The industry’s most used live conveyor system is a gravity conveyor. They are not only simple to use but also inexpensive, giving warehouse managers and customers a great return on their investment. We’re going to offer you a brief overview of gravity conveyor systems in this article. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
VAC-U-MAX
Belleville, NJ | 800-822-8629VAC-U-MAX is a premier manufacturer of quality conveyors among other similar products and services. VAC-U-MAX produces its equipment to handle small parts and heavy metal powders.
mk North America, Inc.
Bloomfield, CT | 860-769-5500mk North America, Inc. offers the widest variety of conveyors in the industry. Our vast product line features a variety of aluminum frame and stainless-steel conveyors that are built to last. At mk we believe in offering not only a better product, but also a better solution – which is why we will work with you to ensure your unique application is matched with the best possible conveyor solution. Belt, roller, chain, timing belt and many other conveyor types are available.
Ultimation
Roseville, MI | 586-771-1881Ultimation is the largest integrator for Jervis Webb overhead conveyors and has an extensive range of "quick ship" roller conveyors and belt conveyors. Ultimation's conveyor systems are installed in the facilities of many of the world's leading brands. With our years of experience, Ultimation is one of the major conveyor manufacturers.
MC3 Manufacturing
Leamington, Ontario | 888-933-4591Since 2000, MC3 Manufacturing has been serving the conveyor systems industry. As a leader in the conveyor systems industry, we manufacture high-quality and durable conveyor systems. To receive more information on how we may be able to assist you, get in touch with a representative today!
Capital City Conveyor & Supply
Hilliard, OH | 614-850-9062Capital City Conveyor & Supply's team of experts have a combined experience of over 60 years working in the automation applications industry. We offer roller bed, belt, wire mesh, vertical, flexible, screw, radial stacking, and C-channel frame conveyor systems. Capital City also has a line of conveyor replacement parts in stock that include, but are not limited to: chains, belts, conveyor rollers, idlers, urethane sheets, metal backed urethane sheets, and bearings. Call us today for more information!
Vecoplan, LLC
Archdale, NC | 336-895-1963If you are in need of conveyors that are built to last, you can count on us to be your number one provider. We manufacture conveyors that guarantee efficiency and stability. Our teams offer fast turnaround on all orders and if an issue ever arises then we will work with you to quickly repair your systems. Give us a call today or visit our website to learn more information!
Spiroflow Systems, Inc.
Monroe, NC | 704-246-0900Spiroflow offers a complete range of mechanical conveying solutions in the industry. The staff at Spiroflow can recommend the best method to meet your conveying needs.
One of the most cost-effective methods for handling materials is using non-powered gravity conveyors. On rollers or skate wheels installed in frames, loads are transported. The name "gravity conveyor" comes from the fact that gravity conveyors are typically inclined in elevation to allow products to flow freely and take advantage of the Earth's gravity. Gravity conveyors are used to move boxes, cartons, and totes with solid, stiff bottoms. The diameters and spacing of roller or skate wheels will vary. A good rule of thumb is that there should always be three rollers or more underneath the box, carton, or tote.
How Does a Gravity Roller Conveyor Work?
A gravity roller conveyor uses the weight of the load to move a product along rollers. Gravity conveyors are one of the most straightforward and cost-effective materials handling systems. They are excellent for distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and warehouses.
Most of the rollers for these conveyor systems have a diameter of 1.5 inches to 1.9 inches. There are sizes of 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches for heavy-duty applications. System configuration and internet shopping are simple processes. Due to their modest weight, you can use them for short- and long-term uses. There are other options for temporary tripod-style stands or permanent floor supports. For corners, you can use roller curve units.
Installation of Gravity Conveyors
Gravity roller conveyors are typically installed on a decline to convey the product downward to the discharge point, with the infeed at the higher point. If installed properly, a gravity conveyor can operate smoothly, safely, and simply with fewer chances of product damage and higher overall performance.
Installation Considerations
Specify conveyor lines for product weights. The gravity conveyor should be configured for certain product weights to maintain peak performance. For instance, a lighter product could require a steeper descent than a heavier product since the heavier weight can travel toward the discharge end with less gravitational force. It could travel too quickly if you loaded the conveyor with a heavy item.
Conveyor length
Like shorter lines, larger lines can enhance speed because the products pick up speed as they move down the conveyor. The combination of this with rollers that keep spinning after a product has passed over them might result in product acceleration.
Check the product size
Along with the weight, the product's size is crucial. A product base should always be in contact with three rollers or more, so getting the roller spacing right is critical.
Type of rollers
Another aspect to consider when building a gravity roller conveyor is the type of roller itself. Skate wheels enable products to move more swiftly than they would on a standard roller. On the other hand, rollers can handle a wider range of items. Because grease-free bearings roll more swiftly than clean bearings, consideration should also be given to the rollers' bearings.
Speed of the conveyor
You can guarantee that the products stay on the conveyor using the end-stop installation. Additional methods of slowing the items include adding retarding plates, roller brakes, or altering the angle. However, if the product travels too slowly, the conveyor slope can be increased to speed up the product's descent. When the conveyor's slope is steeper, the products move more quickly.
Pretesting the conveyor
The conveyor should undergo testing before being put into use; this will guarantee the best possible product flow and take care of any potential safety issues for the personnel and items on the conveyor line.
Gravity Conveyor Applications
Gravity roller conveyors are a very practical and adaptable mode of transportation with many uses. They are the most prevalent type of conveyor in existence. Gravity conveyors have the following uses:
- Truck loading and unloading
- Equipment loading and unloading for manufacturing
- attaching to scales, carriages, or other industrial equipment
- Within picking regions, conveyance
- regions for assembly or kitting
- The goods transportation
Advantages of Gravity Roller Conveyor Systems
Owning a gravity roller conveyor system has many benefits. The advantages of a gravity roller conveyor system are listed below.
Affordability
Gravity roller conveyors are relatively inexpensive because they don't utilize motors. Additionally, most components are made from steel, aluminum, and plastic—frequently available and universal materials.
Flexibility
These systems are flexible, elastic, and can adapt to customer needs. They are often implemented as temporary conveyors and can be transported without real challenges.
Maintenance
Pallet conveyors are made with gravity roller conveyor designs that are simple to maintain. When one element breaks, it only takes a few seconds to snap a replacement into place because they are primarily manufactured out of inexpensive, accessible materials. It's sometimes as simple as removing the damaged piece and putting in the new one, so you won't have to stop working entirely or look for a specialist.
Disadvantages of Gravity Conveyors
- When products are moved by gravity, they could become harmed.
- unable to regulate conveyor speed
