Power Conveyor Options for Specific Applications

Automatic packaging lines will almost always include a power conveyor system to move bottles from the container cleaning equipment to the filling machines and capping machines, labelers and any other packaging machine on the line.  While some conveyors may be called "standard" conveyors, the truth is that different options on almost any conveyor will be used to create an ideal transfer system on a project-by-project basis.

 

When manufacturing a conveyor, one or many options may be used to hand tailor the conveyors to the unique packaging system.  While custom conveyors can be modified in a great number of different ways, below are a few of the more common adjustments made:

 

 

Probably the simplest adjustment that can be made to standard conveyors is an adjustment to the length or width of the conveyor.  For instance, space limitations may not allow a ten foot conveyor, but the actual packaging process may require more than a five foot conveyor.  In this situation, the conveyor could be manufactured somewhere in between the two standard lengths.  The same is true of the width, as some custom bottles may also require an unusual width to move containers through packaging machinery such as pump fillers or spindle capping machines.

 

 

Many conveyor systems will be placed on the production floor and will not move for years, if ever.  Packaging machinery such as rinsing machines, liquid fillers, labelers and coding equipment are made to roll right up to the conveyors when such machinery is purchased.  Some facilities, however, may use different packaging machinery for different products.  In these and other situations, the conveyors may need to be portable.  Casters added to a conveyor system allows the conveyors to be moved from place to place or position to position easily, yet still provides the necessary stability when the casters are locked into place.  

 

 

Packaging machinery is used to prepare many different products for the consumer.  These products come in containers that range from tiny to large, and different sizes require different options on a power conveyor.  Normally, a conveyor is manufactured with a single guide rail to stabilize and guide bottles as they move down the conveyor system.  Larger bottles, tall bottles or oddly shaped bottles may require more than a single rail to remain stabile.  Double rail systems are a simple option that add this extra stabilizing force and can allow the conveyor system to move a wider range of container types and sizes.

 

 

Sometimes the packaging environment or the product itself can require modifications to the packaging machinery, including the conveyor system.  Hazardous location construction is available for power conveyor systems that will ensure all electrical connections and enclosures meet safety standards for flammable or other hazardous products.  Conveyors can also be manufactured using different materials such as aluminum, stainless steel or even HDPE when necessary.  Finally, custom conveyor belting can be used for special cases to combat heat, static and other unique environmental issues.

 

 

Some automated packaging systems will be used to rinse, fill, cap and label products, yet leave the packing of the product to manual labor.  Power conveyor systems can still assist in these situations.  Adding pack tables to a power conveyor turns the conveyor system into a simple, yet extremely effective, packing station.  Boxes can be loaded onto the table and products lifted from the conveyor and packed with little effort and no accumulation necessary.  

 

Again, a number of other options exist for power conveyors in addition to those listed above.  The key to creating the ideal conveyor system for any packaging project is to listen to the unique needs and wants of the given customer and then adding the necessary options to make those needs and wants a reality.  To learn more about conveyor systems and the different options available, contact a representative toll free today at: