Conveyors are an important part of many industries, as they have made the transport of heavy and bulky objects easy and efficient. An overhead conveyor is a type of conveying system that is unique because it operates from over the heads of workers and equipment. These conveyors are ideal in industries that benefit from saving floor space. 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.

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.