Overhead conveyors

Overhead Conveyors This article was originally posted at http://www.amazines.com/article_detail_new.cfm/6000851?articleid=6000851 There are actually many types of conveyors and they play a great role in the transportation of heavy or bulky materials. These types are readily available and industries or firms will select the conveyor that they find it most applicable to their needs. They literally make work easier and are thus used widely by industries to perform tasks that would otherwise be strenuous for human. Overhead conveyor plays a crucial role in the transportation of materials in the industries.

An overhead conveyor is a system that is elevated, used to transport items in a facility. It is thinner as compared to a conveyor belt and is driven by a chain. The mere fact that they use chains implies that their tracks are much thinner. Compared to a belt, the chain cannot wear easily and thus reduced operating costs. The units that are used to hold items are mainly hooks or rings and they can hold fairly large amounts of weights. Overhead conveyors are much safer to use when transporting materials as compared to forklifts or any other type of machine because they have features that help to curb accidents in advance. Another feature that makes overhead conveyors commonly used is their ability to move loads of all sizes, shapes and weights.

Overhead conveyors may actually be used in a lot of facilities but most importantly those that need bends in a conveyor. They make it possible to save on storage space, but unfortunately they are not ideal for those facilities that have heavy loads. Compared to conveyor belts which are fixed to the ground, overhead conveyors may be raised high enough and workers may work under the conveyor.

In the cases where it is not possible to create enough space for people to walk under it, the room that it still leaves on the floor is enough for extra machines and hardware. Although varieties of trolleys have been manufactured, the basic trolleys for overhead conveyor systems are the hooks and rings.

Basket and hangers units are also common but are mainly used for specialized purposes. Most trolleys are capable of holding ten to a hundred pounds but the specialized ones can hold slightly more. Overhead conveyors are mostly used in those facilities that need a lot of turning and twisting before an item reaches its intended destination. This is so because their rails can be curved easily to a desired angle during the process of manufacturing. Curving a belt would entail more work.

While the conveyor can actually hold large weights, conveyor belts holds typically more than them.

This is actually its main disadvantage because it implies that heavy items cannot be able to use overhead conveyors. Just like any other conveyor system, overhead conveyors need to be inspected regularly in order to increase their service life. It is important to make good take-up adjustment on the conveyors to avoid extreme wear of the chains. Lubrication of the conveyor reduces friction in the chain and thus highly recommended. If also possible, ensure the conveyor is not contaminated by powder, paint or any alkaline fluid and be sure for the conveyor to work perfectly well.

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