7 Types of Conveyors and Their Functions

In most industry, there are sophisticated tools and machines that are often used as a substitute for human labor. This is done in order to shorten processing time and save industrial operating costs. For example, a material handling tool or a large capacity means of transporting goods that cannot be lifted by humans.

One of the tools for conveying goods that we are familiar with is a conveyor or commonly called a computer machine. Conveyor is a tool for moving large and small capacity materials from one place to another.

This conveyor is almost like a means of transportation, only it is used for materials. Materials that can be transported are solid. One of the advantages of using a conveyor is that it speeds up the process of transporting materials because it takes place automatically.

There are various types of conveyors that are available on the market and are often used by industry, such as:

1. Belt Conveyor

belt conveyor
Belt Conveyor

As the name implies, the belt conveyor is a type of conveying tool that has a belt. This belt is also made of various types of materials to suit what items will be transported. The conveyor belt is able to transport large amounts of objects so that it is more efficient to use.

These conveyors are provided in horizontal and diagonal shapes. In the diagonal form the materials being transported will run upward while in the horizontal form the materials will run horizontally so they are used for transportation to the lower destination.

2. Roller Conveyor

roller conveyor
Roller Conveyor

This type of conveyor has a roll component that is used to move the materials being transported. The materials that can be transported by roller conveyor are solid and conform to the roller system.

This conveyor work system is generally carried out in two ways. Some roller conveyor use a motor, which has a function to rotate the shaft on a motor that has been installed with a drive roller to move materials.

In addition, there is also a roller drive that is mounted on a transmission system and will rotate when moving materials. This transmission rotates from roll to roll.

3. Overhead Conveyor

overhead conveyor
Overhead Conveyor

Overhead conveyor installed on the ceiling of the room. This type of conveyor carries the goods to be moved by hanging. Items that are carried are usually items that are painted or are on drying process.

4. Bucket Conveyor

bucket conveyor
Bucket Conveyor

Bucket conveyor is a type of conveyor that moves material to a place that is lower or steeper. As the name implies, bucket conveyors consist of buckets carried by a moving chain.

There are several types of buckets that have a specific shape based on their uses. This conveyor can move materials in powder or grain form.

5. Screw Conveyor

secrew conveyor
Screw Conveyor

The screw conveyor has a screw-like shape made of a knife that rotates and surrounds an axis. These rotating blades are called flights.

This type of conveyor is suitable for moving material in powder-structured solid form such as grain. This material transfer can also be used for mixing and stirring.

6. Slat or Apron Conveyor

Slat Conveyor
Slat Conveyor

Slat conveyors are usually used to move large capacity material objects. The blade on this tool can be made of wood, steel, or a material that adapts to the item being lifted.

7. Spiral Conveyor

Spiral Conveyor
Spiral Conveyor

The spiral conveyor is a tool for moving goods from the top floor to the bottom floor using only gravity. The use of this tool is more effective than the elevator because it does not use electricity.

The work area of ​​the spiral conveyor is narrow so it is simple and practical. The capacity of objects that can be moved is also large and can be done in a short time.

Thus an explanation of the types of conveyors. Basically, each type of conveyor has its own function depending on the type of material being moved. With this article, it is hoped that you will be able to distinguish the type of conveyor according to its use.