Common Types of Conveyor Lines
Conveyor lines are equipment used for the continuous transport of materials or products in production processes. They play an essential role in modern industrial production, with applications in industries such as food processing, electronics packaging, chemicals, home appliance assembly, and automotive manufacturing.
A conveyor line refers to a material handling machine that continuously transports goods along a fixed path, also known as an assembly line. Conveyor lines can operate horizontally, vertically, or at an incline, and they can be designed to create a spatial transportation network. These systems are known for their large conveying capacity, long transport distance, and ability to perform multiple process operations during transportation, making them highly versatile and widely used.
Conveyor lines can be classified into different types based on the type of conveyor chain (or plate) used:
1. Belt Conveyor Line
A belt conveyor is one of the most common types of conveyors, with a wide range of applications in industries such as food, electronics, packaging, and chemicals. It is typically used for the continuous transportation of items over varying distances.
2. Roller Conveyor Line
Roller conveyor lines are divided into powered and non-powered types. These are commonly used in the packaging industry and as auxiliary conveyors in other production equipment. Non-powered roller conveyors rely on gravity, while powered roller conveyors use motors to drive the rollers.
3. Chain Plate Conveyor Line
Chain plate conveyors use metal plates as the conveyor chain, which allows them to carry heavier and bulkier items. They are well-suited for use in heavy industries like automotive manufacturing and television production, where large and heavy products need to be transported.
4. Mesh Belt Conveyor Line
Mesh belt conveyors use a metal mesh as the conveyor medium and are typically employed for drying processes. They are commonly used in applications where products need to be dried or exposed to heat during production.
5. Suspension Chain Conveyor Line
Suspension conveyors transport goods using a suspended chain system. These conveyors are often used in combination with chain plate conveyors in industries like automotive manufacturing, where products are moved along a suspended path to optimize space and streamline the process.
6. Pace Chain Conveyor Line
Pace chain conveyors are more complex than the aforementioned types and are widely used in various industries. These conveyors are often referred to as “accumulation chain conveyor systems” and are typically used in assembly and processing lines to transport materials efficiently.
Pace Chain Conveyor Line Characteristics:
- The system uses chains as both the traction and carrying medium for transporting goods. These chains can be standard roller chains or special types of chains depending on the application.
- High conveying capacity, able to carry large loads.
- Precise and stable transport speed, ensuring synchronous transportation.
- Easy to implement accumulation transport, making it suitable for assembly lines or material storage transport.
- Capable of operating in harsh environments, such as high temperatures or dusty conditions, with reliable performance.
- Made from specially designed aluminum profiles, which are easy to install.
- The system is visually appealing, practical, and generates minimal noise.
- High automation, with multi-functional capabilities.
Features of Conveyor Lines
- Fixed or Adjustable Direction: Some conveyor lines are fixed in direction, while others allow for adjustments.
- Modular Design: Each unit of a conveyor line is made up of rollers, which can be used independently or connected to form a longer line. This makes installation easy and flexible.
- Adjustable Length: A conveyor unit can have a length ratio of up to 3:1 between its longest and shortest configurations.
- Durable and Reliable: Conveyor lines are built to withstand harsh working conditions (such as high temperatures or dust) and maintain consistent performance.
- Chain Plate Conveyors: These conveyors use chain plates for traction and load support. They can accommodate standard roller chains or special types of chains for specific applications.
- High Load Capacity: Conveyor lines can handle heavy loads, making them suitable for transporting large and bulky products.
- High Automation and Multifunctionality: These systems are designed for high automation and can perform multiple functions during transport.
- Accurate and Stable Transport: The conveyors operate with precise synchronization, ensuring smooth and stable material handling.
- Aesthetically Pleasing and Quiet: The design is simple, visually appealing, and low-noise, making it suitable for various environments.
- Easy to Install: The modular construction and special materials make installation and maintenance simple and efficient.