| The use of overhead conveyor systems in factory | | | | motor. These systems are great for sorting, |
| settings is a great way to conserve space and man | | | | distribution, long distances, and buffering. They have |
| power. They are helpful in moving items between | | | | the ability for creating complex track routing and high |
| stations, especially in very large facilities where it | | | | transport speeds. Inclines and declines can be up to |
| would take a person much added time to move the | | | | 90 degrees as well. |
| object. The operation of these systems requires | | | | Enclosed tracks are quick to install, minimizing |
| either air pressure, a vacuum, electricity, or they are | | | | downtime for the business having them installed. |
| non-powered systems, meaning either an employee | | | | Tracks are generally bolted into place, so no welding |
| or gravity must be used to make the machine | | | | is required. Many conveyors consist of parts that |
| function. Three common systems are found in use | | | | won't wear easily and are resistant to corrosive |
| today; an I-beam monorail, a power and free | | | | environments. Having an enclosed track prevents |
| system, or an enclosed track conveyor. Below, we | | | | bearing surfaces and chain needing to be cleaned or |
| are going to give you more information regarding this | | | | maintained as often. |
| subject... | | | | Uses for enclosed tracks include; assembly lines, paint |
| No welding is required for the set up of an enclosed | | | | lines, delivery of empty cartons to order pickers, and |
| track conveyor system. These are quick to install, so | | | | even trash removal from picking areas. These |
| that the time the company is down for installation is | | | | systems are common for moving items from one |
| very minimal. Parts used in construction are resistant | | | | department to another or from receiving docks to a |
| to environments that will corrode them, they also | | | | storage area. |
| don't wear down easily. By having an enclosed track, | | | | Transporting in between buildings or over long |
| there aren't exposed parts that need maintained as | | | | distances is also how these conveyor systems are |
| much, such as the chain or surfaces of bearings. | | | | commonly used. Since these systems are located in |
| When items need to be moved at different speeds | | | | the air, this is free space and can be used in |
| along the same track, a power and free conveyor is | | | | warehouses like mobile storage. |
| used. Inspection of items are also made easier with | | | | Steel or wood ceilings are used for the suspension of |
| these type of conveyor systems, since items can be | | | | overhead conveyor systems, as well as walls made |
| gathered along one section of the track while other | | | | of the same materials. These systems are used in |
| items are still moved along the rest of the track. Use | | | | warehousing and distribution, paint finishing, creative |
| of these overhead conveyor types are usually in | | | | displays for retail, manufacturing and assembly, as |
| assembly lines, work in progress, and paint lines | | | | well as in the food handling industry. Man power is |
| requiring spray booths. | | | | saved, by allowing for large quantities of products to |
| I-beam monorail conveyors are the most common | | | | move quickly through an area, instead of needing to |
| overhead conveyor used; also called the trolley | | | | be carried by employees. With them being suspended |
| method. The track is one monorail or tubular track | | | | in the air, these systems also make for excellent |
| that is constructed in a never-ending loop system. | | | | optimization of a facility's entire space. It has been |
| The trolleys along the track have load bars which are | | | | found that the noise reduction achieved with these |
| powered by a rope or chain that is ran by an electric | | | | systems allows for a much safer work place. |