In the fast-paced realm of industrial logistics, efficiency is key. Enter conveyor systems, the unsung heroes of smooth operations in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities worldwide. These ingenious mechanisms serve as the backbone of material handling, effortlessly transporting goods from one point to another with precision and reliability.

Conveyor systems encompass a variety of equipment designed to streamline the movement of goods, ranging from raw materials to finished products. Whether it’s a sprawling warehouse or a compact assembly line, conveyors and conveying systems are indispensable tools for optimizing workflow and maximizing productivity.

But what exactly are conveyor systems? At their core, they consist of motorized belts, rollers, or chains that move items along a predefined path. These paths can be horizontal, inclined, or even vertical, accommodating diverse layouts and operational needs. From heavy-duty steel conveyor belts to flexible roller conveyors, the versatility of conveyors caters to a wide array of industries and applications.

More than mere transportation devices, conveyor systems represent a paradigm shift in material handling efficiency. Gone are the days of manual labor and cumbersome processes; today’s industrial conveyors automate tasks and minimize downtime, revolutionizing the way goods move within facilities.

Let’s delve deeper into the world of conveyor systems, exploring their myriad benefits, the various types available, reputable manufacturers, and why they’re often referred to as the lifeline of modern industry. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of these mechanical marvels and discover how they can elevate your operational efficiency to new heights.

About Conveyor Systems

industrial conveyor systems curve

Conveyor systems epitomize efficiency in material handling. These ingenious mechanisms, comprising motorized belts, rollers, or chains, seamlessly transport goods within warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. But what exactly is a conveyor, and what advantages does it offer over traditional methods of material movement?

What is a Conveyor?

At its core, a conveyor is a mechanical device used to move goods from one location to another along a predefined path. Unlike manual handling or traditional transportation methods, such as forklifts or manual carts, conveyors automate the process, reducing labor costs and minimizing the risk of human error. Whether it’s moving heavy loads across long distances or facilitating the assembly of products on a production line, conveyors excel in streamlining material flow and optimizing operational efficiency.

Advantages of Conveyor Systems

Increased Efficiency

Perhaps the most significant advantage of conveyor systems is their ability to enhance efficiency in material handling operations. By automating the transportation process, conveyors eliminate the need for manual labor, resulting in faster throughput and reduced cycle times. This increased efficiency translates to higher productivity and lower operational costs for businesses.

Enhanced Safety

Safety is paramount in any industrial setting, and conveyor systems play a crucial role in promoting a safer work environment. By reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing the risk of accidents associated with heavy lifting and transportation, conveyors help prevent workplace injuries and ensure employee well-being.

Versatility and Adaptability

Conveyor systems come in a variety of configurations and designs, making them highly versatile and adaptable to different industries and applications. Whether it’s a straight-line conveyor for simple point-to-point transportation or a complex network of interconnected conveyors for intricate material handling tasks, the flexibility of conveyor solutions allows businesses to tailor solutions to their specific needs.

Improved Workflow

With conveyor systems, material flow becomes more streamlined and predictable, leading to improved workflow management. By eliminating bottlenecks and reducing downtime associated with manual handling, conveyors enable smoother operations and better coordination between different stages of the production or distribution process.

Cost Savings

In addition to improving operational efficiency, conveyor offers significant cost savings over time. By reducing labor costs, minimizing product damage, and optimizing space utilization, conveyors help businesses maximize their return on investment and achieve greater profitability in the long run.

Environmental Sustainability

In an era where environmental sustainability is increasingly important, conveyor systems offer eco-friendly solutions for material handling. By optimizing energy consumption, reducing waste, and minimizing carbon emissions associated with transportation, conveyors help businesses minimize their environmental footprint and contribute to a greener future.

Conveyor systems represent a fundamental shift in the way goods are transported and handled in industrial settings. With their myriad benefits, including increased efficiency, enhanced safety, and cost savings, conveyors have become indispensable tools for businesses seeking to optimize their material handling operations. As we delve deeper into the world of conveyor systems, we’ll explore the various types available, reputable manufacturers, and additional advantages that make them the preferred choice for modern industry.

Applications of Industrial Conveyor

Assembly Lines

In manufacturing facilities, assembly lines rely heavily on conveyor systems to streamline production processes. Conveyors facilitate the movement of components and parts along the assembly line, ensuring a continuous flow of materials to workers stationed at different workstations. This seamless integration of conveyor systems optimizes production efficiency, reduces manual handling, and enables faster assembly of products.

conveyor in a distribution center

Distribution Centers

Distribution centers serve as hubs for receiving, storing, and dispatching goods to their respective destinations. Conveyor systems play a critical role in these facilities by automating the movement of packages and pallets throughout the distribution process. From sorting and routing parcels to loading and unloading trucks, conveyors ensure swift and efficient handling of goods, minimizing processing times and expediting order fulfillment.

Warehousing

In warehouses, conveyor systems serve as the backbone of warehouse material handling operations, facilitating the movement of goods within storage facilities. Conveyors transport items from receiving areas to designated storage locations, maximizing storage space utilization and enabling efficient inventory management. Whether it’s handling bulk materials, palletized goods, or individual items, conveyor enhances throughput and accuracy in warehouse operations.

Packaging

Packaging operations rely on conveyor systems to automate the packaging process and ensure consistency and precision in product packaging. Conveyors transport products through various stages of the packaging line, including filling, sealing, labeling, and palletizing. By eliminating manual handling and streamlining packaging workflows, conveyor improves productivity, reduce packaging errors, and enhance product presentation.

Food Processing

In the food processing industry, conveyor systems play a crucial role in ensuring hygienic and efficient handling of food products. Conveyors transport raw materials, ingredients, and finished products throughout the production process, minimizing contamination risks and maintaining food safety standards. Whether it’s conveying fruits and vegetables in a processing plant or transporting packaged food products in a distribution center, conveyor upholds the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation.

Automotive Manufacturing

Automotive manufacturing facilities rely on conveyor systems to orchestrate complex assembly processes with precision and efficiency. Conveyors transport vehicle components and parts along the production line, facilitating sequential assembly and integration of various systems. From chassis and engine assembly to final vehicle inspection, conveyor systems ensure smooth and synchronized operations, enabling automotive manufacturers to meet production targets and quality standards.

Industrial conveyor systems find diverse applications across a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and distribution to warehousing and food processing. By automating material handling processes, streamlining workflows, and enhancing operational efficiency, conveyor plays a vital role in driving productivity and profitability for businesses. As we continue to innovate and adapt to evolving industry needs, conveyor will remain indispensable tools for optimizing material handling operations in the modern industrial landscape.

Items Moved on Conveyor Systems

General Goods

Conveyor systems are incredibly versatile, capable of transporting a wide range of items across various industries. One of the primary functions of conveyor is to transport general goods, including boxes, cartons, and packages of various shapes and sizes. Whether it’s moving consumer goods in distribution centers or handling parcels in shipping facilities, conveyors provide a reliable and efficient means of transporting these items from one location to another.

Raw Materials

Conveyor systems are also adept at handling raw materials, such as metals, plastics, and lumber, in manufacturing and processing plants. From feeding materials into production machinery to transporting bulk materials between different stages of the manufacturing process, conveyors play a crucial role in streamlining material flow and optimizing operational efficiency in industrial settings.

Finished Products

In addition to transporting raw materials, conveyor systems are equally capable of handling finished products in manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. Whether it’s conveying packaged goods for storage and distribution or transporting finished products for final inspection and packaging, conveyors ensure smooth and efficient movement of goods throughout the production and supply chain.

Automotive Components

Automotive manufacturing facilities rely heavily on conveyor systems to transport various components and parts along the production line. From engine blocks and chassis frames to smaller components like bolts and screws, conveyors facilitate the assembly process by ensuring the timely and precise delivery of parts to assembly stations. This seamless integration of conveyor helps automotive manufacturers maintain high levels of productivity and quality in their production processes.

industrial conveyors

Bulk Materials

Conveyor systems are widely used for transporting bulk materials, such as grains, ores, and aggregates, in industries such as mining, agriculture, and construction. Whether it’s loading materials onto ships for export or transferring aggregates between processing units in a quarry, conveyors offer an efficient and cost-effective solution for handling bulk materials over long distances and varying terrain.

Consumer Goods

In retail and e-commerce fulfillment centers, conveyor systems play a crucial role in handling consumer goods, ranging from clothing and electronics to household products and appliances. Conveyors transport these items through various stages of the order fulfillment process, including picking, packing, and shipping, ensuring timely delivery to customers while minimizing errors and delays in the supply chain.

Conveyor systems offer unparalleled versatility and efficiency in transporting a wide range of items across diverse industries. From raw materials and finished products to automotive components and bulk materials, conveyors play a vital role in optimizing material handling processes and enhancing operational productivity. As industries continue to evolve and demand for efficient logistics solutions grows, conveyor systems will remain indispensable tools for businesses seeking to streamline their operations and stay competitive in the global market.

Conveyor Manufacturers

When it comes to efficient material handling, conveyor systems reign supreme, offering seamless transportation solutions for a wide range of industries. Behind these innovative systems are reputable manufacturers dedicated to providing high-quality conveyor solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses worldwide. Let’s explore some of the leading conveyor manufacturers known for their reliability, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the industry.

Hytrol Conveyor Company

Hytrol Conveyor Company is a leading manufacturer of conveyor systems known for its innovation, quality, and reliability in the industry.

Interlake Conveyor

Interlake Conveyor offers durable and reliable conveyor solutions designed to meet the demanding requirements of various industries, ensuring efficient and safe material handling operations.

Metzgar Conveyor

Metzgar Conveyor offers reliable and durable conveyor tailored to meet the specific requirements of different industries, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

UNEX Manufacturing

UNEX Manufacturing specializes in gravity conveyor, carton flow racks, and order picking solutions, providing efficient and cost-effective material handling solutions for warehouses and distribution centers.

Omni Conveyor

Omni Conveyor specializes in conveyor tailored to meet the unique needs of various industries, providing efficient and customizable solutions for transporting goods and materials.

Matthews Conveyor

Matthews Conveyor is known for its high-quality conveyor solutions designed to enhance productivity and streamline material flow in industrial settings.

TWG Conveyor

TWG Conveyor offers innovative conveyor options that prioritize efficiency, reliability, and safety, ensuring smooth and seamless material handling operations.

Rapistan Conveyor

Rapistan Conveyor is a renowned manufacturer of conveyor, offering a wide range of solutions designed to optimize material handling processes in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities.

Bestflex Conveyor

Bestflex Conveyor is known for its flexible and adaptable conveyor, allowing businesses to customize solutions to fit their unique material handling needs.

Automotion Conveyor

Automotion Conveyor offers a wide range of conveyor systems, including powered roller conveyors, belt conveyors, and accumulation conveyors, designed to optimize material flow and throughput.

Roach Conveyor

Roach Conveyor provides a comprehensive range of conveyor, including belt conveyors, roller conveyors, and chain conveyors, designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses worldwide.

Alvey Conveyor

Alvey Conveyor specializes in conveyor for automated material handling applications, offering advanced solutions to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs.

FMH Conveyors

FMH Conveyors provides cutting-edge conveyor solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses, offering innovative features and technologies for enhanced performance.

Ermanco Conveyor

Ermanco Conveyor offers a comprehensive range of conveyor, including gravity conveyors, belt conveyors, and overhead conveyors, designed to improve workflow efficiency and productivity.

Versa Conveyor

Versa Conveyor provides versatile conveyor solutions for a wide range of applications, offering customized systems to meet the unique needs of different industries.

Accuglide Conveyor

Accuglide Conveyor specializes in conveyor for distribution and fulfillment centers, providing efficient and reliable solutions for material handling and logistics operations.

Bushman Conveyor

Bushman Conveyor offers heavy-duty conveyor designed for rugged industrial environments, providing reliable solutions for transporting heavy loads and bulky materials.

Intelligrated Conveyor

Intelligrated Conveyor is a leading provider of conveyor and automated material handling solutions, offering integrated systems for warehouse automation and fulfillment.

SpanTech LLC

SpanTech LLC provides innovative conveyor solutions, including modular plastic belt conveyors and spiral conveyors, designed to maximize efficiency and space utilization in warehouses and distribution centers.

Lewco, Inc.

Lewco, Inc. is a trusted manufacturer of conveyor systems, offering a wide range of solutions for material handling, assembly, and distribution applications.

These leading conveyor manufacturers offer a diverse range of solutions to meet the material handling needs of businesses across various industries. Whether it’s optimizing workflow efficiency, increasing productivity, or improving safety standards, these manufacturers provide reliable and innovative conveyor systems to support the growth and success of their customers.

Alternative Names for Pallet Racking

When it comes to pallet racking, there are several alternative names that describe the various types and configurations of these storage systems. Let’s take a look at some of the alternative names for pallet racking:

  • Conveyor Belt
  • Belt Conveyor
  • Roller Conveyor
  • Screw Conveyor
  • Chain Conveyor
  • Pneumatic Conveyor
  • Gravity Conveyor
  • Overhead Conveyor
  • Slat Conveyor
  • Flexible Conveyor
  • Spiral Conveyor

These alternative names reflect the diversity and versatility of pallet racking systems, each designed to suit specific material handling requirements and operational environments. Whether it’s a roller conveyor for heavy-duty applications or a spiral conveyor for vertical storage, there’s a pallet racking solution to meet every need.

In conclusion, understanding the diverse terminology and options available in the realm of pallet racking is essential for optimizing storage and material handling operations. Whether you refer to it as a conveyor belt, roller conveyor, or spiral conveyor, the goal remains the same: efficient storage and retrieval of goods to maximize productivity and space utilization. By exploring these alternative names, businesses can make informed decisions when selecting the right pallet racking solution for their needs. With a wide array of options at their disposal, businesses can enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and ultimately drive success in their material handling endeavors.


We Also Buy

Yankee Supply is also interested in purchasing large amounts of used powered and non-powered conveyors.  Sell equipment here.

New & Used Conveyor for Sale

Yankee Supply is an excellent source for new and used conveyors. With our network of used equipment dealers, we have a vast network of sources that has all types of new and used conveyor for sale.

Conveyors move loads along a path and reduce the effort it takes to move them from one place to another in industrial applications. Skate wheel conveyors require minimal force or slope for moving light loads and maintain the orientation of loads as they travel around the conveyors’ curves. Roller conveyors can move light to heavy loads and support loads with rimmed or uneven bottoms. Ball transfer conveyors let loads move in all directions on the conveyor. They are often installed at points along a conveyor line where loads need to change direction, move to an adjacent conveyor, or be rotated or positioned during conveying. Belt conveyors keep the position of conveyed items stable as they move, are less likely to jostle or bump fragile items than other types of conveyors and can support irregularly shaped items. Conveyor support stands, conveyor hardware, conveyor brushes, and conveyor guides are used to install conveyors, support conveyors, and direct material flow on conveyors.

We have all types of non-powered conveyors including roller conveyor, skate wheel conveyor, expandable conveyors and pallet conveyor. Along with the non-powered conveyors we also have powered conveyors including belted conveyors, line shaft conveyors, sortation conveyors, accumulation conveyors, ULD conveyors, incline and decline conveyors, trash conveyors and general transportation conveyors. Yankee Supply has used curves for your conveyors as well. We have powered and non-powered curves. We have belted curves and roller curves.

Common sizes for conveyors are available in widths starting from 6” wide 12”, 18”, 24”, 30”, 36”, 48” and up to 96” wide.

Yankee Supply can help with replacement of old or damaged conveyor rollers. Older conveyors, over time, will need rollers due to wear and tear due to many years of use. We help, generally, with any size roller requirement. Please have specific details ready to provide to us with the replacement parts you need or call us so we can help you navigate through the specific details we need to find replacement parts for your conveyors.

Types of Conveyors

Our conveyor options and products include:

The belt option is usually used to handle packages, small parts, and other raw material. It typically operates on a decline or incline, but can also transport objects horizontally. Local grocery store check-out counters utilize this type of belt system.

The least expensive type, the gravity conveyor, is non-powered and is commonly used to offload trucks and to sort packages. The roller is also used for handling light to medium packages. It can even be used for handling heavier items like pallets and drums. The skatewheel system features a smoother transport than some of the other choices. This makes it perfect for lightweight packages.

One of the most unique types is the ball transfer option. Ball transfer tables can move and rotate products in any direction. This particular system allows products to be moved around curves.

Another type of conveyor is material flow racks and rails install onto compatible surfaces or rack structures to reduce the effort it takes to move cartons, totes, pallets, and other items on them, which helps boost efficiency in inventory and order-picking tasks. Flow rack conveyors are installed into storage racks or pallet racks, and they have a narrow bed of skate wheels or rollers that allow items to glide along them. Flow rails are often mounted to pallet racks or storage lanes to allow gravity to move products in the back forward to the front once the items in front are used. Each rail has a single row of skate wheels, rollers, or ball transfers that allow items to glide along the rail. Flow rails and flow rack conveyors are commonly used to support storage and inventory initiatives such as first-in, first-out (FIFO) and can serve as floor-mounted staging areas for manufacturing or logistical processes.

Used Conveyors

If you are in need of equipment and are looking to save money, try our selection of used conveyors. Our equipment is clean, well-maintained, and in excellent working condition. If you have recently closed a facility, are looking to downsize, or need to upgrade your current machinery, we would love to purchase them from you for resale.

If you have any questions or inquiries, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Check out our comprehensive equipment catalog to view more of our products.

Additional Options:

Yankee Supply can offer relocation or installation services for your conveyors. Yankee Supply has installed many conveyor systems in the 40 years we have been in business. Let our experts guide you to the best solution to suit your needs. Call us today and ask about our conveyors for sale.

Yankee Supply is also interested in purchasing large amounts of used powered and non-powered conveyors.  Sell equipment here.

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