How to Choose the Right Industrial Conveyor: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Presented by Amindus Consulting and Solutions

Industrial conveyors are essential tools in many manufacturing, packaging, and distribution operations. Choosing the right conveyor system can improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance safety. Selecting the wrong conveyor, however, can lead to costly downtime, maintenance issues, and safety hazards. This guide will help you identify your business needs, understand different conveyor types, avoid common purchasing mistakes, and evaluate pricing factors. You will also learn about useful conveyor options that can tailor the system to your specific requirements.

Industrial roller conveyor moving packages efficiently

Identifying Your Business Needs

Before selecting a conveyor, clearly define what you need it to do. Consider these key factors:

• Product type and size: What items will the conveyor carry? Are they small, large, fragile, or heavy? This affects conveyor width, belt type, and load capacity.

• Throughput requirements: How many units per hour or day must the conveyor handle? This determines speed and motor power.

• Layout and space constraints: What is the available floor space? Will the conveyor need to fit into tight areas or navigate inclines and turns?

• Environment: Will the conveyor operate in a clean room, wet area, or dusty environment? Material and guard choices depend on this.

• Integration: Does the conveyor need to connect with other equipment like sorters, metal detectors, or packaging machines?

• Budget: What is your budget for purchase, installation, and ongoing maintenance?

Answering these questions helps narrow down the conveyor types and features that best fit your operation.

Types of Industrial Conveyors

There are several common conveyor types, each suited to different applications:

Belt Conveyors

Belt conveyors use a continuous loop of material to move products. They are versatile and handle a wide range of items, from boxes to loose parts.

• Suitable for flat or inclined transport

• Can use different belt materials (PVC, rubber, metal)

• Ideal for smooth, gentle handling

Roller Conveyors

Roller conveyors consist of a series of rollers that products move across. They are often gravity-driven or powered.

• Best for rigid, flat-bottomed items like cartons or pallets

• Can be modular and easy to reconfigure

• Gravity rollers reduce energy use but require manual control

Screw Conveyors

Screw conveyors use a rotating helical screw blade inside a tube to move bulk materials like grains, powders, or pellets.

• Suitable for handling loose, granular materials

• Can move materials horizontally or at an incline

• Enclosed design reduces dust and spillage

Other Types

• Chain conveyors: For heavy loads or pallets

• Magnetic conveyors: For metal parts

• Bucket conveyors: For vertical lifting of bulk materials

  
  

Choosing the right type depends on your product characteristics and process flow.

Common Purchasing Mistakes to Avoid

Selecting the wrong conveyor can cause operational headaches. Watch out for these frequent errors:

• Incorrect length: Too short conveyors cause bottlenecks; too long increase costs and space use.

• Incorrect incline: Steep inclines without proper belt or cleats lead to product slippage.

• Undersized motor: Motors that lack power cause slowdowns and wear.

• Unsuitable belt: Using a belt material that doesn’t match product or environment leads to damage or contamination.

• Lack of guards: Missing safety guards increase risk of injury and regulatory non-compliance.

  
  

Careful planning and consulting with conveyor experts can prevent these issues.

Price Analysis of Industrial Conveyors

Conveyor costs vary widely based on several factors:

Materials

• Stainless steel conveyors cost more but resist corrosion and suit food or pharmaceutical industries.

• Aluminum frames are lightweight and less expensive but less durable.

• Plastic components reduce weight and noise but may not support heavy loads.

Dimensions

• Longer and wider conveyors require more materials and labor.

• Custom sizes increase costs compared to standard modular systems.

Capacity

• Higher load capacities require stronger frames, heavier belts, and more powerful motors.

• This increases initial purchase price and energy consumption.

Speed

• Faster conveyors need precise motors and controls.

• Variable speed drives add flexibility but increase cost.

Automation

• Adding sensors, metal detectors, and automated controls raises price.

• Automation reduces labor costs and improves throughput.

Installation

• Complex layouts or integration with existing equipment increase installation time and cost.

• Site preparation and electrical work add to expenses.

Maintenance

• Systems with easy access and modular parts reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

• Higher quality components may cost more upfront but save money long-term.

Useful Conveyor Options to Consider

Adding specific features can improve conveyor performance and safety:

• Variable speed drives: Allow adjusting conveyor speed to match production needs.

• Metal detectors: Detect metal contaminants in food or pharmaceutical products.

• Side guides: Keep products aligned and prevent falls.

• Accumulation tables: Temporarily hold products to manage flow and prevent jams.

• Sensors: Detect product presence for automated start/stop or sorting.

• Dust guards: Enclose conveyors to reduce dust spread and protect workers.

  
  

These options help customize the conveyor to your process and environment.