The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Conveyor Case Chain

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 market size of conveyor systems

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.

Different types of conveyor systems

The following are some categories of industrial conveyors available in the market:

Belt conveyors

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.

Roller conveyors

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

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.

Overhead conveyors

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

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.

Things to consider when choosing a conveyor system

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a conveyor system:

Work environment

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.

Product specifications

When selecting a conveyor, the most important factor is the product specification. Following are the key aspects to consider during this phase:

• Product dimensions: Determine the product length, width, and height. These dimensions will impact the conveyor specifications such as its roller spacing, guide rail requirements, width, and transfer needs.
• Product weight: Determine the product weight, as it affects various aspects of conveyor selection. For instance, in plastic chain conveyors, the product weight determines the number of curves that can be included. In roller conveyors, the weight helps determine roller diameter and gauge requirements. It also impacts motor sizing.
• Production rate: Measure the production rate in parts per minute or hour. Along with product length, this helps determine the appropriate conveyor speed to meet the production rate. For example, if you have 12″ cases and the rate is 30 cases per minute, the conveyor should run at least 30 feet per minute to accommodate the rate without gaps between cases.
• Product type: Different product types require different conveying methods. For example, wooden pallets may work best with a chain-driven live roller conveyor, while plastic-footed pallets may require a large plastic chain conveyor. Also, cereal bags are better suited for plastic chains than roller conveyors.

Considering these product specifications will ensure an appropriate conveyor selection that matches the specific product needs.

Equipment size and design

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.

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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.

Cleaning and maintenance

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.

Incline/decline requirements

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.

Long-term company goals

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.

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.

Conclusion

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.

Conveyor chains are the unsung heroes of industrial material handling, quietly powering countless manufacturing, distribution, and logistics operations worldwide. From moving products along assembly lines to transporting materials in warehouses, conveyor chains play a crucial role in streamlining processes, increasing efficiency, and optimising productivity.

Understanding Conveyor Chains:

Conveyor chains are mechanical devices with interconnected links forming a continuous chain loop. These chains are typically made from durable materials such as steel, stainless steel, or plastic, and they come in various configurations to suit different applications. 

The basic components of a conveyor chain include:

1. Links: These are the individual segments of the chain that are interconnected to form the chain loop. Links can vary in size, shape, and design depending on the type of conveyor chain.
2. Rollers or Sprockets: Rollers or sprockets are attached to the links and are responsible for guiding the movement of the chain along the conveyor system.
3. Attachments: Some conveyor chains feature specialised attachments, such as cleats, buckets, or crossbars, which are designed to facilitate the handling of specific types of products or materials.

Types of Conveyor Chains:

There are several types of conveyor chains available, each designed for specific applications and operating conditions. 

Some common types include:

1. Roller Chains: Roller chains feature cylindrical rollers spaced evenly along the chain, providing smooth and efficient movement. They are commonly used in applications requiring high-speed and heavy-load handling, such as automotive assembly lines and industrial machinery.
2. Attachment Chains: Attachment chains have specialised attachments, such as extended pins or plates, that are used to convey products with irregular shapes or to facilitate specific handling tasks, such as sorting or diverting.
3. Engineering Class Chains: Engineering class chains are heavy-duty chains designed for rugged environments, such as mining, construction, and agriculture. They are built to withstand extreme conditions and heavy loads, making them ideal for demanding applications.
4. Mat-Top Chains: Mat-top chains feature flat surfaces that provide stable conveying for products such as bottles, cans, and boxes. They are commonly used in food processing, beverage bottling, and packaging industries.
5. Tabletop Chains: Tabletop chains consist of flat plates connected by pins to form a continuous chain loop. They are often used in conveyor systems for transporting goods in the pharmaceutical, automotive, and electronics industries.

Applications of Conveyor Chains:

Conveyor chains find applications in a wide range of industries and processes, including:

• Manufacturing: Conveyor chains are used to transport raw materials, components, and finished products along assembly lines in manufacturing facilities.
• Distribution and Logistics: Conveyor chains are essential for sorting, conveying, and distributing packages and parcels in warehouses, distribution centres, and shipping facilities.
• Mining and Quarrying: Conveyor chains are employed in mining and quarrying operations to transport bulk materials such as coal, ore, and aggregates.
• Food Processing: Conveyor chains are used in food processing plants to handle and transport food products safely and hygienically.
• Automotive: Conveyor chains play a vital role in automotive manufacturing, facilitating the movement of vehicle components through assembly processes.

Benefits of Conveyor Chains:

The use of conveyor chains offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Increased Efficiency: Conveyor chains automate material handling processes, reducing manual labour and improving throughput and productivity.
2. Versatility: Conveyor chains can be customised to suit specific applications, allowing for flexible and adaptable material handling solutions.
3. Reliability: Conveyor chains are durable and reliable, providing consistent performance even in demanding environments.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Conveyor chains help reduce operating costs by minimising material wastage, labour expenses, and downtime.

Maintenance Tips for Conveyor Chains:

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of conveyor chains, regular maintenance is essential. Some maintenance tips include:

1. Regular Inspection: Inspect conveyor chains for signs of wear, damage, or misalignment regularly.
2. Lubrication: Keep the chain properly lubricated to reduce friction and prevent premature wear.
3. Tension Adjustment: Ensure that the chain tension is properly adjusted to prevent slippage or excessive wear.
4. Cleaning: Keep the conveyor chain clean and free from debris, dust, and contaminants that can cause damage or hinder performance.
5. Replacement of Worn Parts: Replace any worn or damaged components, such as links, rollers, or sprockets, to maintain optimal performance and safety.

Summary of Conveyor Chains and Their Uses

• Conveyor chains are essential components in industrial material handling systems, providing efficient and reliable transportation of goods and materials.
• They come in various types, including roller chains, attachment chains, engineering class chains, mat-top chains, and tabletop chains, each designed for specific applications and operating conditions.
• Conveyor chains find widespread use in industries such as manufacturing, distribution, mining, food processing, and automotive, where they automate processes, improve efficiency, and increase productivity.
• The benefits of conveyor chains include increased efficiency, versatility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, making them indispensable tools for modern industrial operations.
• Proper maintenance, including regular inspection, lubrication, tension adjustment, cleaning, and replacement of worn parts, is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of conveyor chains.

Final Words from Suppliers of Conveyor Chains

Conveyor chains are indispensable tools for modern industrial material handling, offering efficiency, reliability, and versatility across a wide range of applications. By understanding the different types of conveyor chains, their uses, benefits, and maintenance requirements, businesses can optimise their material handling processes and drive greater productivity and profitability.

Whether you’re in manufacturing, distribution, mining, or food processing, investing in high-quality conveyor chains can help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition in today’s fast-paced industrial landscape.

Contact us today to explore our premium range of conveyor chains and discover how we can help streamline your operations, improve efficiency, and boost productivity.

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