Overhead Conveyors

An overhead conveyor is an elevated system, but it is not belt driven. Instead, thin chains are used to move suspended trolleys holding items. These trolleys take the form of hooks or rings, and they can hold a considerable amount of weight. The conveyor chain transports the materials from one place to another in a loop. It can be manually operated or motorized.

The tracks and carriers are simply designed and can be changed into any form the application needs. Overhead conveyors need to be monitored and checked from time to time to avoid any accidents in the workplace.

Specifications and Selection Criteria

There are certain specifications to consider while installing an overhead conveyor in the work area. These specifications include the maximum load the conveyor has to carry, the load geometry, and the capacity of the load to be transported. Other factors are the speed and distance of the conveyor, and whether any bends are needed throughout the conveyor’s path. In addition, overhead conveyors work best in milder environments because humid and corrosive conditions can affect the working of an overhead conveyor.

Working of Overhead Conveyors

Overhead conveyors have chains instead of belts for material movement. They free up considerable floor space by functioning above the work area. An overhead conveyor uses a continuous track that is suspended with the help of pendants, or support present on the track. These pendants helps to keep the materials in place. The pendants are designed according to the application and capacity requirements; they accommodate all types of items from light products to heavy duty parts.

Types of Overhead Conveyors

There are three types of overhead conveyors, and each has a specific design and function. These are:

Enclosed Track And Open Track Conveyors

• Overhead conveyor tracks can be differentiated into two types: enclosed track and monorail open track.
• The enclosed tracks are less likely to be damaged by environmental decay and can prevent excess damage to the track. They are often used in areas where paints can damage the tracks.
• Open rail tracks are simpler, easy to install, and use trolleys instead of chains.
• Open rail tracks can convey more items and are more suited for applications where bends are required in the path.

Powered And Free Overhead Conveyor

• Overhead conveyors can either be motor powered or free to move.
• Powered overhead conveyors are ideal for reducing labor and improving efficiency.
• However, free overhead conveyors are more economical, though labor is required for pushing and pulling of the material.

Synchronous And Asynchronous Conveyor

• Synchronous overhead conveyors are used to make sure there is an equal space and distance between the conveying items and no intermingling.
• The powered, controlled synchronization helps in avoiding accidents or damage to the items conveyed.
• In a synchronous conveyor, the operator has full command over the conveying system.
• The asynchronous overhead conveyors are typically unpowered and the items are allowed to move independently.

Applications of Overhead Conveyors

• Overhead conveyors are used in the painting and cleaning industries.
• Overhead conveyors are also used in industries for conveying empty cartons to the operator more quickly.
• Packing industry also use overhead conveyors to quickly convey materials.
• Other industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical, food, greenhouse and many more are using overhead conveyors to complete their processes in no time.

Benefits of Overhead Conveyors

Overhead conveyors are the most efficient solution to a variety of applications and processes.

• Overhead conveyors greatly free up floor space.
• They reduce the travel time of goods.
• They improve ergonomics by reducing lifting and bending for assembly processes.