What is a conveyor system?

A conveyor system is a mechanical handling solution designed to efficiently move materials, products, or goods from one location to another within a facility. Conveyor systems streamline material flow, reduce manual handling, and improve productivity in industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, food processing, and more.

What are the main types of conveyor systems?

Common types include:

Belt conveyors: Use a continuous belt to transport goods; ideal for lightweight to heavy materials in automotive, food, packaging, and logistics industries.

Roller conveyors: Feature multiple rollers (powered or gravity-driven) for moving boxes, pallets, and heavy loads in warehouses and distribution centres.

Chain conveyors: Use linked chains to move products, suitable for heavy or hot loads in automotive and metal manufacturing.

Pallet conveyors: Designed for transporting palletised goods in warehousing and automated manufacturing.

Screw conveyors: Use a rotating helical screw for bulk materials like grains or chemicals in agriculture and food processing.

Bucket conveyors: Move materials vertically using buckets attached to a belt or chain, common in agriculture and mining.

Vibrating conveyors: Move bulk materials using controlled vibrations, ideal for fragile or high-temperature items.

Overhead conveyors: Suspend products above the floor, freeing up space and used in assembly lines.

Flexible chain conveyors: Adaptable for horizontal, vertical, and curved movement, used in food, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce.

What industries use conveyor systems?

Conveyor systems are widely used in:

Manufacturing and assembly lines

Warehousing and distribution centres

Food and beverage processing

Agriculture and grain handling

Mining and construction

Airports and parcel handling

Retail and e-commerce fulfilment.

What are the benefits of using conveyor systems?

Increased productivity: Automate material movement and reduce manual labour

Consistent material flow: Minimise bottlenecks and improve throughput

Reduced workplace injuries: Limit manual lifting and repetitive strain

Versatility: Handle a wide range of products, from small parcels to heavy bulk materials

Space optimisation: Overhead and vertical conveyors free up valuable floor space.

How do I choose the right conveyor system for my facility?

Consider:

The type, size, and weight of materials to be moved

Required speed and throughput

Facility layout and available space

Environmental conditions (temperature, dust, hygiene)

Industry-specific needs (e.g., food safety, automation).

Are conveyor systems customisable?

Yes, most conveyor systems can be tailored in terms of length, width, speed, and configuration (straight, curved, inclined, or declined) to suit specific workflow requirements and facility layouts.