The Difference Between Powered and Non-Powered Conveyors

Conveyors have been the critical builders for multiple industries in over several years. Because of the increased demand for having costs reduced and automation integration, the need for all kinds of conveyor systems also increased.

 

There are a variety of conveyors, but the basic ones are:

  • Roller and skatewheel conveyors that are non-powered

  • Roller and belt conveyors for handling packages and dinky items

  • Powered chain conveyors for managing pallets of goods

 

Non-Powered Conveyors

 

This type of conveyor doesn’t require any battery or electrical source to power it up. It naturally uses the laws of physics such as inertia and gravity to keep the system going.

 

Some of these powerless conveyors are portable. They are also used to load packages and products onto the backs of trucks. Others can also be used as takeaway conveyors for parcels from automated sorters. These conveyors, however, are often used in workstations where employees do their tasks and pass on their work to the next zone. Skatewheel and roller conveyors are among the most common.

 

  • Skatewheel Conveyors

 

Skatewheel conveyors don’t need that much energy for them to work. This factor makes them efficient at maintaining the required speed. The independent turn of each wheel makes it a valuable choice for those conveyor lines with curved sections.

 

  • Roller Conveyors

 

Roller conveyors are less costly compared to skatewheel conveyors. They also offer a more convenient working surface that controls the speed of the products coming from a high-speed sorter.

 

Powered Conveyors

 

Powered roller and belt conveyors are what attracts most of the market’s attention because of how highly efficient they are when it comes to handling and moving small products.

 

Belt conveyors are used for transporting and moving packages, while roller conveyors are for accumulation. The size of the products should also be considered when choosing which conveyor to use.

 

  • Belt Conveyors

 

Belt conveyors have an AC engine that manages a pulley which moves a looped belt with slider beds or non-powered rollers underneath. The material of the belt depends on the items conveyed.

 

  • Roller Conveyors

 

Because powered roller conveyors allow product accumulation, several companies now depend on them despite the benefits of belt conveyors. They estimate the time for handling the products and then release them to automated palletizers.

 

Conveyors are among the keys to product making and packaging. Before choosing which one is convenient for you, make sure you know your products first. Having the right conveyor will also give you the best output.