Technology Modules: Roller Conveyors
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In the design and manufacture of special purpose assembly and test automation equipment a large number of technology modules are commonly used to provide the complete turnkey solution. Find out more about these modules:
Roller conveyors are used to transfer components between processes. A roller conveyor incorporates a number of rollers positioned at a defined pitch, these rollers rotate to move the components positioned on the top of the conveyor. Usually the roller pitch is designed to have a minimum of 3 rollers supporting the part at any one time.
In combination with roller conveyors, flat bottomed pallets are generally used to locate the components on during transit. Roller conveyors can be configured into many different layouts that include bends and cross transfers. At stations along a conveyor system, sensors, stops or lifting stops are integrated to align the components where they are needed for any assembly or test process.
Accumulation can be achieved using roller conveyors so processes can be delinked. Roller conveyor are also available powered by gravity, these conveyors are angled down and are a good solution low cost solution for many applications.
For traceability purposes and to keep track of product moving along conveyor systems tagged pallets can be used or product sensors incorporated to count items as they pass by.
Below is a summary of three main types of conveyor system
Lifeshaft conveyor is a type of conveyor that uses a line shaft that is driven by an electric motor with urethane nads transferring the drive from the motro to each roller. A common feature is that where the band touches the lineshaft a slipping spool is included to allow accumulation of product on the conveyor as the drive will slip keeping the main body of the roller static.
Chain driven roller conveyor is a direct drive system that generally requires seperate driven conveyor section that use dedicated drive motors and sensors to trasnfer and accumulate product as necessary. This type of conveyor system can carry heavy loads if required.
Gravity and skate track systems are suitable when a gradient is possible and gravity can be used to move product. Gravity rollers straddle the width of the conveyor whereas skate track uses short rollers or discs. Skate track is a more flexible option and can be used to trasfer parts around bend easily.
Examples of where TQC have used roller conveyors include –
- Pallet storage system
- Heavy duty pallet transfer system
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