Many of us can remember the famous scene from ‘I Love Lucy’, where Lucy and Ethel was working at the Acme Candy factory, wrapping chocolates on a conveyer belt. The belt speeds up and the candies arrive more and more quickly, leading to hilarity (wonderfully conveyed by the expressive Lucille Ball). It’s a scene that has been re-used and parodied and paid homaged to many times since, and is considered one of the most famous episodes of I Love Lucy ever.

Of course, there is also a serious side to conveyor belts. They’ve been a mainstay of the materials handling industry since their invention in the late nineteenth century, when they were mainly used in mining operations. Today their sphere of use has expanded considerably, and there are several different types available on the market.

Gravity Conveyors are used to convey a variety of different items through a warehouse or factory, without using any kind of motorised assistance. Instead, the items are moved either by hand along a flat surface or, as the name suggest, using gravity on an incline. Rollers or wheels along the track turn as the item passes across them, propelling it forward.

Belt Conveyors involve a system of pulleys with an endless loop of carrying material running around them. One or more of the pulleys is powered, and turns to move the belt forward, activating the other pulleys in the system and moving the goods along. This was the first type of conveyor used in mines, and is now seen in airports, factories and handling facilities across the globe.

Finally, Ball Transfer Units are used to move elements between different machines and conveyor belt systems, using a single large ball supported by smaller ball bearings under a surface called a ball transfer table. The flexible arrangement of the ball and bearings mean that items can be sent in different directions, allowing for multiple uses.

Action Handling supply all three types of conveyor systems to businesses across the country. We’re always available to discuss your conveyor needs and work with you to find the best solution for your business.

For more information about our product range browse our website or give us a call, our friendly sales team  are here to help .

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