5 Accessories For Your Modular Conveyor

Don't be surprised to find that a modular conveyor is more expensive than the traditional conveyor system. Instead, take it a sign of the added value you get from this system that features heavy controls content.

There are two key advantages of the modular belt conveyor as contrasted with traditional systems. Firstly, installation of this modular system is less costly and quicker. That is definitely a great advantage that helps you get it up and running as soon as possible, without any delays in the manufacturing process.

The second advantage of a modular system is its flexibility and reusability. This means that, rather than purchasing a second conveyor system, as would be the case with a traditional system, all you have to do with a modular system is reconfigure it to fit a secondary purpose. Such flexibility makes it so much cheaper on the long run.

However, a conveyor is never complete on its own. There exist a wide variety of accessories that can be mounted on to the system to increase safety and usability. The aspect of safety is of particular interest; since the costs of injury to workers can drastically affect the overall costs of production (The South Australian Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee (MAQOHSC) indicates that a single injury may cost as much as $33,000).

Here are some examples of common accessories for your conveyor:

(i) Pallet Stop

Pallet stops are simply used to stop products flowing through the conveyor system. This is necessary at specific points, including workstations and transfers. Stoppage may also be needed for accumulation purposes.

(ii) Pop-up Transfer

This is a device made up of two narrow belts. It's normally mounted in-between belt strands, whereby products are stopped over the transfer and the unit is raised. Such a mechanism allows the transfer of products from one conveyor to another or from a conveyor to a workstation.

(iii) Pop-up Turntable

A pop-up turntable is useful in lifting products from the conveyor. This product is then rotated for the purpose of performing an operation on it at the turntable. Alternatively, it may also be set back down on the conveyor in a new orientation, for greater efficiency during an intended operation downstream.

(iv) Case Rotator

This device serves a similar function as the pop-up turntable. The case rotator consists of powered rollers that help in turning cases as they move along a conveyor system. In order to get the best results, you can customize it for a wide range of turning angles, ranging from 90 degrees to 360 degrees.

Such a device further complements the highly automated conveyor system by cancelling out any need to manually turn cases. Moreover, it gives a highly consistent positioning of products that can hardly be achieved with manual turning.

(v) Caster Support

Caster support is useful in situations where portable applications are needed. These are steel or rubber wheels which can be bolted to the floor support of a conveyor system. The wheel sizes available include 4" and 6", which may also have wheel locks to prevent movement once the conveyor has been appropriately positioned.

Apart from attaching such accessories to increase usability and safety of conveyor systems, various other aspects should be included based on the guidelines provided by the Australian Standard AS 1755.


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Jurgen understands the intricacies involved in proper selection, installation and maintenance of conveyors. A reputable firm from which you can source the best system is Robotunits Australia. Visit us to know more about belt conveyors. Visit http://www.robotunits.com.au/conveyors/modular-belt-conveyor/ to know more about belt conveyors.