fbpx
Get a quote
Dynamic Conveyor Corporate Headquarters Muskegon MI

News

Conveyor Modularity: Don’t be fooled by claims of modularity

February 21, 2018

Understand what capabilities modular conveyors truly have before you purchase

Conveyor modularityConveyor Modularity:  Many companies are staking the claim of conveyor modularity.  What exactly is a modular conveyor?  Typically it means a conveyor that is built from standard components, commonly referred to as modules.  Because the conveyors are built from stock components, they can be built cost effectively, quickly and boast short lead times potentially enabling a complete line to be ready and running in days rather than weeks.

Although it appears that the industry has addressed the issue of costly systems and short lead times, most conveyors touted as “modular” have not technologically advanced to current industry needs.

Taking an analogy, if someone owns a “modular” home and decides a few months or even a year down the road that they want the bathroom on the other side of the house, or want to expand the kitchen, they can’t just snap in a module and rearrange their home.  In a similar way, most conveyor systems that are labeled “modular” require some type of extensive construction or deconstruction that can entail cutting and welding—and what’s to be done with parts that are cut away?  They simply become very expensive waste as they cannot be used again.  This is even true when only small changes are made, such as adding a corner or changing an angle.

Some of the conveyors claiming conveyor modularity available today can be taken apart and reconfigured, but never to be longer than their current length.  Unfortunately there is always waste.  Pieces of the conveyor that have been cut off with a saw can not be used again and is considered waste.  Most belts are normally made in fixed lengths, and may or may not have the potential of being altered.  Even when these conveyors are reconfigured, for the most part, they never go back together the same way again, necessitating the ordering of whole new systems.

To remain competitive in today’s tough markets, manufacturers should be ensured that their modular conveyors can efficiently and effectively change configuration without changing the integrity of their conveyor system.

Subscribe to our E-News and stay informed!

Marketing Manager at Dynamic Conveyor
After graduating from Aquinas College with a degree in Business Administration, Marcie has experience in almost every area of business including HR, sales, operations and marketing gaining unique and valuable perspective along the way. She spent 15 years in the distribution industry where she grew marketing departments from scratch. Marcie established and executed on sales and marketing strategies that developed strong brands and capitalized on all channels of marketing including email marketing, blogs, website management, SEO, SEM, social media, seminars and events, trade shows and more.
Marcie Palmer