How to Choose the Right Conveyor System for Your Facility: A Complete Guide. Part 1

Selecting the right conveyor system is more than just picking between belts or rollers—it’s a decision that impacts productivity, safety, and operational efficiency. Whether you're designing a new facility or upgrading existing equipment, here’s a complete guide to ensure you get it right.

1. Understand Conveyor Capacity Basics

• Structural (Static) Capacity: The maximum stationary load a conveyor’s frame can support.
  
  
• Live Load (Drive) Capacity: The weight the drive system can move consistently and efficiently.
  
  

Both must be considered to avoid breakdowns or safety issues.

2. Match Conveyor Types to Your Product

For Light Materials:

• Slider Bed Belt Conveyors – Ideal for packing stations and inspection lines.
  
  
• Box Style Slider Bed – Offers smooth work surfaces for manual operations.
  
  
• Trough Bed Belts – Handles chips, scrap, or paper waste securely with built-in guards.
  
  

For Heavier or Industrial Loads:

• Roller Bed Conveyors – Reduces belt friction for efficient medium to heavy-duty transport.
  
  
• Chain Driven Live Rollers (CDLR) – Ideal for totes, castings, drums—even oily or contaminated environments.
  
  
• Two-Strand Chain Drag Conveyors – Perfect for pallets or specialty loads.
  
  

3. Consider Movement and Transfer Needs

Conveyors must integrate smoothly with your workflow:

• Inclined conveyors for moving between floors.
  
  
• Turntables in tight spaces.
  
  
• Vertical conveyors for multi-level operations.
  
  
• Transfer types include straight, diagonal, 90°, high-speed, and centering sections—each with its own design considerations.
  
  

4. Account for Environment and Speed

Environment:

• Use Wire Mesh Belt Conveyors for high-heat or oily applications.
  
  
• Use Slat Conveyors for unstable products like appliances or furniture.
  
  

Speed:

• Standard speed: 65 FPM.
  
  
• Speeds >200 FPM require precision balancing and bearings.
  
  

5. Final Thoughts

Your conveyor isn’t just a machine—it’s the backbone of your facility. The right system reduces labor, increases safety, and scales with your operation. It's not as simple as choosing between a belt or a roller.  Don’t guess—engineer it with purpose.  Thoughtfully investing in the right conveyor solution means laying the foundation for scalable, long-term operational success.  Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon!

Need help selecting the right conveyor? Contact Material Flow’s expert team for a custom consultation.

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