Your warehouse is ready for automation. Which conveyor systems will you choose?

1 Belt conveyors

Belt conveyors are one of the simplest and most versatile conveyor systems. They consist of a continuous belt that runs over a series of rollers or pulleys. They can transport products of various shapes, sizes, and weights, as long as they are stable enough to not fall off the belt. Belt conveyors are ideal for long distances, horizontal or inclined movements, and gentle handling of fragile or delicate items. However, belt conveyors have some limitations, such as low speed, high maintenance, and difficulty in sorting or diverting products.

2 Roller conveyors

Roller conveyors are composed of a series of cylindrical rollers that rotate to move products along a flat or slightly sloped surface. They can be powered by gravity, motors, or air pressure. Roller conveyors are suitable for transporting heavy, bulky, or irregular products that have a flat bottom. They can also facilitate accumulation, sorting, and merging of products. However, roller conveyors have some drawbacks, such as noise, friction, and damage to sensitive or soft items.

3 Chain conveyors

Chain conveyors use one or more chains to move products along a fixed path. They can be single-strand, double-strand, or multi-strand, depending on the number of chains and the configuration of the product carriers. Chain conveyors are ideal for transporting pallets, crates, or other large and heavy items that require high strength and durability. They can also handle high temperatures, corrosive environments, and complex layouts. However, chain conveyors have some disadvantages, such as high cost, low speed, and high energy consumption.

4 Slat conveyors

Slat conveyors are similar to chain conveyors, except that they use slats or plates instead of chains to carry products. They can be made of metal, wood, or plastic, depending on the product requirements. Slat conveyors are suitable for transporting hot, oily, or abrasive products that may damage other types of conveyor systems. They can also handle curves, inclines, and declines with ease. However, slat conveyors have some limitations, such as low flexibility, high weight, and high maintenance.

5 Overhead conveyors

Overhead conveyors are conveyor systems that are suspended from the ceiling or a high structure. They use hooks, trolleys, carriers, or trays to transport products above the floor level. Overhead conveyors are ideal for saving space, increasing safety, and enhancing visibility in the warehouse. They can also handle a wide range of products, from garments to car parts. However, overhead conveyors have some challenges, such as high installation, high noise, and low accessibility.

Choosing the right conveyor systems for your warehouse automation depends on many factors, such as your product characteristics, warehouse layout, operational goals, and budget. By comparing the pros and cons of each type of conveyor system, you can make an informed decision that will boost your warehouse performance and productivity.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?