What Is a Conveyor?
A conveyor is a device used to transport workpieces to specific locations.
Conveyors come in various types, such as roller, belt, and chain conveyors, each based on different drive systems. Selection depends on the specific application and ease of maintenance.
They are primarily used in distribution and factory facilities, with automated conveyors being widely employed to enhance efficiency in the logistics industry and beyond.
According to JIS standards, a conveyor is defined as “a machine that continuously transports loads.”
Conveyor Applications
Conveyors are used in a broad range of industries, particularly in logistics and manufacturing.
1. Logistics Industry
In logistics, conveyors are used for efficient sorting, loading, and unloading of goods. They enable the rapid transport of large volumes of goods, enhancing operational speed and accuracy. Distribution centers and warehouses commonly use conveyors.
2. Manufacturing Industry
In manufacturing, conveyors transport parts, materials, and products. For example, in the automotive industry, conveyors improve efficiency and assembly quality by automatically moving car bodies through various processes and supplying necessary parts. In mining, conveyors efficiently move ore from mines to processing plants and transportation facilities, reducing production costs and improving operational efficiency.
In food processing and packaging, conveyors aid in automating food transport and packaging. They are involved in washing, heating, and packaging processes, contributing to enhanced production efficiency and hygiene control.
Principle of Conveyor
Conveyors consist of a power source, a conveying medium, and a trestle.
1. Power Source
The power source drives the conveyor, often using electric power with motors selected based on conveyor capacity and torque. Three-phase motors are used for high-capacity conveyors.
2. Conveying Medium
The conveying medium, such as belts, chains, or buckets, transports the goods. The choice of medium depends on the application and the material being conveyed.
3. Trestle
The trestle provides robust support for the conveyor components. Typically made from steel or other metals, the trestle’s robustness increases with the conveyor’s capacity and speed.
Types of Conveyors
There are various types of conveyors, including the following:
1. Roller Conveyor
Roller conveyors use a series of rollers to transport goods. Suitable for heavy and large items like boxes and pallets.
2. Belt Conveyor
Belt conveyors use a flat belt for continuous goods transport. Ideal for small to medium-sized items, including powders.
3. Chain Conveyor
Chain conveyors use continuously rotating chains for goods transport. They are durable and suitable for heavy loads and high-temperature environments, often used in automotive and mining industries.
4. Screw Conveyor
Screw conveyors use a rotating spiral screw for material transport. Mainly used for powdery or granular materials like grain and cement. They can also mix powders during transport.
5. Bucket Conveyor
This conveyor uses a series of open-top containers mounted on a belt to transport materials like grains and powders vertically without leakage.
6. Net Conveyor
Net conveyors transport goods using a fine mesh net. In food processing, they are used for conveying goods while performing heat treatment, sterilization, or washing. Wire mesh nets are commonly used for their heat and corrosion resistance.