The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Plastic Conveyor Chain

28, Apr. 2025

 

Buyer's Guide for Conveyor System - Finopack

The fast and efficient handling of the apparatus automatically is called a conveyor system. It is the best system for transporting materials and loads within an area. Conveyor systems are excellent as it lessens human errors and reduces labor costs.

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Another benefit of the conveyor system is to lower workplace risks. One of the good things about the conveyor system is that it helps move heavy and bulky items from one place to another. Usually, in a simple conveyor system, wheels, belt rollers, and chains are present to transport the goods and materials.

This article will learn what a conveyor system is and how it is used, especially what its applications are, and much more. All these discussions will help a lot about how to excel in your business using a conveyor system. Now, you can run your business efficiently as we are specialized in warehouse automation and conveyor systems.

Many industries use conveyor systems for mechanical handling, and without conveyors, the system is incomplete. Through this conveyor system, you can quickly move the products, goods, and other materials from one place to another, especially in the same building or area.

So conveyor systems services are best for the business that deals with sharp items, heavy goods, raw materials, and different mass-produced products.

The good thing about the conveyor system is that it saves a lot of time as they give you efficient transportation of business materials and goods. These materials or goods are transported very actively on the conveyor belts in less period.

If there is an intention of moving the objects from one place to another in the industry, then conveyor belts are always there to serve the process. Conveyor systems serve best for the systems, which consist of the transportation of heavy objects.

Even they are ideal for too many bulky or too heavy items which humans feel challenging to carry. The conveyor systems are considered to be best in saving time while transporting objects or items.

Not only the simple transportation of items, but they are also used to move the items up and down floors. If this task is performed manually through humans, it will take time and cause physical strain. In these types of conveyor systems, inclined belts are used, which automatically unload the materials.

After installing the conveyor, you do not require the person to stand near the conveyor to get the product. With the help of conveyors, it is straightforward to transfer high quantities of different sizes, shapes, and weights. Elevated conveyors are made for the safe transport of goods and materials from one level to another.

Conveyor systems are also helpful in increasing the worth of the process, and they also keep the safety at the workplace. These types of systems are equipped with advanced safety features which prevent injuries and accidents. The conveyor systems can be semi-automatic, or some come with fully automated options.

Different industries use different types of conveyor systems depending on the need. But keep this thing in mind that the conveyor system you are purchasing is according to your needs. You must consider which variety of materials or goods are to be transported on the conveyor system.

There are many types of conveyor systems present in the market where they are used extensively in industries.

  • Automotive conveyors
  • Belt conveyors
  • Aero mechanical conveyors
  • Bucket conveyors
  • Belt driven live roller conveyors
  • Drag conveyors
  • Dustproof conveyors
  • Chain driven live roller conveyor
  • Chain conveyor
  • Gravity conveyor
  • Flexible conveyors
  • Electric track vehicle system line shaft roller
  • Conveyor Gravity skate wheel conveyor
  • Plastic belt conveyors
  • Overland conveyors
  • Pharmaceutical conveyors
  • Motorized driver roller conveyor
  • Overhead beam conveyors
  • Pneumatic conveyors
  • Spiral conveyors
  • Screw conveyor
  • Vibrating conveyors
  • Vertical conveyor
  • The wire mesh conveyor
  • Inclined Conveyor
  • Square Roller Conveyor
  • Vertical Lifter
  • Curved Conveyor
  • Pick-up Conveyor
  • Roller Conveyor
  • Turntable Roller Conveyor
  • Unpowered Roller
  • Bag Flattener

All types of conveyor systems described above are bespoke for every business. It all depends on the company and nature of products or items you want to move on the conveyor belts. You must also ensure that the particular type of conveyor belt can handle the load.

There is an utmost requirement of carrying the products at the particular required speed. For this purpose, the material which runs on the conveyor belts must not break or damage. On the other side durability of the conveyor belt also matters a lot. The conveyor belts must be made according to the item’s weight to be transported so that they could not be damaged or break.

The conveyor belt usually consists of two motorized pulleys that rose over the long stretch of thick, durable material. These motors in the pulleys work at the same spin and speed in the same direction. Therefore these belts move between the two pulleys at the same rate.

The conveyor belt must be able to carry heavy or bulky objects for a longer distance or duration. Many conveyor belts consist of rollers which are usually present on the sides of the conveyor belt. These rollers actually give support to the conveyor belts. The rollers help in keeping the objects in place.

Every type of conveyor is made for different specific purposes. It does not have a pulley system that pulls the items.

From different types of conveyor systems, if there is a requirement to pull the object in an upward or downward motion, then the chain conveyors are normally used.

A slat conveyor is another example that is made up of plates or slats instead of the belt. The reason is that heavy materials which are usually more oversized or too bulky for traditional belt movement.

Conveyor belt applications: Where are conveyor systems used?

Conveyor systems are widely used in different types of industries. These industries are agriculture, food, mining, Automotive, manufacturing, bottling, beverages, warehouse, logistics, and packaging industries.

Keep in mind that the conveyor system comprises different types of conveyor belts. The reason is that some conveyor belts are specially designed to manage heavier loads and materials.

Many common items are manufactured and transported through conveyors. These common items are food, vegetables, beans, pet food, fertilizer, chemical, etc.

Keep in mind that the particular conveyor system used is dependent on certain factors. You must be aware of how the conveyor system is used and the nature of the product or material to be transported. It is to note how the conveyor system is used according to the particular need. Conveyor belts are also used at an airport. It is the best way to check the load process and unload the passenger’s luggage efficiently.

In the pharmaceutical industry also, conveyor belt systems are used. These belt systems transport the pallets for cardboard boxes full of medical supplies.

Different manufacturing and mining processes also included transporting enormous amounts of materials through the tunnels on conveyor belts.

In food processing, food products also transfer through conveyor belts. While moving through the conveyor belts, these items are spread rolled, stamped, glazed, fried, sliced, and powdered.

So the conveyor system is considered to be the best system that reduces manpower. Otherwise, all this transport process takes many hours to bring each food item through the process.

We all know very well that every industry is different and comes with different specifications and requirements for the conveyor belt type. So conveyor belts are widely used in various sectors such as food Industry, pet Food Industry, chemical Industry, snacks Industry, seeds  Industry, mining Industry, fertilizer Industry, biomass Industry. These conveyor belts are used everywhere due to their reliability and simplicity.

In the conveyor system, three main parts are present, which are very much important for processing and transportation.

These main parts are

  • The pulley
  • The drive unit
  • The belt support

Without any part, the conveyor system is incomplete. Therefore, every part is essential for the conveyor unit’s operation. Although these three main parts are present in every conveyor system, the designs are different, however.

Belt support

Belt support is an essential part of the conveyor system. This belt support gives you the reliability that the belt moves smoothly. If this belt support is not smooth, the belt sags when the heavy object or the material is placed on the conveyor belt.

So when there is sagging of the belt, it will not move swiftly or smoothly as it should be. So when the firm support unit is present, then it keeps the belt tied and running smoothly. The pulley system is present externally and is considered to be the external component. To control the belt movement Pulley system is made in the conveyor belts.

Usually, a unit consists of at least two pulleys, but many Complex conveyor systems comprise additional rotors throughout the frame. When the system starts moving, it is actually due to the drive unit allowing it to move. The other function of this unit is to move the belt in the reverse direction, and it also can manage the repeated adjustments according to the system.

For the industries, the conveyor system serves as the backbone of the system where its primary function is to receive, store, handle, distribute, and in the end, ship the products.

It is sometimes difficult for the manufacturers to choose the right conveyor system. Especially for the warehouse managers and skate holders, selecting the accurate conveyor system is somewhat challenging. The reason is that there are hundreds of possible units of conveyor systems from which you have to choose according to your particular industry.

While purchasing the ideal conveyor system for any warehouse, it is essential to consider certain factors. In these factors, considering the process requirements and products is very much important.

First of all, the conveyor system must be:

  • Energy efficient
  • Safe to operate
  • High quality and long-lasting parts and components
  • Adaptable to change
  • Cost-effective

When the wrong conveyor system is installed, it will quickly disturb the warehouse in operational efficiency. Ultimately, it will cause higher costs and lower customer satisfaction. Therefore choosing the wrong conveyor system will eventually trip the business according to the competitive demand.

Product requirements

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The conveyor system is specially used to move the objects from one place to another through the conveyor belt; the product requirement for it is very much necessary. The type of products required to carry on the conveyor belt will determine the dimension, design, and style of the conveyor system installed.

For installing the best conveyor system according to the industrial needs, many questions arise in our mind. The following questions will assist you in choosing the right conveyor system in terms of design and configuration. You will also evaluate different things through these questions and factors such as the horsepower or belt pull for individual conveyors.

These questions are:

  • What type of product will be used to move on the conveyor belt?
  • What is the maximum weight of the products?
  • What is the average weight of the product per foot?
  • What will be the dimension data for each product?
  • What is the width, length, and height of the particular product, which means the minimum, maximum, or average product dimension?
  • What will be the orientation of the product to be conveyed?

However, in addition to these questions, it is essential to consider the most important factors such as dimensions, fragility, and product weight. These things will significantly impact your decision about buying the conveyor system.

Therefore, the products’ dimensions will choose the guide rail specifications, conveyor, width, and roller centers. Most importantly, the weight of items will help select the correct roller gauge and motor sizing, and roller diameters.

Process requirements

After considering different factors, process requirement is also a very important thing to keep in mind. There are also various factors in process requirements: how the conveyor belt will move and other operating environments’ unique conditions. These considerations are:

Product orientation

In product orientation, the items must be placed in a particular way for easy transfer or scanning of barcodes, etc.

Ambient environment

The distance between the items should be maintained to move between the functional areas.

The Pathways where the product moves and considers any elevation changes, stops, curves, or diversions while moving it.

What will be the transfer speed, whether it is a short or rapid movement or slow or steady movement

Your Ultimate Guide To Choosing the Right Conveyor System -

Choosing a conveyor may feel like an overwhelming task initially. This makes it important to read up on the key features of conveyor systems in order to be able to make an informed decision, not least because the purchase and installation of a conveyor system demands plenty of time and a significant investment. This article explores some important factors to be aware of to ensure that buyers get the best conveyor system available out there.

Table of Contents
The global market size of conveyor systems
Different types of conveyor systems
Things to consider when choosing a conveyor system
Conclusion

The global market size of conveyor systems

The global conveyor systems market was worth US$ 9,113.9 million in and is expected to reach US$ 15,183.1 million by (Allied Market Research). This market is growing at 5.1% yearly from to . One of the reasons for this growth is the increasing use of automation in industries. Automated conveyor systems can handle large volumes of goods and save the delivery time. This is why more and more industries are adopting automated solutions. Another reason for the growth is the use of lean manufacturing techniques.

These techniques help reduce waste and increase productivity. Conveyor systems can save costs by handling large volumes and reducing the need for labor. This is why they are becoming more popular in different industries.

Different types of conveyor systems

The following are some categories of industrial conveyors available in the market:

Belt conveyors

A belt conveyor is the simplest and most versatile material handling system. It is essential in the construction and gravel waste production line, as it connects the broken equipment of multiple levels and sand production facilities.

It deploys multiple pulleys and a belt that never ends to move a product from one place to another. The belt is made of rubber or fabric and ranges between 5′ long to 102′ long.

Roller conveyors

A roller conveyor comprises a series of rollers supported on a frame. Objects move on this system through power, gravity, or manual force. You need a sturdy surface supported by at least three rollers to transport materials. These rollers are great for situations where you need to accumulate items. They also help reduce the resistance of the products when moving at a faster speed.

Cable conveyors

Cable conveyors are often customized to fit a specific container or a production area. These cables do two important things: they keep the products from falling off the line and make the conveyor move in your industrial space. When a conveyor system uses fewer worn-out parts, it needs less maintenance. They are often hung from the ceiling to keep cable conveyor systems working their best. This frees up important space on the production floor.

Overhead conveyors

As the name suggests, overhead conveyors work above or over the head of workers and industry equipment. Some parts called carriers are connected to the chain or trollies in the conveyor system. These carriers handle the materials and can be moved by either manual force or a motor. The track and carriers are designed to be flexible and can be shaped in different ways, which makes them very versatile for various uses.

Overhead conveyors are easy to set up in most factories because their modular design allows them to work around the complex turns and machines on the factory floor.

Besides these, many other options exist for an industrial conveyor system. These include chain conveyors, screw conveyors, vertical conveyors, bucket elevators, and many more. It is essential to scan the market requirements and make informed decisions when stocking for the target prospects.

Flat chain conveyors

Flat chain conveyors are used as transport for the machined and non-machined components. They are perfect for putting bottles, cans, or small boxes together in industries that work with food, drinks, glass, medicine, and paint. The ones with steel chains are used to transport sharp and hot objects.

The way they are built allows for complicated paths in three-dimensional space without disconnecting or changing the conveyor. It is also easy to make quick and cost-effective adjustments for production needs. This system offers significant cost savings due to its economic efficiency. Its modular design makes it possible to customize and adapt to specific requirements. It is also easily extendable, allowing for future expansion as needed.

Furthermore, for long transportation distances, multiple belts can be arranged consecutively, enabling smooth and continuous movement of goods from one point to another.

Things to consider when choosing a conveyor system

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a conveyor system:

Work environment

The work environment creates a strong impact on the conveyor system selection. For instance, some health and safety measures are required when people are working closely with the equipment.

In some cases where the industry deals with liquid, some bottles may leak. And when a bottle leaks, the liquid can spill onto the conveyor, leading to products slipping on inclined surfaces or causing issues with the conveyor’s drive system if it is not designed to handle such situations.

Product specifications

When selecting a conveyor, the most important factor is the product specification. Following are the key aspects to consider during this phase:

  • Product dimensions: Determine the product length, width, and height. These dimensions will impact the conveyor specifications such as its roller spacing, guide rail requirements, width, and transfer needs.
  • Product weight: Determine the product weight, as it affects various aspects of conveyor selection. For instance, in plastic chain conveyors, the product weight determines the number of curves that can be included. In roller conveyors, the weight helps determine roller diameter and gauge requirements. It also impacts motor sizing.
  • Production rate: Measure the production rate in parts per minute or hour. Along with product length, this helps determine the appropriate conveyor speed to meet the production rate. For example, if you have 12″ cases and the rate is 30 cases per minute, the conveyor should run at least 30 feet per minute to accommodate the rate without gaps between cases.
  • Product type: Different product types require different conveying methods. For example, wooden pallets may work best with a chain-driven live roller conveyor, while plastic-footed pallets may require a large plastic chain conveyor. Also, cereal bags are better suited for plastic chains than roller conveyors.

Considering these product specifications will ensure an appropriate conveyor selection that matches the specific product needs.

Equipment size and design

It is wrong to assume that bigger is always better regarding conveyor systems. The amount of space available is also a determinant of which conveyor will work for an industry.

The factory owners should seek the help of professionals who help them choose a system that befits their space. They will assist you in creating a plan that suits your operation. They will consider factors such as the available floor space, the height of the ceiling, and any obstructions from other equipment.

Cleaning and maintenance

Businesses often suffer due to poor or less-maintained equipment. While machinery failures are common, getting them up and running as soon as possible is vital.

Like any other equipment, conveyor systems have various mechanical parts that need regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation. It’s crucial to have reliable conveyor equipment in your operations. Having a dependable team that can perform routine cleaning and maintenance tasks is also wise.

Incline/decline requirements

As industries grow, having enough floor space becomes more important. Sometimes, products must move up or down between different floors or over existing equipment. If the right conveyor isn’t chosen, this elevation change can cause serious problems.

Various incline/decline conveyors are available, including belted conveyors with different high-friction belts, plastic chain conveyors with high-friction inserts, cleated conveyors, wedge conveyors, and spiral conveyors. Testing the product with different conveyors before selecting is always a good idea.

Long-term company goals

Always keep the larger picture in mind when choosing equipment for any industry. Having a strategy and knowing what modifications may be required is key to making the right choice. For example, if the owners wish to expand their operations, they must choose the conveyor belt accordingly.

This approach will make future expansions easier to implement without requiring significant modifications or additional expenses. But if you are setting up a permanent system, you may opt for a slightly different approach.

Conclusion

When choosing a conveyor system, it is vital to think about certain things like what kind of products will be moving on it, how heavy they are, how much room is available in the building, the conditions in which the conveyor will be used, and how easy it is to clean and maintain.

Even though the price is important, choosing the right conveyor system is more important to ensure a good return on investment in the long run. A wrong selection can cause accidents and injuries, loss of products, and the owner could get in trouble with the people who regulate the business. This could dent the wholesaler’s reputation from whom the conveyor system was sourced.

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