In automated production lines, material handling systems play an important role in maintaining production flow, managing cycle times and ensuring the reliability of the entire installation.
But how do you choose an industrial conveyor that is suitable for your application? The choice depends on product characteristics, required throughput, conveyor layout, operating environment and integration with existing machinery.
Not every application requires the same type of system. In addition to conveyor belts, suitable solutions may include roller conveyors, accumulation chains, belt-driven linear units or articulated chain conveyor systems.
Let's look at the main selection criteria and the characteristics of the different technologies.
1. Technical parameters to consider
Before selecting a conveying system, it is essential to define the operating conditions and production line requirements.
Product characteristics
Product type, dimensions, weight, shape and supporting surface all influence the choice of conveying system. Other factors include product stability, the risk of tipping and whether the product needs to be maintained in a specific position.
Conveyor sizing must take into account the maximum expected load and the most demanding operating conditions.
Throughput, speed and production rate
The number of products to be handled per unit of time must be compatible with the operating speeds of the upstream and downstream machines.
It is useful to know the number of products conveyed simultaneously, the spacing between products and the required speed, expressed in m/min. A conveyor may transfer products between two workstations, synchronise them with a machine or provide temporary accumulation.
Layout, elevations and available space
Conveyor length, usable width, curves, changes in elevation and infeed and discharge heights must be defined according to the plant layout.
This information helps assess integration with machinery, workbenches, robotic cells and packaging systems.
Drive configuration and operating environment
The drive configuration depends on the load, conveyor length, speed and operating mode.
Temperature, humidity, dust, machining residues and any hygiene requirements can also influence the selection of materials and components.
2. Which conveying technology should you choose?
The most suitable technology depends on the product being handled, the conveying path and the function the system needs to perform within the production line.
PVC or TPU conveyor belts
Conveyor belts made of PVC or TPU are used for the continuous handling of boxes, containers, components and other products compatible with the conveying surface.
They provide a uniform supporting surface and can be integrated into packaging, labelling and quality inspection lines.
Belt material selection depends on the product, environmental conditions and the specific requirements of the application.
Modular conveyor belts
Modular conveyor belts should be considered when the product or plant layout requires a specific configuration, particularly in terms of the conveying path and changes of direction.
Selection must take into account product geometry, line characteristics and the required performance.
Gravity and powered roller conveyors
Industrial roller conveyors are used to transfer and accumulate products such as boxes, crates, rigid containers and pallets with a base suitable for roller support.
They are divided into two main types:
- Gravity roller conveyors: products move by gravity or through an external pushing force.
- Powered roller conveyors: movement is provided by a drive system.
Roller conveyors are particularly useful for handling heavy loads and accumulating products at the end of a production line. For example, they can collect packages awaiting pickup by a robot or automatic palletiser, helping coordinate product flow with downstream equipment requirements.
3/8" accumulation chain
The 3/8" accumulation chain is designed to handle and manage the flow of medium and heavy loads along production lines.
It can be used to connect different processing stages and transfer products between machines, assembly stations and packaging areas.
Alutec offers a range of dedicated components for building conveying systems using this type of chain.
3/4" accumulation chain
The 3/4" accumulation chain is designed for industrial applications requiring the handling of heavy loads and a robust structure.
The Alutec range includes dedicated components such as support profiles, chain guides and return units with tensioners.
The choice between a 3/8" and a 3/4" accumulation chain must be assessed according to the load and the specific application requirements.
Belt-driven linear units
Belt-driven linear units are modular systems designed for the linear movement of components.
They are used in automated applications where a part needs to travel along a defined axis, be positioned accurately or have its movement synchronised with a machine cycle.
Selection depends on the required stroke, load and integration requirements of the automated system.
Aluflex: articulated chain conveying systems
Aluflex is Alutec's range of articulated chain conveying systems, designed to handle light, medium-weight and bulky products through configurations suited to different conveying path requirements.
The range includes several channel widths, from 65 to 314 mm.
|
Aluflex model |
Channel width |
|
Aluflex 63 |
65 mm |
|
Aluflex 82.5 |
86 mm |
|
Aluflex 114 |
127 mm |
|
Aluflex 190 |
196 mm |
|
Aluflex 254 |
259 mm |
|
Aluflex 304 |
314 mm |
Model selection depends on product dimensions and weight, required conveying width, curve radii and production line configuration.
3. How to size a conveyor
Once the conveying technology has been selected, the main system specifications must be defined.
- Usable width: must provide stable product support, taking maximum product dimensions and any side guides into account.
- Length: depends on the conveying path, available space and any accumulation requirements.
- Speed and throughput: must be compatible with the production rate and connected machinery.
- Infeed and discharge heights: are essential for integrating the conveyor with upstream and downstream equipment.
- Drive configuration: Alutec conveyor belts are available with direct, central and end-drive configurations, using drive or end-roller diameters of 50 and 95 mm.
- Supports and accessories: floor-mountable feet, castors, side guides and galvanised or stainless-steel sliding plates must be selected according to installation requirements and operating conditions.
Defining these parameters correctly allows the technical department to assess a solution that meets the requirements of the application.
4. The Alutec online configurator: from enquiry to quotation
Developing a conveying solution requires accurate technical information from the earliest stages of an enquiry.
Alutec's online configurators for conveyor belts are designed to collect the information required by the technical department, making it easier to describe the application and submit a detailed enquiry.
The configurator allows users to enter the expected operating specifications, including dimensions, weight, speed, infeed and discharge heights, drive configuration and any additional requirements.
The information collected enables Alutec's technical department to assess the application, prepare a quotation and develop the project.
The configurator does not replace technical evaluation. Instead, it provides a more complete set of information to support the initial engineering process.
5. What information should you prepare for a quotation request?
To facilitate the technical assessment, it is useful to have the following information available:
- Product type, dimensions and weight.
- Conveyor length and usable width.
- Required speed and throughput.
- Infeed and discharge heights.
- Any curves, changes in elevation or installation constraints.
- Accumulation requirements or synchronisation with other machines.
- Operating conditions and any special requirements.
Where available, a layout drawing or technical file can also help describe the application more accurately.
6. Common mistakes to avoid when selecting a conveyor
When selecting a conveying system, it is important not to overlook the following aspects:
- Considering only the average weight: the maximum expected load must also be assessed.
- Ignoring the supporting surface: an uneven or deformable base may make a roller conveyor unsuitable.
- Overlooking connection heights: infeed and discharge levels must be compatible with connected machinery.
- Failing to plan for accumulation: a stoppage downstream can affect the operation of the entire production line.
- Selecting speed without considering the production cycle: the conveyor must operate in coordination with other equipment.
- Ignoring the operating environment: temperature, humidity, dust and hygiene requirements can influence material selection.
Frequently asked questions about industrial conveying systems
How do you choose between a conveyor belt, a roller conveyor and an accumulation chain?
The choice depends on the product and the required function. Conveyor belts are suitable for the continuous transfer of products with a compatible supporting surface. Roller conveyors are used for rigid containers and pallets and can also provide end-of-line accumulation. Accumulation chains should be considered for handling medium and heavy loads.
What is Aluflex?
Aluflex is Alutec's range of articulated chain conveying systems, available with different channel widths to suit product characteristics and production line layouts.
What is the Alutec online configurator used for?
The configurator collects the technical information required by the technical department to assess the application, prepare a quotation and develop the project.
Do you have a material handling project to develop?
Choosing the right conveying system starts with the actual requirements of the application: the product to be handled, the load, the production rate and how the conveyor needs to integrate into the line.
Alutec helps you turn your requirements into a clearly defined technical enquiry.
Use the online conveyor configurator to enter your application data. The information will be made available to our technical department, which can assess it to prepare a quotation and develop a solution suited to your needs.