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What
is a Gravity Conveyor?
A gravity conveyor moves objects without motor
power.
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WHEELS OR . .
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ROLLERS . .
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The WHEELS or ROLLERS are put into
channel frames held together with "bed spacers."
Different widths can be made. Frames can
be either STEEL or ALUMINUM. |
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Gravity flow skate wheel conveyor is an economical option for
conveying lightweight cartons, trays, or totes. Used extensively in
shipping/receiving and assembly areas, skate wheel conveyors reduce
manual material handling of lightweight items over short distances. It
can be useful in elaborate configurations and
flow systems as well as smaller, standalone applications. See more
information:
Gravity Skatewheel Conveyor.
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Wheels are put on axles. Aluminum spacer
tubes are put on the axle between the wheels. This keeps wheels from
moving from side to side on the axle.
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In the drawing above, the axles are on 3 in.
centers (also available in 1-1/2 in. centers). The number of wheels on
each axle can vary. This determines the number of wheels per foot on the
conveyor.
But....there should always be a minimum of 10 wheels
under a box.
This helps you decide the number of wheels per
foot to order.
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The places you use roller conveyor are mostly the same as skatewheel,
with some significant differences -- see below. It is more expensive and
can be more effective, dependent on what's being moved.
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Rollers have their own axles. Most axles
are SPRING-LOADED. This means. . . |
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...The axle can be moved to one
side. |
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Rollers can be easily removed or
replaced in Conveyor Channel frame. The spring also keeps the roller
in place. |
The rollers are put in the frame as close
together -
or as far apart as necessary . . . BUT
there should always be THREE (3) rollers under the box.
LESS THAN 3 ROLLERS . . . box tumbles
BEST-3 ROLLERS UNDER BOX AT ALL TIMES!
This determines the ROLLER CENTERS
to order.
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(Any items with a smooth, flat bottom. These
items can be wider than the conveyor, 6 in. over on each side is not too
much. Extra wide items like plywood, can be moved O.K., but center it
carefully.) For more information see our Skatewheel
models page, or check detailed information in our Online
Conveyor Store.
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Tote boxes will not move
easily |
Use as many wheels
as
possible for best results. |
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Any Items with an uneven or open bottom, or
with a rim on the bottom. These items should never be bigger around than
the rollers are long. For more information see our Gravity
models page, or check detailed information in our Online
Conveyor Store.
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How
Gravity Conveyors are set up:
1. All sections have couplings
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PORTABLE TYPE |
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PERMANENT TYPE
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Sections can then be used together by coupling
them to each other.
2. Portable set-up USS Tripod Stands
Always use one more stand than the number of
conveyor sections (3 sections use 4 stands.)
3. Permanent setup uses stationary supports
Always use one more support than the number of
conveyor sections (3 sections use 4 supports.)
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Powered
and gravity conveyors can be used together. This is called a "Flow
System"
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