Perhaps more than any other production and inventory management device, conveyor systems have the potential to make workers safer and more productive. When designed and operated efficiently, conveyors streamline the movement of finished products, components, packages, and more. However, conveyor failure has the potential to cause production floors and warehouses to become chaotic; clog up workflow, pile up materials, damage valuable inventory, and potentially endanger workers.

All organizations strive to keep production running smoothly and create a safe work environment. Ensuring optimum conveyor efficiency will help you achieve those goals. Stalled conveyor systems are expensive and stressful, so it's important to do whatever is necessary to keep them moving.
 

Tips for choosing conveyor belts before production

Even before your plant goes live, consider various factors that can positively affect your conveyor efficiency.

1. Consider the load your conveyor is handling  -  The size, weight and other characteristics of the load your conveyor will transport will help determine the conveyor material, motor, drive and the right hardware for your application. Other product aspects such as temperature and material can also influence the choice. To start, learn about the difference between a regular belt and a chain strap. In general, you should review design options with a belt expert to consider all the different strap options.

2. Set your conveyor to pull instead of push  -  Pull is far more efficient than pushing. Your conveyor can lose up to 50-70% of its load capacity when pushed.

3. Consider flow rate  - The speed and precision of the material you need to be introduced into or removed by the conveyor may require specific equipment. For example, in the distribution industry, a fast moving conveyor belt is paramount. For fast moving belts, you will likely need maintenance tools.

4. Know your industry requirements - If you are transferring food and beverage products or pharmaceutical ingredients, material density must be considered, along with hygiene factors.
  

Tips for choosing conveyors in the production process

Taking the time to inspect your conveyor and perform preventative maintenance saves money in the long run and can prevent major problems that damage product, endanger staff, or cause downtime. motion.

5. Perform Regularly  -  Follow the conveyor manufacturer's recommendations for daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly inspections of bearings, pulleys and other components. Have your maintenance team, whether internal or outsourced, document each inspection and preventive actions taken.

6. Keep it clean  -  While this is important for food, dairy, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, all industries will see their conveyor efficiency increase through regular cleaning and lubrication. Cleaning mode reduces energy usage as well as friction and slippage that can shorten the life of motors, rollers and other moving parts.

7. Replace parts before they fail  - Predictive maintenance can not only help you avoid serious problems, but also maintain productivity. Bad parts are more prone to breakage, creating manufacturing links. But they are also often responsible for less than optimal workflows that affect revenue and profits. To practice predictive and preventive maintenance, we recommend having critical parts on hand or at least having a conveyor supplier that can get you back up and running quickly.
 

Advice on safety, training and logistics

Conveyor systems play an important role in many manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain environments. But to reach the full productivity potential of conveyors, organizations must ensure they are placed and used correctly.

8. Testing and Calibration  -  When installing the conveyor for the first time and periodically during operation, the tester must ensure that all safety devices - machine guards, housings, handrails, labels warnings, etc. properly positioned and secure. Conveyor belts need to be calibrated and adjusted to ensure ease of use by workers and standards. Vibrations, contact with people or handcarts, and other everyday working conditions can cause conveyors to deviate or reduce their value.

9.  Design safe and efficient work stations -  If your conveyor is part of a work station where workers pick, pack, assemble or inspect items, what are the working conditions? ergonomics must be considered. Design stations to help employees work more efficiently and with less risk of injury. Design the conveyor height to suit your operator. Provide platforms so that shorter-term workers can also comfortably work there.

10. Promote a culture of safety  -  Encourage your workers to report any safety concerns they have and make suggestions to make their conveyors easier to operate or productive. than. Implement a zero-tolerance policy for conveyor abuse and ensure all employees know how to stop conveyors in an emergency.

Conveyor belt efficiency and longevity can only be achieved with proper planning and maintenance. Pre-production planning and regular maintenance can seem inconvenient, but in the long run it will ultimately help prevent downtime in the production process, leading to higher profits and less downtime. waste more time.

Intech Group is committed to helping you make your transportation system reliable, durable and efficient. We are passionate about this industry and all of our products and services are driven by innovation, quality and expertise.

Contact us to learn more about selecting, setting up and operating the right conveyor system to make your facility as efficient and productive as possible. Hotline: 024 66 806 795. Customers can find out the types of conveyor belts here.

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