Conveyor Systems - let us help you design a high-productivity system
Many facilities utilize pallets or slip-sheets to convey bulk material. This can end up in a palletizing operation, a packing/picking operation, assembly, putaway, shipping, or many other applications. While some situations require these palletized items to only be carried the last few feet of their process, many rely solely on the pallets to carry their product throughout the operation - and pallet conveyors to transport those pallets.
This is a vital first point of information. What's the condition of the conveying surface—typically the bottom of the pallet? Although you may think you're conveying a standard pallet, chances are you aren't. There are so many variations that it’s likely that what you think of a s a regular pallet is less common than you might think.
Actually, most pallets are one of several variations of one-way-only stringers. Some standardization occurs in the pallet industry, and further standardization continues. But many pallet types are available from a wide variety of suppliers, and you must be aware of the type or types of pallets used on your conveyor. Incorrect usage can damage conveyor or the load.
When purchasing pallets, cost is a major concern, but if you are conveying them, it should not be the only factor. We can't always expect to convey perfect pallets, but the typical pallet should be in good condition if it must be conveyed. Purchase pallets that are compatible with your conveyor system.
Today’s processes require a smarter and often unique footprint for palletized items. However, historically these unique footprints have been difficult for conveyors to handle effectively. Here are a few common issues that pallet or bulk handled material facilities encounter:
Situation |
Solution Concept |
Recommended Conveyor |
Formed foot on the pallet | Drag chain conveyor application with heavy-duty chains located securely under the critical feet. | DC (drag chain) Family |
Dirty, dusty environment or product | Chain roller conveyor. Open, durable, low elevation design is perfect for these applications. Champion of these environments. | CRR Family |
Staging and/or sectional removal | EZ Logic pallet handling conveyor allows for accumulation/ staging with removal at any point of the process without interfering with product “lifting” from conveyor surface. | CREZD Family |
Strapping, robotic, or wrapping equipment integration | Chain roller conveyor is perfect for this. Most common type of rugged, low elevation conveyor used for this application. | CRR Family |
Heavy load or product | Heavy-duty chain roller conveyor with up to 1-ton per linear foot capabilities, 2hp drive standard, fixed elevation all welded supports. | 36CRRH Family |