Its a new year, and as we engage with more readers of the blog and potential customers, we thought we would go back to basics, and give a high level overview of bespoke conveyors.
Here at CCL we have been in the business of conveyor belts and systems for many years now, but for many of our customers it is a completely new area. For many people who make enquires it is the first time they have had to install a system, and for many its the first time they have had to upgrade a system. So lets start at the beginning..
What is a conveyor system?
Conveyor Systems are mechanical assemblies that move materials, products, food and drink etc with hardly any effort. There are a many different kinds of conveyor systems, but they usually follow a very similar set up and configuration.
You tend to have a frame of sorts that's supports/suspends wheels, or rollers, or often a belt. It is from here that whatever you place upon the system is transported from A to B.
Movement is achieved by a motor, sometimes by gravity and even by manual effort.
Each system tends to be designed around a particular user case of situation.
Belt Conveyors
Belt Conveyors are very common for material handling situations. They tend to use continuous belts to move products or material. By continuous we mean that they are often joined together. The belt is extended between two end-pulleys and often either one or both of the ends will have a roller below.
The conditions that the belt will face determine the type of belt to be selected. We tend to commonly use rubber, metal, plastic and fabric.
If the belt is driven by a motor you can of course determine and change the speed at which the belt is driven. You can design a belt to take light or heavy items, and they can also incline and decline goods depending on requirements.
Roller Conveyor
These types of systems are very common in factories. If you have ever had a summer job, or worked in manufacturing or packing, you could often find yourself at the end of one of these. Again they are very common in baggage handling arenas ie airports. If they are inclined they can use gravity to transport the item, they can be straight or have a curve to them.
Slat Belt Conveyor
Slat conveyors often use a chain-driven loop of slats to move a product from A to B. It is common for the system to be driven by a motor. You will usually find slats connected to a chain on this system rather than a traditional rubber belt. Products that are maybe odd is shape/size are particularly suited for this design, which can come in many sizes and capabilities (load wise)
These are just a few of the types of conveyor system we can help you with, for a multitude of applications and use types. As always feel free to reach out to us for more information and a friendly chat.