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6 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Belt Conveyor

By February 1, 2017July 27th, 2020No Comments

belt conveyorDoing the research for a new belt conveyor system can be a daunting task: Should you stick with a traditional fixed system or is it time to upgrade to a modular conveyor system? The following checklist can help you determine what type of belt conveyor system is most suitable for your parts conveying applications:

  1. Portability

    Determine whether or not the conveyor will be needed for more than one process or at more than one location. Fixed metal conveyors are heavy and not easily moved. Plastic modular conveyors are lightweight and can be rolled from one plant to another or from one line to another. If you require quick access to machinery for servicing or changeovers, modular conveyors can be easily moved out of the way.

  2. Ease of Belt Conveyor Repair

    Mishaps can shut down a production line for a long period of time. Damaged conveyors, belts and accessories can be time-consuming to replace. Look for conveyor systems that can be repaired quickly and easily without specialized labor. Also consider conveyor belt design. If belts constructed of interlocking links are damaged, the damaged sections can be replaced within hours instead of days or weeks.

  3. Access to Replacement Parts

    Timely access to replacement parts is crucial for production uptime. Choose a supplier that has replacement units and components on hand and can deliver them within a few days or overnight if needed. Or choose a belt conveyor system that allows you to stock standardized replacement modules or accessories.

  4. Flexibility

    If you need to retool a production line quickly to meet deadlines, make sure that your belt conveyor system can be easily reconfigured. A modular system with standardized modules in a range of sizes and shapes provides agility. Using portable conveyor modules to customize conveyor lines may also enable users to fine-tune product lines to fit confined cell spaces.

  5. Ease of Maintenance

    Maintenance and uptime can affect productivity. Determine what type of maintenance your new conveyor system will need. Consider a self-lubricating system. Belting on traditional conveyors, such as PVC belting, requires frequent alignment and can be difficult and time-consuming to install and service.

  6. Belt Conveyor Configuration Options 

    Conveyor systems should go wherever you need them to go. Make sure your new belt conveyor system includes configuration options like turns and inclines/declines. Modular systems should offer an array of accessories and specialized application modules that integrate with other modules to provide configuration latitude, dependable performance, and cost savings.

Click to see the benefits of a modular conveyor system

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Marketing Manager at Dynamic Conveyor
With experience in almost every area of business from HR, sales, operations and marketing, Marcie has a very strategic approach to business and a passion for connecting people with solutions. Prior to joining Dynamic Conveyor as the Marketing Manager, she was owner of Champion Resources, a contract marketing agency working with small businesses. She also spent 15 years in the distribution industry where she established and executed on sales and marketing strategies that developed strong brands and capitalized on all channels of marketing. With her well-rounded background and a track record of fostering brand success, Marcie is a vital asset to the Dynamic Conveyor team. Her strategic thinking and passion for connecting people with conveyor solutions continue to drive marketing excellence. In her free time, Marcie enjoys spending time with family, golf and travel.
Marcie Palmer