Choosing the right gravity conveyor system set-up requires doing some homework and lots of planning. There are several factors that affect efficiency and performance. Those thinking about replacing or adding gravity conveyors to a warehouse, factory or distribution center should take the time to consider how it will be used, under what conditions, how fast or durable the gravity conveyor system needs to be and how frequently it will be used.
Weight
Determine the actual weight of the load. When there are different items or combinations of several types of products that will be moved on the system, try to determine a minimum and maximum width, height, depth and weight of the package. This will affect the suitability of the type of material the gravity system is made of, as well as how fast or slow it will move on straight or inclined surfaces. Some orders placed on gravity conveyors could have an unlimited maximum weight unless one is established by the users. Consult the system's manufacturer regarding suggested load weights if this is the case.
Determine the actual weight of the load. When there are different items or combinations of several types of products that will be moved on the system, try to determine a minimum and maximum width, height, depth and weight of the package. This will affect the suitability of the type of material the gravity system is made of, as well as how fast or slow it will move on straight or inclined surfaces. Some orders placed on gravity conveyors could have an unlimited maximum weight unless one is established by the users. Consult the system's manufacturer regarding suggested load weights if this is the case.
Length
Some cartons and packages need to move long distances within the facility; from one end of a room to the other, or even to another part of the building. A gravity conveyor track can achieve this when the tilt angle and load weight are appropriate for the conveyor system. Some gravity systems may need to transport products only several feet before the task is complete. This could involve order picking on a level push line, for example.
Some cartons and packages need to move long distances within the facility; from one end of a room to the other, or even to another part of the building. A gravity conveyor track can achieve this when the tilt angle and load weight are appropriate for the conveyor system. Some gravity systems may need to transport products only several feet before the task is complete. This could involve order picking on a level push line, for example.
Type
Gravity conveyors are operated by different methods, most commonly wheels or rollers. The wheels are mounted in a series on an axle. Rollers consist of metal tubes with bearings inside either end. The rollers are also mounted upon axles. The axles are spring-loaded for easy replacement. The springs also hold the roller in place. Both wheels and rollers are set in a supporting channel frame. The rows and columns of both types are placed in a grid-like fashion, which affects how efficiently the product or carton moves. The farther apart the wheels or rollers are, the larger the package or product must be to span the gap. Both systems require a flat, smooth-bottomed package surface for the load to move efficiently upon contact. Cartons or packages with divots or protrusions may be hung up and not move through the conveyors. If a surface is curved, the next roller or wheel may not pick it up and it, too, will stall.
Gravity conveyors are operated by different methods, most commonly wheels or rollers. The wheels are mounted in a series on an axle. Rollers consist of metal tubes with bearings inside either end. The rollers are also mounted upon axles. The axles are spring-loaded for easy replacement. The springs also hold the roller in place. Both wheels and rollers are set in a supporting channel frame. The rows and columns of both types are placed in a grid-like fashion, which affects how efficiently the product or carton moves. The farther apart the wheels or rollers are, the larger the package or product must be to span the gap. Both systems require a flat, smooth-bottomed package surface for the load to move efficiently upon contact. Cartons or packages with divots or protrusions may be hung up and not move through the conveyors. If a surface is curved, the next roller or wheel may not pick it up and it, too, will stall.
Cost
When considering a budget and cost to replace or install a gravity conveyor system, factor in the durability of parts and efficiency of the system itself. When time is saved by order pickers who do not have to backtrack or deviate from an area, the new system will increase the speed of production times for filling orders. As a result, money and time will be saved.
When considering a budget and cost to replace or install a gravity conveyor system, factor in the durability of parts and efficiency of the system itself. When time is saved by order pickers who do not have to backtrack or deviate from an area, the new system will increase the speed of production times for filling orders. As a result, money and time will be saved.
No comments:
Post a Comment