Reference Library

CONVEYOR BASICS

ABC Conveyor Book:
Gravity Conveyors

WHAT IS A GRAVITY CONVEYOR?

A gravity conveyor moves objects without motor power.

To help objects move "easier" . . . and with as little slant or slope as possible -

WHEELS OR . . .
ROLLERS

 

The WHEELS or ROLLERS are put into channel frames held together with "bed spacers."

Different widths can be made. Frames can be either STEEL or ALUMINUM.

 

WHEEL CONVEYORS

Wheels are put on axles. Aluminum spacer tubes are put on the axle between the wheels. This keeps wheels from moving from side to side on the axle.

In the drawing above, the axles are on 3 in. centers (also available in 1-1/2 in. centers). The number of wheels on each axle can vary. This determines the number of wheels per foot on the conveyor.

BUT . .

There should always be a minimum of 10 wheels under a box.

This helps you decide the number of wheels per foot to order.

ROLLER CONVEYORS

 

Rollers have their own axles. Most axles are SPRING-LOADED. This means. . .
...The axle can be moved to one side.
Rollers can be easily removed or replaced in Conveyor Channel frame. The spring also keeps the roller in place.

The rollers are put in the frame as close together -

 

or as far apart as necessary . . . BUT there should always be THREE (3) rollers under the box.

LESS THAN 3 ROLLERS . . . box tumbles

BEST-3 ROLLERS UNDER BOX AT ALL TIMES! This determines the ROLLER CENTERS to order.

 

MOVE THESE ON WHEEL CONVEYORS

(Any items with a smooth, flat bottom. These items can be wider than the conveyor, 6 in. over on each side is not too much. Extra wide items like plywood, can be moved O.K., but center it carefully.)

 

Tote boxes will not move easily

Use as many wheels as
possible for best results.

MOVE THESE ON ROLLER CONVEYORS

Any Items with an uneven or open bottom, or with a rim on the bottom. These items should never be bigger around than the rollers are long.

HOW GRAVITY CONVEYORS ARE SET UP

1. ALL SECTIONS HAVE COUPLINGS

PORTABLE TYPE
PERMANENT TYPE

Sections can then be used together by coupling them to each other.

2. PORTABLE SET-UP USS TRIPOD STANDS

 

Always use one more stand than the number of conveyor sections (3 sections use 4 stands.)

3. PERMANENT SET-UP USES STATIONARY SUPPORTS

Always use one more support than the number of conveyor sections (3 sections use 4 supports.)

POWERED AND GRAVITY CONVEYORS CAN BE USED TOGETHER!

This is called a "Flow System".



NEXT: You should know about BELT CONVEYORS TOO!