Industrial conveyors, also known as conveyors, are an essential component of today’s logistics and industry, where automation plays an increasingly important role. These systems efficiently transport all types of materials, optimize product flow, reduce costs, and improve safety when handling goods in all types of warehouses, factories, and logistics centers.
Furthermore, conveyors come in a wide variety of models and configurations to meet the unique needs of each sector. Incorporating these systems makes a difference, but what are the main conveyor models available and what is their ideal application? We’ll explain them in detail below.
Main Types of Conveyors
Industrial conveyors can be classified according to their design, load type, structure, sector, etc. A selection of the most representative models, as pointed out by the intralogistics automation specialists at MIM Patchworkservice, could be: “belt, telescopic, roller, chain, vertical, or hanging conveyors.”
1. Belt Conveyors
First, belt conveyors transport goods using a belt that moves between two drums. The load remains stationary throughout the entire journey, while the system takes care of all the work. Therefore, they are highly stable, making them the ideal device for moving fragile or small goods. Furthermore, they can adapt to a wide variety of operational needs, such as straight paths, curved trajectories, inclines, etc. They are especially useful in key processes such as receiving, picking, or shipping, thanks to their ability to optimize work time and reduce manual effort.
2. Telescopic Conveyors
Telescopic conveyors streamline the loading and unloading of goods using an extendable system of sliding sections with belts or rollers. Their adjustable structure allows for length adjustment, and they feature a control panel to regulate speed, height, and direction.
This type of conveyor specializes in the transfer, accumulation, and distribution of goods on pallets. Furthermore, their modular structure allows them to be easily integrated into all types of workspaces. Regarding their applications, they are typically located in strategic areas such as receiving, distribution, and shipping.
3. Roller Conveyors
Next, roller conveyors allow for the vertical transport of goods and are ideal for both optimizing space and creating high-density warehouses. Their modular design includes different formats (spiral, inclined, etc.) and is easily integrated with other equipment such as belt or chain conveyors.
Available in various sizes and heights, these conveyors allow the transfer of bags, trays, boxes, or pallets, providing flexibility to any logistics flow.
4. Chain Conveyors
When roller systems are not possible, chain conveyors are an excellent alternative. These devices move, accumulate, and distribute goods on horizontal pallets, with an outstanding capacity to handle heavy loads and adapt to different configurations.
Thanks to these features, they are positioned as a key solution within logistics automation systems.
5. Vertical Conveyors
Likewise, vertical conveyors optimize available space and facilitate the flow of goods for loading and unloading trucks, containers, or rail cars.
For these reasons, they have already become an essential solution in warehouses, ports, and distribution centers where space and efficiency are critical factors.
6. Hanging Conveyors
Finally, hanging conveyors allow products to be transported and sorted vertically or horizontally using hangers or clips. The path is completed with a chain that can rotate, tilt, or advance in a straight line.
Although they are common in the textile industry, they can also transport light loads in hanging bags. Among the best-known models are the pin and click systems.
Pin conveyors, ideal for up-and-down systems, transport hangers with pins without accumulation. They incorporate optical sensors that activate or stop the system depending on the flow of garments.
Click systems, on the other hand, hold garments with clips that allow them to be compressed, optimizing space. This type of conveyor can also function as a sorter or accumulator.
360º intralogistics automation solutions
At MIM Patchwork Service, we develop comprehensive automation projects.