Conveyor systems are used throughout different industries to ensure the smooth, efficient movement of materials from one part of a facility to another. Without conveyor systems, productivity would decrease and it would take longer to move goods. If your business needs a faster and more reliable way of transporting items within the same area, conveyor systems are the solution.
There are a number of different industries that utilise conveyor systems, including food and drink, agriculture, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), automotive and more. The design of the conveyors and how they are used will differ across industries. However, they all share the same benefit of being able to better transport goods. Unlike workers, conveyor systems don’t need time to rest and can run almost constantly.
In this guide, we will explore the different conveyor designs and how they differ in each industry. Read on to find out which conveyor will best benefit your business.
Alfa Industrial conveyors
At Alfa Industrial, we are one of the leading UK conveyor suppliers. We offer complete conveyor installation solutions and work directly with you during the planning stages.
We are a leading conveyor installation company, and we have worked with some of the largest manufacturers in the world. Our primary focus is on providing high-quality mechanical conveyor installation services with the most experienced and accredited installers around.
Our expert and affordable services include:
- Producing the scheme design drawings all the way to 3D layouts with our CAD design systems.
- Constant project engineer involvement.
- Equipment supply.
- Mechanical and electrical on-site installation.
- Site management from beginning to end.
- Controlled software and commissioning.
Contact us today for more information on the conveyor installation solutions that we offer.
Conveyor systems for different industries
With so many conveyor options out there, it can be difficult to decide which type is best for your business. In this section, we will take a look at several industries and which conveyor design will best suit their needs.
Food conveyor belts
When choosing a conveyor system for the food industry, sanitary levels are the number one priority. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a conveyor that meets sanitary requirements. These include:
- Smooth surfaces: this will minimise debris and bacteria accumulation. Using a material such as stainless steel is a great option, as it is non-porous and easy to clean.
- Round edges: conveyors that have round edges and no sharp corners can help bacteria from accumulating.
- Removable parts: if you choose a conveyor with removable parts, it can make cleaning and maintenance easier.
- Food-grade lubricants: conveyor belts that use food-grade lubricants will provide better protection against food contamination.
- Sealing and guardrails: protect the food on the conveyor from any debris that could fall into the inner workings.
Airport conveyor belts
To ensure efficient baggage handling, airports need to make sure that their conveyor belts meet a number of requirements. These include modular design, reliability, mounting options, construction strength and the ability to run constantly.
The luggage carousel is the most common conveyor associated with the airport. This is an example of a belt conveyor. At the airport, this conveyor is usually a closed-loop system with a moving surface composed of metal plates that are coated with wear-resistant polyurethane. This is to keep luggage safe from wear and tear.
Agricultural conveyor belts
In the agricultural industry, conveyor systems can be used in the feeding process of livestock. It can also be used to freeze vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products for packing. These will then be sent to retailers or other processing plants.
This industry is fortunate in terms of conveyors, as there are plenty of options available that are fit for specific agricultural items or jobs. Some of these item-specific conveyors include:
- Grain conveyors
- Nut conveyors
- Hay bale conveyors
- Feed conveyors
- Sheep conveyors, and
- Harvesting conveyors
FMCG conveyors
Conveyor systems are a must for the FMCG industry. Picking the right conveyor can heavily affect the efficiency and quality of your production.
Since FMCG are transported in bulk, it is recommended that those in the industry invest in one of the following conveyor systems:
- Aeromechanical conveyors – very efficient in terms of their ratio of energy consumption to capacity.
- Tubular drag conveyors – lower energy consumption, rate of wear and maintenance requirements. This results in a cost savings.
- Bucket conveyors – able to move large amounts of material effectively and efficiently.
- Belt conveyors – capable of moving large amounts of material over long distances.
Automotive conveyor systems
The automotive industry uses a wide range of conveyor systems for different purposes, from body to paint to assembly. There are some rarer conveyors that get used in the industry, such as shuttle conveyors, skillet conveyors, fork transfers, electrified monorail systems and more. However, there are more common types of conveyors used in the automotive industry:
Chain conveyor
They are made of high-strength steel and are designed to withstand heavy loads and high temperatures. This makes them perfect for transporting heavy or hot materials, which is common in the automotive industry.
Belt conveyor
These conveyors are rubberised and wrapped around a series of rollers. They can be used horizontally or on an incline to make loading and unloading easier. Smaller car parts are usually transported using a belt conveyor.
Roller conveyor
These are used to transfer heavy objects from one place in an industrial area to another. It can be used in the automotive industry to transport materials, such as aluminium sheets.
Overhead conveyor
These are typically used in warehouses, allowing goods to be transported overhead instead of taking up floor space. Overhead conveyor systems are perfect for moving car bodies from one place to another.
Choose Alfa Industrial for mechanical installation
Alfa Industrial is here to help with all of your conveyor and mechanical installation needs. We offer leading mezzanine floor and conveyor installation services, as well as a range of other automotive engineering services. Our approach is to produce a solution that helps your business optimise its output and increase efficiency.
For more details about how these solutions can help your business, get in touch with one of our dedicated team members today, who can help generate a tailored quote.
If you’re looking for information regarding any of our solutions, read more of our guides.
