Large heavy plastic parts dropping from a molding machine onto a conveyor will wreak havoc on most conveyor systems. You want to look for a high-impact conveyor system that has been designed specifically to handle the force of large heavy parts without damaging your parts or the conveyor system.

• Conveyor design: the ideal conveyor will include heavy-duty conveyor belting and a slider-bed drop zone.  The drop zone and heavy-duty belting will allow the conveyor to endure the intense impact that occurs repeatedly when heavy products are dropped onto a conveyor.
• Conveyor maintenance: the last thing you want to do is interrupt your plastic parts molding line for conveyor maintenance. Belt adjustments are the most common maintenance requirement for some conveyors. Other conveyors utilize heavy-duty plastic link style belting that is self-tracking and doesn’t need continuous tensioning or frequent replacement.
• Ease & Cost of Repair:  as in any manufacturing process, mishaps occur and can shut down the plastic molding process. Look for conveyor systems that can be repaired quickly and easily without specialized labor. Belts are usually the most costly replacement item on any conveyor. The typical lifetime of a PVC conveyor belt is 18 months. Replacing an entire belt every 1 to 2 years can quickly deplete your maintenance budget. In comparison, heavy-duty plastic link style belting can be easily repaired without the need to replace the entire belt when damage occurs.

You are sure to get years of productivity when you find a high-impact conveyor system that is designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of conveying large heavy plastic parts.

Conveyors are an integral part of the process of molding plastic bottle preforms. When looking for a conveyor system to move your preforms out from your machines, look for a system that will accomplish the job with ease and reliability. Consider the following when evaluating your needs for conveying plastic bottle preforms:

• Will the conveyor belt scuff the preforms? Conveyor belts are made from a variety of materials. You want to look for a conveyor belt that won’t scuff or blemish your preforms. Plastic link style conveyor belts made from polypropylene are proven to be the best option for maintaining the highest quality preforms.
• Can the conveyor system keep up? Plastic bottle preforms are molded at a very high rate of speed. Make sure the conveyor you select can keep up with your molding machine. Conveying a high volume of preform parts can best be achieved with a combination of motor speed and width of the conveyor.
• Does the design of the conveyor system assist with gaylord filling? For the highest efficiency, the conveyor will move the parts out and away from the molding machine and directly into one of multiple gaylords. The conveyor should be able to take the part count from the machine and redirect the bottle preforms to the next gaylord when the preceding gaylord is full. With the ability to fill multiple gaylords, your system will be able to run unattended for several hours.
• How much time will be needed for conveyor maintenance? The last thing you want to do is shut down your bottle preform line for conveyor maintenance. Belt adjustments are the most common maintenance requirement for some conveyors. Other conveyors utilize belting that is sprocket driven, self-tracking and doesn’t need continuous tensioning or frequent replacement.

Commercial and industrial laundry service companies are responsible for ensuring that the laundry in their care has been hygienically treated and cleaned. This has become more important than ever as businesses are striving to stay safe and keep their doors open.

Conveyor systems are a key element when developing an efficient process for cleaning soiled linens, towels, uniforms, and workplace supplies. In an automated laundry process, conveyors play a crucial role in feeding cleaned laundry to a packaging machine where it is sealed in a bag and then taken away by an outfeed conveyor.

Although there are many conveyor types and styles, consider the following when evaluating the conveyor needs for your clean laundry bagging process:

Ease & Cost of Repair:  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.

Sanitary conveyor systems are a critical element in the automation and operational efficiency at food packaging and processing facilities. Conveyor technology is advancing and there are several questions you should ask before making your next conveyor purchase. You want to make sure that your sanitary conveyor purchase will give you the best overall return on your company’s investment.

How easy is it to clean and sanitize?

The ease of which you are able to clean a conveyor system is imperative. Look for food grade conveyor systems that offer a simple design that is easy to take apart for quick cleaning and sanitizing.

A good design will allow you to take the conveyor apart without the use of tools. Removable components should be small enough to easily handle, but large enough so they don’t get lost. Make sure all equipment parts are accessible for cleaning and are self-draining with no product or liquid collection points.

Consider the color of the conveyor. Conveyor color, such as blue, can aid in the visual identification of soil and food particles. With the right conveyor, you can greatly reduce your risk of product contamination and recall.