What Is a Conveyor Wheel?
A conveyor wheel is a device used for transporting goods through a series of small wheels. It’s a mechanical device utilized across various industrial fields for moving products and materials efficiently. Conveyor wheels are adaptable to products of various shapes and sizes, offering efficient transportation for different product types. They offer advantages over roller conveyors such as ease of handling, being lightweight, and cost-effectiveness, but require regular maintenance to keep parts like wheels and rails free from obstructions.
Applications of Conveyor Wheels
Conveyor wheels are employed in numerous industries due to their flexibility and adaptability, including:
1. Manufacturing Industry
Used in assembly and processing lines to transport parts and semi-finished products efficiently, connecting various stages of the manufacturing process.
2. Logistics
In warehouses, conveyor wheels facilitate the transport, sorting, and storage of goods, aiding in unloading and picking operations.
3. Inspection
Conveyor wheels transport products through inspection and detection equipment for quality control, integrating metal detectors and X-ray machines into the process.
4. Food Processing
Conveyor wheels made of stainless steel or other hygienic materials transport food and packaging materials, supporting clean and efficient food processing.
Principle of Conveyor Wheels
Conveyor wheels function through a series of wheels, with the material and design of the wheels affecting conveying capacity. The design considers the load each wheel can bear and the material and environment of use, optimizing costs and specifications. Wheel conveyors can be installed horizontally or sloped to assist in conveying.
Bearings such as ball bearings, needle bearings, and plastic sliding bearings are used, with ball bearings being preferred for their durability.
How to Select Conveyor Wheels
Considerations for selecting conveyor wheels include:
1. Specifications of the Material to Be Conveyed
Consider the material, weight, spacing, and the environment of the conveying location.
2. Width
The load weight should be balanced relative to the material being conveyed, with restrictions on the bottom being flat and load distribution.
3. Form
Select based on conveyance conditions and load per wheel, ensuring the load is evenly distributed across multiple wheels.
4. Slope
Determine the required slope for self-propulsion, considering the weight and material of the goods being conveyed.
Other Information on Conveyor Wheels
Wheel Material
Materials include steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, resin, and rubber, each offering different advantages such as corrosion resistance, lightweight properties, and noise reduction. Steel wheels are preferred for their durability, while resin and rubber-coated wheels prevent damage to conveyed objects and reduce noise.