What to Expect with Overhead Conveyor Systems

Many factories require the use of overhead conveyor systems. These are extremely useful and even necessary in many workplaces having limited space and require the system to be suspended from the ceiling, instead of on the main floor. Overheard conveyors can be powered by air pressure, a vacuum, or electricity, or non-powered. When they are non-powered, they must enlist the means of gravity or an employee to make the conveyors function. The three common overhead conveyors around are an enclosed track, a power and free system, and an I-beam monorail set up.

A variety of items are able to be propelled at different speeds, all along the same conveyor system, on a power and free conveyor. Loads are even able to be gathered in one specific section or change to a different track.

This feature is very useful in places where items might need to be gathered for inspection, while others are still moving through an assembly line. These systems are suited for paint lines where multiple spray booths are involved, assembly lines, and work in progress lines.

The setup of an enclosed track is very quick, which minimizes company down time. No welding is required because of the track being installed with bolts instead.

This is especially helpful when an assembly line is in progress, but an inspection of items is needed on one section of the track. Not only can locations be changed by items, but even tracks can be switched. The power and free conveyors are excellent for use in assembly lines, spray booths along paint lines, and work in progress areas.

Uses for enclosed tracks include; assembly lines, paint lines, delivery of empty cartons to order pickers, and even trash removal from picking areas. These systems are common for moving items from one department to another or from receiving docks to a storage area.

Due to the positioning of these conveyor systems being suspended from the ceiling, as opposed to placed on the floor, they can use ceiling space as a sort of mobile storage if needed.

Steel or wood ceilings are used for the suspension of overhead conveyor systems, as well as walls made of the same materials. These systems are used in warehousing and distribution, paint finishing, creative displays for retail, manufacturing and assembly, as well as in the food handling industry. Man power is saved, by allowing for large quantities of products to move quickly through an area, instead of needing to be carried by employees. With them being suspended in the air, these systems also make for excellent optimization of a facility’s entire space. It has been found that the noise reduction achieved with these systems allows for a much safer work place.

For more information on Pusher Dogs, Used Pusher Dogs, or any other conveyor parts, please visit Wilkie Brother Conveyors.