Conveyor belts are critical for small and large companies involved in manufacturing, warehousing, mining, and other activities. They offer direct and indirect benefits to the companies and users. The immediate benefits include moving goods from one point to another, speeding up operations, and minimizing dependence on human labor. The indirect benefits include lowering expenses and production costs.
There are various types of conveyor belts designed for different operations. However, the wide selection can make it challenging to select the best pick. As a result, here are some considerations if you plan to replace or buy a conveyor system.
- Consider The Room Availability
When selecting a conveyor, you need to consider the floor plan where you are planning to install it. You need to consider the available space for the installation. Measure both the length, width, and height of the warehouse before you begin comparing conveyor systems. This should be the first criterion during the selection.
A sound conveyor system should fit into the space and leave room for movement, maintenance, expansion, and other functions, such as storage. It must also leave room for the operation of different machines needed for production. Plus, it should align with other systems to save space and to ensure you occupy little space by locating other devices all over the factory floor. Once you have the floor measurements, you can select a group of conveyor belts that can fit into the room.
- Material
Materials used in manufacturing play a significant role in determining the lifespan of the conveyor, the load capacity, and the ability to accommodate the additional weight intended. The material used to make the conveyor should withstand specific reactions, such as corrosive goods spilling on the belt. It should also withstand any friction from the interaction with abrasive elements while in transportation.
A sound conveyor system should also withstand the temperatures of the items transported. It should not collapse due to the heat or freeze or because of the lower temperatures of the items. The material used for the conveyor belt should be sustainable and not an environmental hazard.
- Purpose And Operations
Conveyor belts are suitable for specific needs; hence, you need to consider the nature of your activities to select the right system. Conveyor systems can withstand and transport individual load capacities, beyond which they can collapse, leading to an accident. For instance, a conveyor system for a mining company cannot be similar to the one for a fulfillment warehouse due to the nature and weight of the load they transport.
The nature of the operation will determine the material of the conveyor you select and other specifications, such as load capacity. If you plan to use it to transport lighter goods on the factory floor, you can choose less expensive ones.
The nature of the operations will also determine any customization to the conveyor belt to meet your needs efficiently. You should also consider the type of materials you are moving. Besides this, you must select one that can withstand friction, reaction, and corrosion due to the materials you are transporting.
- The Cost
There are various costs associated with acquiring and operating a conveyor system. These costs should include purchase, transportation, installation, maintenance, and upgrades. The expenses include utility and electricity costs to operate the entire system. Before considering a new or replacement conveyor belt, you should determine all these costs and select a conveyor belt that will meet the production needs while keeping costs such as utility and maintenance low.
An ideal conveyor belt should be sustainable, use minimal energy, and require limited repairs and maintenance. It should also be easy to operate, eliminating the need for expert operators. Furthermore, the spare parts should be readily available. The repairs should be simple to avoid wasting and shutting down the entire production process.
- Environment Factors
Various environmental factors can affect the conveyor system operations, and you need to know these factors to avoid future complications. These environmental factors include humidity, temperatures, vibration, etc. These factors will help you determine conveyor belts made from certain metals that can survive the temperatures and humidity. The materials used should also be corrosion resistant and can withstand any possible flammable conditions.
Considering these factors will increase the lifespan of the conveyor belt, saving the cost of replacing certain parts or installing a new conveyor belt after a short duration. Considering these factors will also help you promote safety at the workplace to ensure the conveyor does not collapse on the employees. In a region prone to earthquakes, you should consider a conveyor that can withstand a certain degree of vibration.
- History Of Use
Before selecting a conveyor system, you need evidence that it has been used elsewhere. If possible, by one you have seen in action or consider references. This will enable you to get a tested system that will not collapse or develop other complications after installation. Moreover, the seller should provide a list of the clients currently using the conveyor. You can also consider an upgrade of a conveyor that has been in the market for a while.
Conclusion
Selecting a conveyor should not be challenging as long as you consider the right factors. You need to consider the measurement of the warehouse where you plan to install the conveyor system. Next, you need to consider the nature of the operations and materials. However, to make the ideal decision, you must consider other factors, including material, costs, and history of use.