Singulation Conveyor

How singulation works

Singulation conveyor separates individual items from bulk loads and spaces them out for downstream operations such as sorting, scanning or packaging. These types of conveyors often use a combination of belt & roller sections, diverters, pushers, guard rails, sensors and gapping controls to move and orient the constant flow of the packages coming in.

Mixed Parcel Singulators

An ARB (Activated Roller Belt) parcel singulator is a specialized type of singulation conveyor that uses a combination of rollers and belts to separate and align parcels, creating consistent gaps between them for downstream processing. This technology is particularly useful in parcel handling and distribution centers where high throughput and precise control over parcel positioning are required.

Key features:

• Sizes as low as 4" x 4" boxes
• 4,800 varying-sized cartons per hour
• 12,000 similar-sized cartons per hour
• Singulation footprint from 18 to 36 feet

Smart Singulators

Similar to the mixed parcel singulator, the Smart Singulator also uses ARB technology to move the product. However, this system also uses an array of sensors that can identify individual packages and pre-sort them to different lines or identify those that might be too large or too small for downstream operations.

Key features:

• 13,000+ packages per hour
• Can handle a mix of boxes, polybags and envelopes
• Smallest footprint of any singulator in the industry

Pallet Layer Descrambler

Cartons stored on pallets are most often aligned in different directions as to add strength and rigidity as you build layers up. A pallet layer descrambler can take those misaligned cartons and not only singulate and gap them, but also orient each carton short-side-first - common for most downstream operations.

Key features:

• 6 pallet layers per minute
• Can handle a high number of cartons per layer
• Descrambles mixed or homogeneous layers

SmartPath Singulator and Gapper

The SmartPath conveyor combines singulation and gapping operations in one tiny footprint. Cartons move quickly along the 8ft continuous belt and are then paused briefly to allow a single carton at a time to exit the outfeed.

Key features:

• 5,000 to 6,000 packages per hour depending on mix
• Small footprint for condensed operations
• Single motor for ease of use and maintenance
• Gapping can be programmed for downstream requirements

Read more: SmartPath Guide