How to Choose the Right Conveyor System for Your Product Type

If your business handles materials in nearly any way, choosing the right conveyor system is a pretty critical decision. 

A well-suited conveyor system can: 

• Optimize workflows
• Reduce manual labor
• Ensure product safety 

While the wrong choice can lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and damaged goods. 

But with so many conveyor types and configurations available, finding the perfect match for your needs calls for careful consideration.

In this quick guide, we explore the factors to consider when you’re choosing a conveyor system, review common conveyor types and their applications, and provide practical tips for making the right choice.

Why the Right Conveyor System Matters

Conveyor systems can make or break material handling operations. Because they automate the movement of products, these systems streamline workflows, reduce reliance on manual labor, and significantly improve productivity. 

That is, when you’ve chosen the right type of conveyor, of course. Whether you’re transporting lightweight packages or heavy pallets, the right conveyor system minimizes bottlenecks and keeps operations running smoothly.

Choosing the wrong conveyor system, on the other hand, can create more problems than it solves. 

An ill-suited system might struggle to handle specific product types. That means inefficiencies, increased operational costs, and even product damage. For example, fragile items require gentle handling, while heavy loads need robust equipment to avoid breakdowns.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Conveyor

Choosing the right conveyor system is going to require you to consider several factors to make sure your choice is compatible with your operations and product type. 

Here’s what you need to consider:

Product Specifications

The weight, size, shape, and fragility of your products play an important part in conveyor selection. 

Belt conveyors may best handle lightweight items. While heavier loads like pallets often require chain or roller systems. Further, fragile products need gentle handling to prevent damage, and high production rates may demand faster or more automated systems.

Material Handling Requirements

Determine what your operation calls for — accumulation for temporary storage, transfer between systems, or incline/decline to navigate different floor levels, for example. 

You may need specialty conveyors (like spiral or cleated systems) for elevation changes. Meanwhile, zero-pressure accumulation conveyors prevent product collisions during temporary storage.

Environmental Considerations

Think about your operating conditions, such as temperature, humidity, or exposure to dust and chemicals. 

Food or pharmaceutical facilities, for example, may need stainless steel or washdown-rated conveyors to maintain hygiene and meet regulatory standards.

Space Constraints

Consider the space you have available for installation. Overhead conveyors free up valuable floor space. And compact systems can maximize workflows in smaller facilities.

Keep in mind that custom designs can optimize the layout to meet your specific needs. (And East Coast Storage Equipment can help you with that.)

Automation Level

Decide between manual, gravity-based, motorized, or fully automated systems. Automated solutions often boost efficiency and accuracy, but they come with higher upfront costs.

Energy Efficiency

Balancing energy consumption with operational needs is key if you’re interested in running a tight operation. Look for energy-efficient motors and systems that reduce power usage without compromising performance.

Common Types of Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems come in a variety of types. Each type is designed to handle specific materials and tasks. Understanding the strengths of these systems can help you choose the best fit for your product type and operational needs.

Belt Conveyors

Belt conveyors are versatile and widely used for transporting lightweight or bulk materials. Smooth belts handle packaged goods well, while modular belts are great for heavy, abrasive, or sharp-edged items. 

Belt conveyors are perfect for moving products over long distances and are often used in the manufacturing, distribution, and packaging industries.

Roller Conveyors

Roller conveyors are excellent for handling packaged goods — particularly those with flat bottoms. They can navigate straight or curved paths, which makes them useful for more complex routes. 

Gravity or motorized conveyor options are available, depending on your level of automation. This system works well in warehouses, assembly lines, and shipping facilities.

Chain Conveyors

For heavy loads like pallets, chain conveyors are the go-to option. They can support heavy weights, which makes them popular in manufacturing and logistics. Chain conveyors can also be overhead — good to know if you’re short on floor space.

Overhead Conveyors

Overhead systems use trolleys on tracks to transport items. So, if you’re hoping to free up floor space or manage specialized tasks like painting or assembly, consider this type of conveyor system. Overhead conveyors are common in industries like automotive and metalworking.

Specialty Conveyors

Specialty systems like screw, vacuum, and pneumatic conveyors are designed for unique materials. Screw conveyors are ideal for powders or granules, while vacuum and pneumatic options work well for fragile or high-moisture items.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Conveyor

Here are some practical tips to guide you as you choose the right conveyor for your product type:

1. Assess Your Current Workflow

Examine your facility’s workflows. Try to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Understanding where delays or challenges happen will help you pick a conveyor system that addresses those particular issues.

2. Consult with Industry Experts

Engage with conveyor system professionals (like the East Coast team) to design a solution tailored to your needs. We can help you choose the right type, size, and features for your product(s) and space.

3. Test Conveyor Prototypes

Whenever possible, test conveyor system prototypes with your product types. This helps you make sure the system can handle your materials effectively and highlights any potential issues before you go all-in.

4. Factor in Maintenance and Long-Term Costs

Think about how easy or difficult maintenance will be, as well as the total cost of ownership over time. Low-maintenance systems can reduce downtime and save money, making them a better investment in the long run.

5. Plan to Scale

When possible, choose a conveyor system that can adapt to future changes, such as increased production rates or different product types. Scalability helps your system remain efficient as your business grows.

Need Help Finding the Right Conveyor? We’ve Got You

With the right conveyor system, your warehouse or similar facility is primed for efficiency and even growth. It may be difficult to find the perfect system, but the payoff is more than worth it. We’ve seen that play out in real life enough times to know it’s true.If you’re ready to take the next step, East Coast Storage Equipment is here to help. Contact our team today for expert guidance and customized conveyor solutions tailored to your unique needs. Reach us by phone at 888.294.5022 or online.