Conveyor systems are the hardworking heroes of the modern industrial system. They efficiently move products, often carrying heavy loads, from one point to another. They help keep products safe from damage and workers safe from injury.
Different conveyor systems are integral to the operation of all sorts of industries. Check out these three industries that get the most use out of conveyor systems.
Moving the Automotive Industry
For over a century, conveyors have kept the automotive industry’s production levels in line with the public’s demand for reliable transportation. As conveyors move car parts down the line, workers and machines work to finish the parts and fit them together.
With large, heavy vehicle parts and a high demand for automobiles, the automotive industry relies on conveyors to keep the production line moving quickly. And whereas heavy materials and a fast pace typically contribute to a dangerous working environment, conveyors help keep workers safe by doing the heavy lifting.
Carrying Out Food Processing
If you’ve ever toured a food processing plant or watched a documentary explaining the creation of some of the most popular mass-produced foods, you’ve seen conveyors in action. Whereas the automotive industry benefits largely from the conveyor system’s ability to transport heavy loads, food processing focuses on speed and a high number of products.
Conveyors transport large quantities of raw ingredients where they need to go to be combined, mixed, heated, or cooled as needed. Upon the completion of creating the food, conveyors then transport the finished product through the packaging process. This is one industry that gets the most out of conveyor systems from the beginning to the end of the food processing journey.
Transporting Mined Materials
While most people think of belt conveyors when thinking about conveyor systems, the mining industry commonly uses chain conveyors. Among the many differences between belt conveyors and chain conveyors, mine operators rely on the chain conveyor for its durability.
The mining industry uses many types of conveying machines, from shuttle cars to stacker reclaimers, throughout the mining process. The chain conveyors can move bulk loads efficiently, including through areas of extremely high temperatures. And whereas belts must be completely removed if they get damaged, operators can generally replace an individual damaged chain with a new piece.