Which Conveyors are Flexible?
When referring to conveyors that are flexible, generally people will be talking about flexi conveyors. Flexi conveyors have a mechanical structure that has been designed to allow the user to manipulate the conveyors length and shape. This allows the user to adapt the conveyor for use on different tasks if the task requires an element of material handling.
The frame of a flexi conveyor is made up from small steel plates that are bolted together to form a long-interlinked structure to which all the other components, such as rollers and support legs, are connected to. The interlinked structure is designed in a way that allows the conveyor to increase or decrease its length, also allowing a different change in length on opposing sides of the conveyor, allowing the conveyor to flex sideways like a snake. This is where flexi conveyors get their name.
What Types of Flexi Conveyor are Available?
Flexi conveyors are available in two main types, powered and gravity. Powered flexi conveyors use electric motors to move product along their length, and gravity flexi conveyors use either gravity to move the product along, if there is a decline gradient, or they require operators to push them along.
Powered flexi conveyors are available in two types, transport or zero line pressure (ZLP). Transport flexi conveyors will simply convey a product from the start of the conveyor to the end, and once the product reaches the end, a sensor will detect the product and stop the whole length of conveyor. If the offloading end is continuously offloaded, the flow of product will continue along the conveyor. However, if nobody is there to offload, the whole conveyor will stop. ZLP on the other hand, is broken down into individually driven sections, meaning accumulation at the offloading end is possible, while the rest of the conveyor continues to transport product.
Gravity flexi conveyors are available in two main types also, roller and skate wheel. Roller flexi conveyors use cylindrical rollers the full width of the conveyor (this applies to all powered flexi conveyors too). Skate wheel flexi conveyors use small disc-like rollers which are equally spaced across the width of the conveyor. The skate wheels will still handle a wide variety of product types, and are generally more cost effective.
Both powered and gravity type flexi conveyors are available in a range of conveyor lengths, widths, roller pitch, and roller type (such as plastic or steel).
Call North Conveyors Ltd today to discuss your requirements with our experienced sales team.
Telescopic Boom Conveyors | Vehicle Loading Conveyor | Expert Advice (northconveyors.co.uk)
Home Page – North East England Chamber of Commerce (neechamber.co.uk)