Overview of Conveyor Systems
Conveyor systems have revolutionized manufacturing processes for retail, commercial, farming, mining, and many other industrial sectors. These systems can quickly transport materials from one place to another while minimizing manual handling, reducing labor costs, lowering workplace hazards, and promoting a sanitary production environment.
Automated conveyor systems play a vital role in efficient manufacturing practices, with a group of individual conveyors operating in tandem or in sequence to perform a common task. System configurations can be horizontal, vertical, or inclined to meet the needs of the application and to efficiently transport materials along a predetermined path.
As an industry-leading provider of quality equipment, MC3 Manufacturing offers several types of conveyor systems, which include:
The following looks at the parts of a conveyor and the role each component plays in conveyor integration. Custom conveyor systems offer distinct advantages, proving beneficial in a wide variety of industries and applications.
Components of Conveyor Systems
Regardless of the type, all parts conveyor systems rely on the following components to effectively transport items and materials:
- Belts and chains that carry the load
- Guidance and tracking mechanisms to keep the belt or chain aligned
- Rollers and pulleys that support and redirect the belt or chain
- Motors and drives that provide power to move the belt or chain
- Bearings and gearboxes that transmit the power to the rollers and pulleys
- Idlers and supports that provide additional support to the belt or chain
MC3 Conveyor Systems
MC3 Manufacturing offers the following types of conveyor systems, with each offering unique benefits:
Chip and Scrap Conveyor Systems
Chip and scrap conveyor systems are available in a variety of styles and sizes to meet the demands of your application, including inclined and horizontal models. Additional options include pumps, coolant tanks, scrap chutes, and chip separators, which can improve efficiency and enhance the functionality of the conveyor systems.
There is a variety of different chip and scrap conveyors, which include:
Hinged Belt
Designed for metalworking and machining applications, featuring a durable steel belt with pans to prevent sagging and customizable options such as clean-out covers, scrap trays, and supports.
Magnetic
Transports ferrous materials, which include small parts, stampings, and metal chips in machining and metalworking applications. Requires very little maintenance or operator attention.
Drag-Out Chain
Transports mixtures of coolants and sludge and is ideal for handling tiny chips and dust-like materials. Utilizes a heavy-duty steel chain and cleat assembly to efficiently move scrap materials through the bottom of the conveyor trough.
Scrap
Designed to handle stamping scraps and parts, featuring a reinforced steel belt with customizable options such as clean-out covers, scrap trays, and shields for long-lasting performance.
Filtration Conveyor Systems
Filtration conveyor systems are available in a wide variety of configurations and sizes to meet the needs of different applications, including centralized and standalone models. Additional options and features include coolant chilling, automatic backwashing, and remote monitoring to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the filtration system. These conveyor systems can effectively remove contaminants from oils, coolants, and other liquids commonly used in machining and metalworking applications.
MC3 Manufacturing offers the following types of filtration conveyor systems:
Deep Bed Filter
Removes contaminants from various fluids used in machining and metalworking applications by utilizing a moving filter media, handling 25 to 500 GPM of fluid, and is customizable for multi-stage filtration.
Applications:
These are ideal solutions to separate solid particles from industrial liquids and corrosive and alkaline fluids.
FilterMaster
FilterMaster is a hybrid conveyor system consisting of drum drag-out and hinged belt conveyors that can handle large chips and sludge. The self-cleaning rotating drum of MC3’s drum-style filters prevents minute contaminants from entering the coolant tank, with filtration adjusted according to the filter media used.
Applications:
These are ideal for any chip removal application that requires a coolant filtration system.
Gravity Bed Filter
Ideal for removing light metal fines that result from honing and grinding, this type uses a filtration process with gravity settling to remove contaminants such as swarf and metal chips. It can be modified for multi-stage filtration and uses automatic advancement of filtration media roll which can be varied for differing filtration needs.
Applications:
These are ideal for filtering light metal fines from grinding, honing, and Swiss-type screw machines.
Vacuum Filter
Uses a disposable filter media and vacuum suction system to effectively filter and separate contaminants from oil and coolant, making them an ideal choice for low-chip volume applications like part washers with coolant flow rates up to 100 GPM.
Applications:
These are ideal for applications where the chip volume is low and fluid volume is high (for instance, part washers).
Material Handling Conveyor Systems
MC3 Manufacturing’s Material Handling Conveyor Systems are fabricated to provide efficient product handling and operational support. These systems come in many configurations and sizes, each best suited to specific applications.
MC3’s material handling conveyor systems include the following styles:
Slider Bed Belt
Ideal for packaging, manufacturing, shipping, and assembly operations. They use a moving belt to transport products, which moves along a series of rollers or metal frames. Belt materials can include PVC, rubber, and other fabrics and can have different coatings, patterns, and textures to minimize slippage and enhance grip. While they are cost-effective and can accommodate high linear speeds, they may not be suitable for heavy, sharp, or hot objects.
CDLR
CDLR conveyors use a chain to power rollers that move goods, making them ideal for distributing and manufacturing operations that transport bulky or heavy items. Different roller sizes and spacing can be added, along with various chain and frame options, to meet the demands of varying product weights and sizes. CDLRs can be automated with controls and sensors to monitor performance and handle heavy loads at high speeds. However, they are more complex and costly than slider bed or gravity conveyors.
Indexing (Pallet/Slat)
Indexing conveyors move products in predetermined, precise increments to allow for accurate assembly operations and positioning. Commonly used in assembly and manufacturing processes that require precise control and timing. Indexing conveyors can automate operations to improve efficiency and reduce manual labor needs.
Over/Under Accumulating Pallet
Accumulating conveyors move pallets in a continuous loop using motors. They are highly customizable with pallet-handling options like turntables, lift and transfer units, and diverters to accommodate different pallet sizes and weights. Controls and sensors can automate tasks and monitor pallet movement, removing the need for a constant attendant. They can handle large material volumes, enabling high-density pallet storage.
Impact
Conveying heavy-duty loads, impact conveyors are part of the hinged belt conveyor family and feature durable steel pans supported by guides, optional hoppers, side rails, and tunnel covers. They excel in transporting welded parts, scrap metals, forgings, and casting in the metalworking, welding, and automotive industries. Although they require more maintenance and are more expensive than other belt conveyors, impact conveyors are highly efficient in handling impact and heavy loads.
Hopper
A hopper collects material from a vibratory feeder or conveyor belt. It’s used for handling various food products, pharmaceuticals, bolts, axles, and more. They can be customized with level sensors, dust collection systems, and discharge gates to regulate conveyor speed and material feed rate.
Conveyor Systems From MC3
Since 2000, MC3 Manufacturing has been designing and manufacturing various high-quality custom conveyor systems. We are committed to providing innovative products with optimal value to our customers.
At MC3 Manufacturing, we offer a broad range of filtration, material handling, and chip and scrap conveyor systems to meet the demands of many industries. We provide quick turnaround times, accommodate unique client design & configurations, and strive to form successful, long-lasting relationships with our customers.
Contact us today to learn more about how MC3 Manufacturing can help meet the specific demands of your next application or request a quote for a detailed response.
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