Conveyor Belts and Roller Systems

What are Conveyor Belts and Roller Systems

In the world of automation and logistics, conveyor belts and roller systems are a crucial part of an optimised material handling function. These mechanised pathways ensure goods travel from one point to another within the production or distribution process with ease.

They have the power to be adapted to you. Through bespoke design and based on your desired speed, product, or budget, there’s a conveyor system ready to address the challenge.

The systems’ modular design means both cost-effectiveness and seamless synergy – offering comprehensive and adaptable solutions. Conveyor belts and roller systems tackle age-old industry challenges and redefine efficiency standards.

How Conveyor Systems Help Optimise Your Operations

Removing bottlenecks
Reducing manual labour
Reducing costs
Preventing mishandling
Flexible for scaling

Types of Conveyor Systems

When it comes to automation, two major players stand out: Conveyor Rollers and Conveyor Belts. While they both move materials efficiently, we design and use them differently. Conveyor belts commonly appear in food processing and manufacturing. In contrast, roller conveyors are widely evident in warehouses and distribution centres.

Roller Conveyors

Roller Conveyors are the most common form in the conveyor landscape, which is a testament to innovative engineering. Using roller technology, they’re built to move items, adjusting to different speeds and product types. Plus, we design them to let you add or change parts easily, which means they can grow with your needs.

Benefits:

Enhanced operational control and functions
Cost-efficient
Flexibility for future growth with a modular design
Works well with other tools and systems
Very low maintenance
Ideal for handling flat-based items, including totes, cases, and cartons.

Motorised Roller Conveyors (ZLP)

Motorised Roller Conveyors have a 24v DC drive, ensuring a safe and quiet operation. They move things faster than older systems and work well in high throughput areas where careful product handling is needed.

Their unique design prevents products from touching (Zero Line Pressure Accumulation). This is perfect for delicate items or those with different shapes and weights, reducing damage and accumulation troubles.

From cartons and totes to boxes, these conveyors smoothly and efficiently manage the flow without issue.

Powered Roller Conveyors (Lineshaft)

Powered Roller Conveyors, known as Lineshaft, are the cost-effective champions in material handling. Using a standard SEW motor gearbox, they efficiently transfer drive through an underslung lineshaft, partnered with bands and spools.

They are hugely versatile and designed to seamlessly incorporate devices like switch sorters, right-angled transfers, and pushers. Their low-pressure accumulation ensures products remain damage-free throughout their journey.

This system truly embodies the blend of economy and efficiency.

Gravity Roller Conveyors

Gravity Roller Conveyor Systems are a cost-effective solution to enhance production flow between two points. They minimise manual handling and ensure a swifter transition of goods.

We offer a diverse selection – from steel and high-impact plastic rollers to skate wheels and heavy-duty roller sections. Our range includes extendable and mobile conveyors, providing flexibility for linking assembly lines, packaging machines, and warehouses. This creates a seamless loading and unloading of vehicles.

Experience the balance of affordability and effectiveness.

Conveyor Belts

Conveyor Belts offer a customised solution tailored to diverse industries. Our designs can transform the processes of various sectors, from food-safe stainless steel belts to those perfect for factories and warehouses.

From fast-moving and gapping belts that work for dynamic E-Commerce companies to slower transit conveyors, we’ve got it all. Our goal is to help you find the perfect fit for lightweight packets or bulkier loads.

Benefits:

Adaptable orientations: incline, decline, horizontal, and metering-gapping.
Low maintenance.
Ideal for poly bags, packets, totes, cartons, and even irregular products.
Features available for organising and buffering
Various belt surfaces are available to match specific requirements.

Our range is expansive, and the integration is seamless. We use both end-driven drum drives for smaller items to ensure efficient transitions and motors equipped with brakes for handling heavier loads, especially on inclines or declines.

What sets conveyor belts apart is their cost-effective approach to altering product elevation, all while retaining a linear and compact design. Our belts can have bends, different speed sections, and other features for added flexibility. Depending on your needs, we’ll recommend belt types ranging from grip surfaces and modular plastic to smooth and zoned options.

Choosing the Right Conveyor System for Your Needs

Selecting the ideal conveyor system can seem daunting. Still, with our insight, you can make an informed decision that best serves your operation. Here is what must be considered so that we can find the perfect solution for you;

Weight, size and type of materials moving.
Nature of material – fragile or robust.
The available space and layout you have.
The speed and volume of things that need moving.

These factors will all dictate the kind of conveyor solution required. We will work with you to find a system that fits and operates optimally within your premises. A conveyor system isn’t just about movement; it’s about enhancing efficiency tailored to your specifications.

Installation and Maintenance

Every successful conveyor system needs a meticulous installation plan and maintenance when needed. Beginning with installation, our team follows a structured process: assessing the location, prepping the area, and ensuring each component aligns perfectly with design specifications. This attention to detail guarantees smooth operations from the get-go. However, the journey doesn’t end there.

Maintenance is also important to ensure top productivity. Conveyor systems are a significant investment. To get the best return, these systems must operate effectively for as long as possible. Regular maintenance prolongs the conveyor system’s lifespan, staving off wear and tear and ensuring every component functions at its best. By conducting regular checks, potential issues can be identified and rectified early, preventing costly downtimes. Our servicing work not only prolongs the system’s lifespan but also upholds operational efficiency. Join one of our CoveyorCare plans today!

Conveyor Belts and Roller Systems FAQs

What's the difference between conveyor belts and roller conveyors?

Conveyor belts use a continuous loop of material to move products. In contrast, roller conveyors use cylindrical rollers aligned in sequence to transport items. The best choice often depends on the nature of the products being transported.

Which industries commonly use these conveyor systems?

Both conveyor belts and roller conveyors are versatile and serve multiple industries, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, manufacturing, logistics, and more.

How often should I service my conveyor system?

Regular maintenance is crucial. Our ConveyorCare plans offer peace of mind to protect your investment. The exact frequency depends on usage and the specific system. However, periodic checks every 3-6 months are generally recommended.

Are there safety concerns I should be aware of?

Safety is paramount. It’s essential to ensure that workers are trained to use conveyors safely and safety features like guards and emergency stops are integrated into the design.

How energy-efficient are Conveyor systems?

Modern conveyor systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind, utilising technology to minimise power consumption while maximising performance.

Can I expand or modify my conveyor system in the future?

Yes, many of our systems are modular in design, allowing for future expansion or reconfiguration as your business needs evolve.

How long is the typical lifespan of a conveyor system?

With regular maintenance, conveyor systems can last for many years, often well over a decade. The exact lifespan varies based on usage and system type.

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Creating relationships that last

We are proud to have completed installations over more than 25 years for many major organisations. We have forged strong relationships and continue to provide automation solutions through ongoing maintenance or follow-on projects. Constantly working with our customers to meet and exceed their needs.

“I have found working with CSL the ideal partnership, they understood the brief and worked closely with CEF to ensure the design met all of the criteria. The support from start to finish was excellent. The project ran smoothly from start to finish. The system has made our new warehouse very efficient and allowed us to increase the throughput”

Craig Marks

Divisional Manager, CEF Online

“As this was a new facility it was difficult to visualise the conveyor system prior to the mezzanine floor installation, but CSL provided a detailed 3D drawing which included both the mezzanine and the conveyors which brought clarity to this. The install process was smooth and the end results have allowed us to increase control, flexibility & volumes”

Dan Corrigan

Head of Logistics & Operations Dev, Wiggle

“We have worked with CSL previously and after many years of reliable operation we decided to use CSL again to design, supply and carry out the installation. As with the last system the benefits became almost immediately evident”

Spokesperson

Logistics, NHS

We Design, Install and Maintain Conveyor Systems

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