Coming to the right conclusion, is not something to be rushed into. You will want to talk to experts at some stage, and that's something we can help with here at CCL.
You will also want to mull things over internally in the early stages, and maybe you have in house engineers that can also help guide you in the right direction.
To give you a head start in todays blog we wanted to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of a few different types of systems.
Overhead Conveyor Systems
The name gives these systems away, in the sense that they tend to be installed overhead, in a space above where operatives usually stand, work and engage with each other.
The advantages these systems have include:
Space saving, in the sense that they can utilise 'unused' space
Integration with lifting equipment - overhead cranes, lifting, latching and transfer are all possible integrations here.
These systems have a great reputation for safety.
The disadvantages these systems can have include:
Although they are great at saving space, they may take longer to instal which could equal a higher early investment cost.
If these systems break down, and need repairing in a space with hard access, then that again has a time cost implication. With that being said these systems because of this risk, do tend to have a great reputation for reliability.
Roller Conveyor System
Roller conveyors are a series of rollers supported within a frame where objects can be moved either manually, by gravity, or by power.
The advantages of these systems can include:
Gravity can help to move goods, this impacts upon cost.
Ease of use, manufacture and install
Environmentally beneficial
Multiple uses
The disadvantages of these systems can include:
The speed at which goods move can be dependant on the force used and incline, and as such there can be lots of variables.
Because of the above, products if not treated with care can be damaged.
Powered Roller Conveyor System
These systems are similar to the above, but with the added benefit of power, and control.
The advantages of such systems include:
Products can be moved over significant distance.
Independent zones can be set up on this system, making it modular and flexible to a degree.
Indépendant zones mean that when breakdown occurs they can be fixed independently.
The disadvantages of such systems can be:
These systems can sometimes have a higher noise associated with them due to the power systems.
These systems take longer than gravity systems to install.
Arguably then each system has its pros and cons. Meaning that the most important thing you can do when making these early decisions is to put what product you are trying to 'move', front and centre. You need to consider the products weight, shape, size and fragility. You also need to consider the environment around the system in terms of size, the amount of people who work in the area, temperature etc.
Our advice is to get in touch with us as early as possible. We have experience of helping customers at the early stage to make sure that risks are minimised. We are only too happy to help.
Comments