyor systems are typically equipped with guards and sensors to prevent accidents and injuries, and these safety features are critical to their design and operation. Guards prevent workers from accidentally touching moving parts, while sensors detect any obstructions or abnormalities in operation. They will then trigger an automatic shutdown if necessary.
Space Optimization
Warehouse transport systems are highly customizable and can be designed to fit within the available space in a facility or distribution center. This means businesses can optimize their use of space by configuring equipment to work around existing infrastructure. This results in more efficient use of square footage and can help reduce the facility’s overall footprint.
Thornel Associates Your Trusted Material Handling Specialists
For over 60 years, Thornel Associates has offered top-of-the-line material handling storage and equipment solutions. Our extensive product line includes various conveyor systems designed to meet the unique needs of your operation. Moreover, our experts can evaluate your facility and recommend the best solution that optimizes your floor space, staffing, and equipment.
Contact us to learn more about how our products and services can benefit your business, or request a quote today!