Conveyor systems play a crucial role throughout all stages of the automotive production supply chain. From metalworking to assembly, automotive conveyors ensure even large and heavy components are moved safely and reliably. At MC3 Manufacturing, we offer material handling solutions that increase throughput, preserve product quality, reduce unplanned downtime, and improve production efficiency.
Here, you’ll learn about the different types of conveyors in the automotive industry, their design considerations, our customization options, and more.
Functions Conveyors Perform in the Automotive Industry
Many types of conveyors are used in automotive manufacturing environments. They not only differ in construction and design but also in the function they’re designed to perform. Some of the most common uses for automobile industry conveyors include:
- Ingoing/outgoing conveyors: Also referred to as infeed and outfeed conveyors, they move workpieces in and out of an automated work cell, where they are loaded and unloaded by robots. Each cell can perform machining, welding, or assembly processes. Therefore, infeed/outfeed conveyors must be able to withstand exposure to environmental challenges like high heat, coolant exposure, and dust.
- Pack-in/pack-out conveyors: These conveyors act as staging conveyors for loading and unloading of dunnage. They are used in applications like loading and unloading of EV batteries and moving workpieces into and out of paint lines.
- Accumulating conveyors: When materials must wait for the next production operation to be completed before they can be moved forward, accumulating conveyors act as buffer zones, providing an area for components to gather. As a result, they help minimize the number of operators needed within the production environment. One common application for this type of conveyor is to accumulate finished engine blocks before they are unloaded for packaging.
Automotive Industry Challenges
The automobile manufacturing industry involves an extensive number of production processes, all requiring a high throughput rate. While many diverse components are manufactured, the number of material handling solutions should be minimized to improve efficiency. Finding automotive manufacturing equipment that will safely accommodate these needs requires expertise and customization.
In addition to these factors, there are many other challenges involved in automotive material handling:
- No tolerance for downtime
- Worker safety concerns
- Fast response times
- Minimizing environmental impact
- Industry innovations, such as EV technology, requiring unique handling solutions
Design Considerations for Automotive Conveyors
Automotive material handling solutions must not only meet the unique needs of each component being produced but also seamlessly integrate into a facility’s existing manufacturing infrastructure. At MC3 Manufacturing, we offer our automotive clients conveyor systems that take many industry-specific design considerations into account:
- Each product’s size and weight
- Environmental conditions
- Cycle time and throughput
- Material-specific challenges, such as sharp edges, high heat, fine granular chips, or oil films
- The conveyor system footprint and how it will best fit within your facility
- Compatibility with your existing systems, such as loading/unloading interfaces
- Safety and ergonomics
Common Customizations for Automotive Conveyors
Each customer is unique and requires highly customized material handling solutions. Our team meets these needs by offering a range of quality conveyor materials, weights, and dimensions that all adhere to the most recent industry safety standards. Some of the most common customizations we perform for automobile industry conveyors involve:
- Distribution systems
- Diverter systems
- Full automation capabilities, including safety control
- Customized belts
- Customized conveyor bodies
- Scrap trays and drawers
- Pneumatic pop-up stops
- Lift and locates
- Zoning
MC3 Manufacturing’s Selection of Custom Conveyors for the Automotive Market
No matter what manufacturing process you need your conveyor to assist with, MC3 can develop an innovative solution for you. Our custom conveyors are used throughout automotive production applications like assembly lines, stamping, machining, filtration, welding, and general material handling. The most commonly used conveyor types in automotive applications include:
For over 20 years, MC3 Manufacturing has been designing and manufacturing high-quality, custom conveyor systems for the world’s most demanding industries. We understand the unique challenges automotive manufacturers face and are committed to helping our clients improve their production processes. To get started on your automotive conveyor solution, request a quote or contact our team today.