Overhead conveyor systems are essential in a lot of factory workplaces. They are also helpful in extremely large facilities where transporting an item from one station to another requires the conveying system to be above the floor. These systems are either powered by electrical means, a vacuum, air pressure or they are non-powered, which means they either need an employee to power them or a gravitational force. There are three systems most widely used; an overhead power and free conveyor, a powered I-beam monorail overhead conveyor, and an enclosed track conveyor system.
No welding is required for the set up of an enclosed track conveyor system. These are quick to install, so that the time the company is down for installation is very minimal. Parts used in construction are resistant to environments that will corrode them, they also don’t wear down easily. By having an enclosed track, there aren’t exposed parts that need maintained as much, such as the chain or surfaces of bearings.
When items need to be moved at different speeds along the same track, a power and free conveyor is used. Inspection of items are also made easier with these type of conveyor systems, since items can be gathered along one section of the track while other items are still moved along the rest of the track. Use of these overhead conveyor types are usually in assembly lines, work in progress, and paint lines requiring spray booths.
The setup of an enclosed track is very quick, which minimizes company down time. No welding is required because of the track being installed with bolts instead. To assemble this type of conveyor chain all that is needed is to slip the pin inside of the two outer chain connectors and twist.
Conveyor parts are usually made of material that is resistant to environments which promote corrosion and they don’t wear down easily either. An enclosed track system minimizes the need for bearing surfaces and chains needing to be cleaned or maintained.
The trolley method, or I-beam monorail systems, are the most common overhead system used. The track is one non-stop loop system where trolleys move along a monorail or tubular track.
Transporting in between buildings or over long distances is also how these conveyor systems are commonly used. Since these systems are located in the air, this is free space and can be used in warehouses like mobile storage.
Steel or wood ceilings are used for the suspension of overhead conveyor systems, as well as walls made of the same materials. These systems are used in warehousing and distribution, paint finishing, creative displays for retail, manufacturing and assembly, as well as in the food handling industry. Man power is saved, by allowing for large quantities of products to move quickly through an area, instead of needing to be carried by employees. With them being suspended in the air, these systems also make for excellent optimization of a facility’s entire space. It has been found that the noise reduction achieved with these systems allows for a much safer work place.
To learn more about Trolley Attachments, Chain Conveyors, or other conveyor related parts, please visit Wilkie Brother Conveyors.