Posts Tagged ‘automation’

Tips On Finding The Best Conveyor Manufacturing Company

A conveyor belt is a piece of handling equipment that is mechanical in nature which is used to move materials from one place to another especially in a manufacturing firm. The conveyor systems make work efficient and quick. They are many of a kind and therefore an industry will choose one that fits their needs especially those in material handling and packaging industry. When identifying a good belt, you must look for a conveyor manufacturing firm with the qualities stated below.

The company should produce quality products. Quality should be considered in terms of the strength of the belt. The strength is important because the equipment is used in carrying materials and it should have the ability to handle weighty materials. This will also give you the value of your money because quality goes with durability.

The company should also produce affordable products. The product should be within your financial reach. Due to the fact that there are many a manufactures dealing with conveyor belts, it is advisable to carry a market survey. You will get an affordable one and capable of satisfying your needs. Cost is an important consideration to your manufacturing firm because if the belt surpasses your budget then the manufacturing profits you get will dwindle.

Another thing to check is the belt’s surface affinity to greasy dirt. If the affinity is low it means the belt will perform faster and easier. The revolution direction consistency should be observed. This will help assess the working conditions of the belt. It will allow the company to plan for their work in terms of efficiency and timing.

Acquiring this belt from a provider who also stocks spare parts is an advantage. This implies that in case there are damages or repairs, these accessories will be obtained easily. Knowing about someone who does repairs will give you an easy time whenever you need one. You should also remember to have one that is easy to service or maintain, hence you will not incur unexpected expenses in replacements.

This equipment should also be resistant even when exposed to moisture or water. This feature will however depend on the materials used to make it, with materials such as cotton canvas, rubber and polyester the most commonly used for this purpose. To avoid problems with any standardization board, it should also match GB10595 quality standards. It should also be simple to operate and if you encounter any hitches, ask for training or directions on how to use it from the provider.

It is worth noting that an effective belt should operate at the right speed, have the correct length and should be inclined properly to make movement easy. This decision will however depend on what a firm needs, including the materials that it deals with. For safety in usage, your firm should follow the instructions outlined in the manual.

These outlined steps will make acquisition of the best conveyor manufacturing belt a very simple task. In addition, to ensure that you do not jeopardize the operations of your firm, choose the right one that will not disappoint you in future. Above all, remember that, a final choice will depend on what your firm really needs.

Visit Wilkie Brothers Coveyors for more information on conveyors or to order Acco Rivetless Chain, Frost Conveyor Components or any other related replacement parts.

The Most Purchased Types Of Functional Stainless Steel Conveyors

Stainless steel conveyors assist in moving materials from one place to another in a production plant. There are different types of conveyors available that will greatly add value to any production process. Most companies which manufacture conveyors, custom make conveyors to suit the particular needs of the industry which has requested it. Conveyors are easy to maintain and they add convenience to the production process. Listed below are the different types of conveyance systems.

Screw conveyor

There are different types of screw conveyance systems which are used for different material handling operations. Screw conveyance systems come in different sizes and dimensions and they are designed to perform different duties. Screw conveyors can be comfortably used in conditions of extreme temperatures and pressures. Some screw conveyors are designed for conveying material in granular and powder form while other screw conveyors are used for moving metal trolleys from one point to another. These conveyors are used in the following industries: sugar, mining, cement, Steel, pharmaceutical among other industries.

Screw conveyors can be used even in conditions of extreme pressure and temperature. A wide range of industries use screw conveyors such as: mining industries, sugar industries, pharmaceutical industries among other type of industries.

When moving regular shaped containers from one point to another in an industrial setting, the slat conveyor is normally used. Light duty industries as well as heavy duty industries use this type of conveyor. The slat conveyor is not only efficient and very cost effective to maintain but it is also very durable. The fact that the slat conveyor is made using high grade steel makes it durable and with the unique ability to resist corrosion. Standard models and GMP models of the slat conveyor are available in various conveyor shops.

Powerised conveyor

Ribbon type conveyors

Ribbon type conveyor

The operation of a ribbon type conveyor is similar in many respects to the operation of a screw conveyor. First and foremost, the ribbon conveyors are used for moving goods in granulated form just as the screw conveyors. These conveyors have screws that resemble those in the screw conveyors. These screws can be moved in clock wise or anti clock wise direction. When these screws are moved, the granulated material placed in the trough will be delivered to where it is required to be.

Leaf chain conveyors

Just like other types of conveyors, it is possible to custom make a life chain conveyor. Custom making a life chain conveyor makes it relevant to the needs of a particular industry. Operational and maintenance cost of a life chain conveyor are reasonable. With proper maintenance, a life chain conveyor will perform with top precision and efficiency.

Stainless steel conveyors enhance the efficiency of any production process. These conveyors use minimal time in conveying goods from one point to another.

Visit Wilkie Brothers Coveyors for more information on conveyors or to order Webb Conveyor Chain, Tsubaki Trolleys or any other related replacement parts.

Conveyor Inventions, Boundaries and Limits

People like Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, The Wright Brothers, Henry Ford and Alexander Graham Bell have long been pushing the limits of creative thought and invented output. Having changed the course of history in a positive manner with many of their ideas it is without these type of people that we might live in a more stagnant and uncomfortable world. The invention of the conveyor is often associated with the development of the assembly line but the essence and substance of conveyors actually pre-dates this business function.

The building of machines to move items from one place to another can be seen as far back as the early 19th century. To most industry historians the Swedish organization Scandisk was the first to commercialize mass market and put into working production a conveyor type system. Originally geared mostly towards the mining industry and hauling large massed objects across long distances, the innovations of the conveyor have now expanded into almost every conceivable industry. After looking at some of the industries pushing the boundaries of conveyor modernization and what some of these technologies may be, we will have a better understanding of where the conveyor industry stands today and where it is headed for tomorrow.

It has been a long, long time since one could find men and women cranking conveyor machines by hand to get the belts and pulleys to maneuver objects without snagging or going off track. Now, these conveyors are highly tuned for a specific use and are much more flexible, so much so that they can be utilized in such technologically advanced and specialized movements as the Hubbell telescope. Space and exploration is not their sole implementation by any means, conveyor systems can be found in a gamut of both product and business classifications.

Conveyor activities are finding new and industrious homes in such places as pulp and paper mills, auto manufacturing plants, steel fabrication centers, logging outfits, airplane and helicopter production facilities, toy making ventures, loading and unloading docks, cell phone assembly locations, warehouses packaging and distribution sites, and a slew of other commercially and privately represented tasks.

There will always be production snafus in the industrial world and conveyors are the go- to systems to resolve many a modern day load moving conundrum. Taking a look at what is new in conveyor gizmos is a fascinating study so lets take a look at some recent inventions in the industries mentioned above.

Nowadays, conveyor systems are electronic and based on computer technology which renders them more powerful and at the same time more flexible in design. Some cutting edge improvements are such inventions as pneumatic systems and the travelator, which moves humans, not machine parts or some such. You can be absolutely sure that some folks are losing sleep at night in order to come up with new developments and to optimize the operating mechanisms of conveyors in areas like pressure, conveying line velocity, efficiency and of course, ultimate performance. One fantastic idea that is probably not too far in the future is the use of conveyors to park cars instead of using the services of the very human valet or parking lot attendant. Both robotics and artificial intelligence are becoming more a part of conveyor solutions adding to the excitement of the technological advancements that are just around the corner.

Conveyors have found a place in the world from their onset because of their cost effectiveness and time and labor saving abilities. It is little wonder that they have been around for decades and will continue for decades to come .as they continuously improve the lives of everyone on the planet and the very planet itself.

Visit Wilkie Brothers Coveyors for more information on conveyors or to order Webb Conveyor Components, Unibilt Chain or any other related replacement parts.

For Conveyor Optimization, Treat Your System with Respect

We often cruise through life performing our daily routines without giving much thought to improving performance. Simple tasks like brushing our teeth, showering, getting to work and cooking are often times put on auto pilot with little attention paid to the actual undertaking. When things run smoothly, humans have a tendency towards contentment. Many endeavors that are repetitive by nature or jaded by low variances are many times left alone to carry out as they have done numerous times before. One critical component to success however is a constant fine tuning and practicing of the associated craft. Maintaining a competitive edge is never about resting on our laurels. Those satisfied with the outputs of today are frequently passed by those hungry for a better tomorrow. One aspect of life where many of these concepts are applicable revolves around the installation and implementation of a conveyor system.

Conveyors have long been industrial marvels that have been designed and tweaked for ages. Those willing to put in the time, energy and thought are the ones getting the most out of their conveyors. Although conveyors are machines that can work magically on their own, forgetting that they operate in changing and stressful environments can foster disasters rather then beneficial dynamics. For those looking to stay ahead of the curve there are certain angles to take that will better build a more viable and robust platform. If optimizing conveyor production and operations is a goal, then these tips are a great base to start from. Some steps will be easier then others and by focusing on the simpler work first it will make some of the more difficult needs easier to attend to when appropriate.

Managers should first pay attention in their review to the details of the items being moved along the line. A thorough comprehension of conveyor loads is one simple but powerful means to enhance performance. Take into consideration things such as load form, shape, dimension, density, flow rate and position. All of these characteristics are vital to the success of product movement. If you know everything there is to know about the items traveling on your system, you will much more capable of designing and controlling your operation to be more efficient and powerful. Another tip that is relatively simple but very important is to perform proper maintenance and have the know how to fix common problems.

As a large moving machine conveyors often run into snags. Some of the basic stumbling blocks can be avoided through general guidelines for trouble shooting certain faults. Hiccups like random shutdowns, package backup and frozen belts all may be solved without the need to call in repair experts and expensive service technicians. Informed problem diagnosis is a huge benefit to the smooth functioning of any set up as it allows for fixes that may otherwise be prolonged or outsourced thus thwarting current productivity.

Lastly, diligent maintenance is key when it comes to enhancing optimization. Stay on top of all conveyor related items and focus intently on preventive maintenance. Both will be sure to offer a more fluid environment. Now we will progress into the more difficult tasks at hand.

Conveyors utilize a high degree of energy. Although they are energy saving devices built to streamline movement tasks, there is still a large amount of room to grow in regards to energy consumption. Proper motor selection, lubrication, downtime, drive reduction and gravity leveraging are all ways to capture energy efficiencies. Energy reduction is at times a difficult endeavor but devoting resources to efficiency can translate into huge savings and better facilities. Ergonomics is another more intensive angle to take when trying to optimize production. Optimal vertical and horizontal integration combined with appropriately designed employee workstations can mean a happier and healthier workplace.

Conveyor workstation architecture can make a massive difference in bettering the system. Work surface heights and station reach arrangements are both ergonomic areas that when configured correctly will aid in increased productivity. Lastly, conveyor performance testing is a must when looking to help composition. Routine inspections include, function checking, load analysis and error recovery tests. Deriving various tests to find a conveyor’s strengths and weaknesses can reveal openings for enhancement. Regardless of how you go about it, optimization and productivity should be a constant work in progress and ongoing process for any organization utilizing conveyor machinery.

Conveyors must have thousands of parts in order to move in a harmonious rhythm without breaks. Along with all the topics mentioned above, safety and upgrading also must be addressed to really get the most out of your optimization efforts. Development can be difficult sometimes and easy the next, but one thing that is certainly true is that its importance must never be cast aside. Conveyors need extensive planning and minute attention to detail. No short cuts allowed when it comes to conveyor system optimization.

For more information about Pusher Dogs, Refurbished Pusher Dogs, or any other conveyor parts, please visit Blue Water Manufacturing.

Different Types of Overhead Conveyor Systems

Overhead conveyor systems are essential in a lot of factory workplaces. They are also helpful in extremely large facilities where transporting an item from one station to another requires the conveying system to be above the floor. These systems are either powered by electrical means, a vacuum, air pressure or they are non-powered, which means they either need an employee to power them or a gravitational force. There are three systems most widely used; an overhead power and free conveyor, a powered I-beam monorail overhead conveyor, and an enclosed track conveyor system.

I-beam monorail systems are also known as using the trolley method, these are the typical overhead systems used today. The track of this conveyor is built from a loop that is a continuous circle, it never ends. There are load bars powered by chain or rope that move the trolleys along the track, with help from an electric motor. These conveyor systems are excellent for distribution of items, sorting, buffering, and long distances, especially when high speed transport is required. An I-beam system is also capable of moving along inclines and declines that are up to 90 degrees.

Paint lines, assembly lines, picking area trash removal, and delivery of empty cartons to order pickers are just a few uses for enclosed track conveyor systems. Transportation of items over long distances, or between separate buildings can require the use of these enclosed systems. Also, they are great for moving supplies from a receiving dock to an area for storage or between two different departments within the same building. These devices can also be used as a type of mobile storage, by utilizing ceiling space in warehouses for suspending items.

The setup of an enclosed track is very quick, which minimizes company down time. No welding is required because of the track being installed with bolts instead.

Enclosed tracks are quick to install, minimizing downtime for the business having them installed. Tracks are generally bolted into place, so no welding is required. Many conveyors consist of parts that won’t wear easily and are resistant to corrosive environments. Having an enclosed track prevents bearing surfaces and chain needing to be cleaned or maintained as often.

Enclosed tracks can be used for transportation of items between buildings or across extensive distances. They are commonly used for moving items between departments or maybe to a storage area from a loading dock. Paint lines and assembly lines use these conveyor systems and removing trash from picking areas or delivering empty cartons to order pickers is also common.

The trolleys are attached to load bars which are then moved by a chain or rope controlled by an electrical motor. These systems can have 90 degree inclines and declines too. I-beam monorail conveyor systems are able to transport items at high speeds, making them ideal for long distances, sorting, buffering, and distribution in general.

Steel or wood ceilings are used for the suspension of overhead conveyor systems, as well as walls made of the same materials. These systems are used in warehousing and distribution, paint finishing, creative displays for retail, manufacturing and assembly, as well as in the food handling industry. Man power is saved, by allowing for large quantities of products to move quickly through an area, instead of needing to be carried by employees. With them being suspended in the air, these systems also make for excellent optimization of a facility’s entire space. It has been found that the noise reduction achieved with these systems allows for a much safer work place.

For more information about, or to buy Power Trolleys, Conveyor Chain, or other conveyor related parts, please visit Blue Water Manufacturing.