A belt conveyor is a mechanical assembly designed to efficiently transport objects and material from one point to another. The purpose of a belt conveyor is to improve workplace efficiency by reducing damage, lowering workplace risks, minimising human error and reducing labour costs. Belt conveyors also benefit production by being able to span multiple levels allowing the transport of goods to take place up and down factory floors.
A belt conveyor is a fast and versatile handling apparatus used to transport components to assembly as well as packaged goods that are ready to be shipped. Belt conveyors are available in many different specifications and have the ability to transport a wide variety of goods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, packaged foods, electrical components, pharmaceuticals, cans, cartons, sachets, bottles and jars.
Typically, belt conveyor systems consist of a continuous looping belt that extends the length of the frame that is powered by a rotor. The belt is supported by pulleys at either end of the system and soft sliders throughout the frame. Multiple conveyor assemblies can be used in tandem to create a conveyor system.
A common issue when using a belt conveyor is a loose belt that slides back and forth on the pulley. This generally occurs after prolonged use or after a new belt is installed. This can be easily fixed by following these steps.
Flow rate also known as transfer rate refers to the number of items transported by a belt conveyor per minute. It is influenced by two main factors, conveyor length and belt speed. The flow rate of a machine should be chosen to meet the needs of production during peak demand times. Seasonal influences such as Christmas should be accounted for as production may be increased during this time.
Belt conveyors generally range in price from $800 - $20,000. There are many factors that influence the overall price of a machine. These factors include things like build quality, brand, warranty as well as machine specifications such as belt speed, flow rate, frame dimensions, belt shape (straight or curved) and belt inclination.
Belt conveyors are available in a variety of different types. Each type of belt conveyor is designed to best facilitate the transport of goods in an efficient manner.
If chosen correctly, belt conveyors can improve production by increasing through rates. However, if chosen incorrectly they can act as a bottleneck, slowing production down. For this reason, there are a number of considerations to be made when buying a belt conveyor. The types of items being moved along the conveyor system will determine the type, design and dimensions of the belt conveyor to be installed. Here is a list of useful questions to think about when choosing a belt conveyor:
There are a number of additional costs besides the upfront cost that should be considered when buying a belt conveyor. For example, installation may require the workspace to be restructured to accommodate the belt conveyor. This process may impact order fulfilment as well as other production practices. It is also important to consider operating and ongoing maintenance costs when buying a belt conveyor. Some machines may have higher upfront costs but are cheaper to run in the long term due to their build quality and motor efficiency.
Belt conveyors improve production efficiency across a range of industries and have a variety of applications. This type of conveyor is widely used to transport goods in the following settings: warehouses, distribution centres, freight, packaging, manufacturing, production lines, airports, recycling facilities and many more.
If you are looking to a buy a Belt Conveyor for sale, suppliers on IndustrySearch include WAM Australia, Adept Conveyor Technologies, BEUMER Australia, Australis Engineering, Advance Conveyors, Mechanical Equipment Group