Gravity Conveyor Questions And Answers
There are many varieties of conveyor systems. Some are designed for heavy equipment and loading, others for lightweight materials, still others for tight spaces. So what is so different about a gravity conveyor? While it's true that all conveyor systems essentially have the same purpose and end result, they may use very different methods of getting there. In the case of gravity conveyors, for example, the force of gravity itself is used to get products from point A to point B. Large corporations and industries make use of gravity conveyors. They are effective for packing and distribution, shipping and receiving, and many other applications. This article will answer a few questions about gravity conveyors and their uses.
How Does a Gravity Conveyor Work?
In this type of conveyor system, metal rollers or wheels are connected in a row to a metal frame.
The choice of rollers or wheels depends mainly on the products that are being carried down the line (for instance, wheels are suggested for certain bagged items since they may slip in between the rollers). The weight of the products themselves actually moves the gravity conveyor if there is an infeed system and the conveyor is tilted for a downward flow. If the conveyor is completely horizontal, the products can be manually pushed down the line. This method has many applications and can be used in a variety of settings and for a variety of products.
How Flexible is a Gravity Conveyor?
Despite the fact that a gravity conveyor may not work with all products, it will function with most. It can handle ultra lightweight materials such as light bulbs as well as heavier products such as cement bags. It can also handle boxes, pallets, drums, and bags. Therein is another way that gravity conveyors are flexible: they can move products that are both solid and soft. This type of conveyor is flexible in its application as well. It can be used for assembling, transporting, staging, sorting, and accumulating. Depending on your product, you may need to use either a gravity roller conveyor or a bed of wheels.
How Far Can a Gravity Conveyor Carry Products?
A gravity conveyor can carry products from roughly two to one-hundred feet.
What Are the Differences Between a Gravity Conveyor and a Power Conveyor?
Both types of conveyor systems have unique advantages and disadvantages, and a decision on which type to go with will depend largely on the product and the company's particular needs. Gravity conveyor systems are essentially manual so they do have some limitations. Gravity fed systems cannot be controlled when it comes to the speed and spacing of the movement. They can, however, move almost anything that a powered conveyor can, including boxes, drums, pallets, and bags. Gravity conveyors can be used for many applications such as assembling, transporting, staging, and sorting. And it can be used for accumulating, unlike powered conveyors. Just like powered conveyors, gravity types come in straight and curved varieties. Many large corporations choose to use gravity conveyors in their distribution centers.
