Choosing a conveyor may feel like an overwhelming task initially. This makes it important to read up on the key features of conveyor systems in order to be able to make an informed decision, not least because the purchase and installation of a conveyor system demands plenty of time and a significant investment. This article explores some important factors to be aware of to ensure that buyers get the best conveyor system available out there.
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Table of Contents
The global market size of conveyor systems
Different types of conveyor systems
Things to consider when choosing a conveyor system
Conclusion
The global conveyor systems market was worth US$ 9,113.9 million in and is expected to reach US$ 15,183.1 million by (Allied Market Research). This market is growing at 5.1% yearly from to . One of the reasons for this growth is the increasing use of automation in industries. Automated conveyor systems can handle large volumes of goods and save the delivery time. This is why more and more industries are adopting automated solutions. Another reason for the growth is the use of lean manufacturing techniques.
These techniques help reduce waste and increase productivity. Conveyor systems can save costs by handling large volumes and reducing the need for labor. This is why they are becoming more popular in different industries.
The following are some categories of industrial conveyors available in the market:
A belt conveyor is the simplest and most versatile material handling system. It is essential in the construction and gravel waste production line, as it connects the broken equipment of multiple levels and sand production facilities.
It deploys multiple pulleys and a belt that never ends to move a product from one place to another. The belt is made of rubber or fabric and ranges between 5′ long to 102′ long.
A roller conveyor comprises a series of rollers supported on a frame. Objects move on this system through power, gravity, or manual force. You need a sturdy surface supported by at least three rollers to transport materials. These rollers are great for situations where you need to accumulate items. They also help reduce the resistance of the products when moving at a faster speed.
Cable conveyors are often customized to fit a specific container or a production area. These cables do two important things: they keep the products from falling off the line and make the conveyor move in your industrial space. When a conveyor system uses fewer worn-out parts, it needs less maintenance. They are often hung from the ceiling to keep cable conveyor systems working their best. This frees up important space on the production floor.
As the name suggests, overhead conveyors work above or over the head of workers and industry equipment. Some parts called carriers are connected to the chain or trollies in the conveyor system. These carriers handle the materials and can be moved by either manual force or a motor. The track and carriers are designed to be flexible and can be shaped in different ways, which makes them very versatile for various uses.
Overhead conveyors are easy to set up in most factories because their modular design allows them to work around the complex turns and machines on the factory floor.
Besides these, many other options exist for an industrial conveyor system. These include chain conveyors, screw conveyors, vertical conveyors, bucket elevators, and many more. It is essential to scan the market requirements and make informed decisions when stocking for the target prospects.
Flat chain conveyors are used as transport for the machined and non-machined components. They are perfect for putting bottles, cans, or small boxes together in industries that work with food, drinks, glass, medicine, and paint. The ones with steel chains are used to transport sharp and hot objects.
The way they are built allows for complicated paths in three-dimensional space without disconnecting or changing the conveyor. It is also easy to make quick and cost-effective adjustments for production needs. This system offers significant cost savings due to its economic efficiency. Its modular design makes it possible to customize and adapt to specific requirements. It is also easily extendable, allowing for future expansion as needed.
Furthermore, for long transportation distances, multiple belts can be arranged consecutively, enabling smooth and continuous movement of goods from one point to another.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a conveyor system:
The work environment creates a strong impact on the conveyor system selection. For instance, some health and safety measures are required when people are working closely with the equipment.
In some cases where the industry deals with liquid, some bottles may leak. And when a bottle leaks, the liquid can spill onto the conveyor, leading to products slipping on inclined surfaces or causing issues with the conveyor’s drive system if it is not designed to handle such situations.
When selecting a conveyor, the most important factor is the product specification. Following are the key aspects to consider during this phase:
Considering these product specifications will ensure an appropriate conveyor selection that matches the specific product needs.
It is wrong to assume that bigger is always better regarding conveyor systems. The amount of space available is also a determinant of which conveyor will work for an industry.
The factory owners should seek the help of professionals who help them choose a system that befits their space. They will assist you in creating a plan that suits your operation. They will consider factors such as the available floor space, the height of the ceiling, and any obstructions from other equipment.
Businesses often suffer due to poor or less-maintained equipment. While machinery failures are common, getting them up and running as soon as possible is vital.
Like any other equipment, conveyor systems have various mechanical parts that need regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation. It’s crucial to have reliable conveyor equipment in your operations. Having a dependable team that can perform routine cleaning and maintenance tasks is also wise.
As industries grow, having enough floor space becomes more important. Sometimes, products must move up or down between different floors or over existing equipment. If the right conveyor isn’t chosen, this elevation change can cause serious problems.
Various incline/decline conveyors are available, including belted conveyors with different high-friction belts, plastic chain conveyors with high-friction inserts, cleated conveyors, wedge conveyors, and spiral conveyors. Testing the product with different conveyors before selecting is always a good idea.
Always keep the larger picture in mind when choosing equipment for any industry. Having a strategy and knowing what modifications may be required is key to making the right choice. For example, if the owners wish to expand their operations, they must choose the conveyor belt accordingly.
For more information, please visit Modular Belt Conveyor.
This approach will make future expansions easier to implement without requiring significant modifications or additional expenses. But if you are setting up a permanent system, you may opt for a slightly different approach.
When choosing a conveyor system, it is vital to think about certain things like what kind of products will be moving on it, how heavy they are, how much room is available in the building, the conditions in which the conveyor will be used, and how easy it is to clean and maintain.
Even though the price is important, choosing the right conveyor system is more important to ensure a good return on investment in the long run. A wrong selection can cause accidents and injuries, loss of products, and the owner could get in trouble with the people who regulate the business. This could dent the wholesaler’s reputation from whom the conveyor system was sourced.
Selecting the right conveyor belt is a crucial decision that directly impacts your production efficiency, operational costs, and product quality. At FN Sheppard, we specialize in helping businesses across industries find the perfect conveyor solution tailored to their needs. Whether you’re handling delicate food products, heavy industrial materials, or high-speed logistics, choosing the right belt ensures a seamless operation with minimal downtime.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Conveyor Belt
1. Material Type and Durability
One of the most important factors when selecting a conveyor belt is the material. Different industries require different belt materials to ensure efficiency and compliance with safety regulations. For example:
Our Conveyor Belting solutions come in a variety of materials, including rubber, polyurethane, silicone, and specialty coatings designed to enhance durability and performance.
2. Load Capacity and Weight Distribution
Understanding the weight and size of the materials being transported is essential. A belt that isn’t designed to handle your load capacity will wear out quickly, causing frequent breakdowns. Our team can engineer belts that distribute weight evenly, ensuring smooth operation and longevity.
3. Temperature and Environmental Considerations
Conveyor belts operate in diverse environments, from freezing cold storage facilities to high-heat manufacturing plants. We offer specialized belts with heat resistance, moisture resistance, and anti-static properties to suit your working conditions.
4. Speed and Precision Requirements
Different applications require different conveyor speeds. In packaging and sorting industries, high-speed conveyor belts with precise tracking are essential to maintain efficiency. We design belts with optimized speed capabilities to ensure seamless material flow without slippage or misalignment.
5. Surface Texture and Grip
Depending on your application, you may need a belt with a specific surface texture:
Our team can customize the belt texture to match your exact handling needs.
Why Work with FN Sheppard for Your Conveyor Belt Needs?
With decades of experience, we understand that no two conveyor systems are the same. That’s why we focus on engineering custom conveyor belts that deliver precision, durability, and efficiency.
Our Process:
1. Consultation & Assessment – We analyze your application, industry standards, and operational requirements.
2. Custom Engineering & Design – Our experts design a belt tailored to your needs, selecting the best materials and features.
3. Manufacturing & Testing – We ensure every belt meets our strict quality standards before delivery.
4. Installation & Support – Our team provides ongoing support to optimize your conveyor system’s performance.
Upgrade Your Conveyor System with FN Sheppard
Choosing the right conveyor belt is essential for a smooth and efficient operation. Let FN Sheppard help you find the perfect solution. Our custom conveyor belting solutions are designed to enhance performance, reduce downtime, and optimize productivity.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and let us create the ideal conveyor belt for your application.
For more Flush Grid Modular Beltinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.