Video: Transportation Conveyors

Transportation conveyors can be used for a variety of applications from heavy full-pallet loads to lightweight items that vary in size. Watch this video to learn about the three main types of transportation conveyors: gravity conveyors, belt conveyors, and live roller conveyors (3-minutes, 4-seconds).

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Hi and welcome to this edition of Total Warehouse Tutorials. In this video you will learn about transportation conveyors.

Transportation conveyors move pallets or cartons from point A to point B. They can be used for a variety of applications from heavy full-pallet loads to lightweight items that vary in size. Transportation conveyor options are available to accommodate requirements such as desired speed and product handling procedures.

There are three main types of transportation conveyors: gravity conveyors, belt conveyors, and live roller conveyors.

Gravity conveyors, such as the one seen here, are made up of a frame and rollers or wheels that help guide the product from point A to point B. They do not utilize power, instead they are pitched so that gravity is able to move product or allow product to be moved manually down the line. Gravity conveyors can be straight, curved, or spiral.

With no power required, gravity conveyors are the least expensive type of conveyor but offers the lowest ability to control the flow of products.

Gravity conveyors are ideal for staging in order fulfillment areas, truck off-loading, and assembly areas.

A belt conveyor uses pulleys and a wide belt that are supported by rollers or a flat pan along its path to move product. High friction between the belt and the item allows these conveyors to move materials at a set speed on an incline or decline, making it a viable option for facilities that require transport of items to various levels.

Belt conveyors are ideal for a wide range of material handling applications including bulk item handling and small parts inventory handling, making it one of the most commonly used conveyor types. Belt conveyors are also a cost effective option compared to other types of powered transportation conveyors.

Live roller conveyors push loads by applying power to either some or all of the rollers. Options are available for light duty to heavy duty requirements, with rollers increasing in size for heavier applications.

This type of conveyor is best suited for transporting of stable, firm loads. Common applications include cartons, skids, drums, and bagged items.

Live roller conveyors are most commonly either belt-driven or chain-driven.

Belt-driven live roller conveyors utilize a flat, round, or v-belt with rollers on top. Unlike standard belt conveyors, belt-driven live roller conveyors are not recommended for transporting items to various levels.

Chain-driven live roller conveyors utilize chains to drive sprockets on the rollers. The properties of the chain and rollers allows this type of conveyor to be used in a wide variety of applications not suited for belt driven conveyors including hot and cold loads, loads that contain grease, and uneven loads.

That’s it for this edition of Total Warehouse Tutorials. I hope you join us for our next one on accumulation conveyors.

About REB Storage Systems International

REB Storage Systems International was incorporated in 1962. REB specializes in the design, project management, and installation of storage systems and material handling products for warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and other companies with storage needs.

REB is capable of servicing companies on a local, national, and international scale. Whether your project is large or small, we have the expertise to ensure your next project is a success.

REB Storage Systems has designed and installed conveyors for many industries. We design every solution around each customer’s unique operation and space. Whether your project is large or small, we have the expertise to ensure your next project is a success. To learn more or get help with a project, fill in the contact form or call (800) 252-5955.