Warehouses and distribution centers are often equipped with sortation systems where random streams of goods are sorted into orders for shipping. The parameters for sorting depend on its application in the supply chain.
What is a sortation conveyor system?
A sortation conveyor system refers to the identification of items on a conveyor, which is then redirected by a sorter to the appropriate packing station. Conveyor sortation systems are used in a variety of industries to help streamline the flow of objects from one conveyor line to another. The sorting process allows specific items to be identified and redirected to separate locations using equipment controlled by software specific to the task.
Ultimately, a conveyor sortation system combines the complexity of an automation and control system with the efficiency of a conveyor to create an advanced sortation system that can also utilize robotics and PLC programming.
Sorting conveyor systems are one of the most popular and effective sorting systems. These conveyors are designed to provide intelligent sorting. Well-planned sorting systems meet the growing demand for smaller order sizes and high shipping accuracy.
Benefits of automated sorting conveyor systems
Automating a warehouse’s sorting system reduces overall labor costs. This is common in most automated processes.
- Increase throughput to keep up with high order volumes
- Improve order accuracy to minimize error handling, returns
- Develop cross-docking processes to reduce storage and handling requirements
- Use new strategies to minimize shipping costs and expedite shipping
- Automate sorting operations
Conveyor systems are designed for low or high volume order sizes, to promote shipping accuracy and the ability to ship more frequently. Conveyor systems also provide increased productivity, labor savings, cost reductions, and improved customer satisfaction.
Guide to choosing the right Sorting Conveyor System
With so many different sorting systems available, it can be difficult to choose which sorter is right for you. In that case, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- What goals or throughput requirements do you need to meet?
- What specific application will you use the system for (receiving, picking, packing, shipping, etc.)?
- What are the characteristics of the packages or items you handle?
- How many destinations or diverters are required?
- How much floor space is available in your warehouse?
To help you decide on the right sortation system for your business, contact Intech Group today. Our sorting conveyor systems are designed for high speed applications where product navigation needs to be positive and gentle. The sorting factor depends on the product, size, weight, conveyor speed.
Top 5 popular Sorting Conveyor Systems today:
With a variety of options, the sorter conveyor you invest in will seek to maximize your operational productivity while maintaining a consistent installation within your business. There are many types of conveyor sorter systems available and some work together to form part of an overall Smart Conveyor Solution:
1 - Narrow Belt Sorter
A Narrow Belt Sorter is a sorter for medium-sized items. As the name suggests, the product is transported on multiple narrow belts. Rollers rise between the belts to transfer items at 90 or 30 degree angles out of the sorter.
A Narrow Belt Sorter is designed to transfer double-sided items. The product can be transferred to either side of the package. conveyor to other right angle conveyors, workstations, packaging operations, ticketing stations, shipping departments, or other similar operations. The equipment is capable of handling medium to high throughput requirements of approximately 100 cases per minute.
Narrow Belt Sorter Conveyor System
2 - Sliding Shoe Sorter Conveyor System
Sliding Shoe Sorter Conveyor Systems are often combined with high speed sorting. The sorter is supported by conveyors, which push the load out of the sorter to the appropriate sorting destination. The amount to be conveyed is determined inductively and depends on the length of the product.
Sliding Shoe Sorter systems are great for sorting fragile, perishable products. They are also ideal for handling a wide variety of product sizes, shapes, and weights. It is not uncommon for sliding shoe sorters to achieve speeds in excess of 250 cases per minute. Due to the nature of this conveyor sorter system it is ideal for the retail industry as it saves space in the facility and provides a sophisticated way of sorting through a range of products.
Sliding Shoe Sorter Conveyor System
3 - Cross Belt Sorter Conveyor System
A high speed conveyor capable of sorting 500 cases per minute, ideal for installation in existing warehouses, the Cross Belt Sorter system separates items via small trays with individual belts.
The conveyor sorter system is designed to transport items in trays or bins such as small and irregularly sized products such as cosmetics, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Many Cross Belt Sorter conveyor systems have been installed in warehouses to support the growing e-commerce industry.
Cross Belt Sorter
4 - Pop-up wheel sorter conveyor system
While using a conveyor through the addition of rows of angled wheels to change lanes, the wheels will “pop up” to guide the appropriate items.
Because of the reliance on friction between the wheels and the items, the operator must be aware of this possibility before starting production. Pop-up wheel sorters are suitable for small products and cartons ready for packaging and shipping. The Pop-up wheel sorter system can be easily applied to any custom floor conveyor system, such as floor rollers or zipper conveyors.
5 - Tilt Tray Sorter conveyor system
The Tilt Tray Sorter system is a high-speed, continuous loop sorting conveyor that uses a tilting technique on the tray in the trough to slide the object into the trough. It is used to speed up the order fulfillment process to consolidate order details and process returned products to instantly update inventory in real time. It is ideal for handling not only cartons and totes but also soft goods that are difficult to sort with other technologies such as totes. Sorting speeds exceeding 375 cases per minute can be achieved.
Tilt Tray Sorter Conveyor System
Integrated Conveyor Sorting System Solution from Intech Group
By using a conveyor sorter system, you can improve the efficiency and accuracy of your business operations. Additionally, you can reduce production costs and improve customer satisfaction. However, integrating a conveyor sorter system with existing technology requires choosing the right type of system and features that are appropriate for the application and facility.
Intech Group is your ideal partner, we can often combine proven technologies or ideas from other industries to benefit our customers.
At Intech, we have been providing cost-effective solutions to factory automation challenges for many years. Contact us for specific advice, Hotline: 0966 966 032
