Understanding the variations and applications that impact conveyor system cost.
How much do conveyor systems cost? Conveyor systems are used in a wide variety of industries, from the manufacture of food and drink products In a factory, to the movement of letters and parcels in a postal sorting office. Conveyor systems play A hugely important role in day to day life. Their cost, however, can vary significantly depending on a myriad of factors including applications, technology, and additional features. In this article, we explore the varying costs associated with conveyor systems, providing insights into why they are not one-size-fits-all solutions.
The Variety of Applications
Conveyor systems are used in a range of industries, from manufacturing to retail, and each application requires a different type of conveyor solution. For instance, a heavy-duty conveyor for a mining operation will differ in cost from a system designed for luggage handling in an airport. The complexity of the operation, the weight of the items being transported, and the required speed of delivery all influence the overall cost.
Conveyor Hardware Technologies
The technology behind conveyor systems also affects their price. Conveyor hardware such as line-shaft roller conveyor is one of the most cost-effective methods to transport goods in a warehouse over long distances, however, in applications that require higher speeds, line-shaft conveyor may not be suitable and hardware such as belt conveyors or belt under roller conveyors must be used to achieve the higher speeds, this however comes with an increased cost.
Optional Extra System Features
Additional features can be added to a conveyor system to enhance its functionality. Adding features like automatic labelling, automatic box erecting and sealing, or advanced sorting mechanisms will increase functionality but will also increase cost. These features enhance efficiency, particularly in eCommerce packing lines, but require additional investment. For instance, incorporating automatic labelling machines into a conveyor system ensures accuracy and speed in order fulfilment, but it can significantly bump up the system cost, due to the addition of the labelling hardware, barcode scanning hardware, integration of the host warehouse management system (WMS) to produce the barcode labels, and the associated engineering and installation costs.
Impact of Variations on Cost
These variations in applications, technology, and additional features mean that conveyor system costs can range widely. A simple gravity roller conveyor might cost a few thousand pounds, while a fully automated system with advanced features could run into hundreds of thousands. It’s this diversity in specifications and capacities that leads to a broad spectrum of pricing.
Here are some typical conveyor solutions for a logistics warehouse operation and price ranges in GBP, the below pricing excludes value added tax (VAT):
- Basic gravity roller conveyor: £750 – £3,000. Ideal for simple, non-powered transport of goods across short distances.
- Typical e-Commerce packing line conveyor: basic £20,000 – £50,000, advanced £150,000 – £200,000+. In its most simple form will simply transfer packed orders from packing benches to a manual sortation area. At the top end will include features such as box erecting, automatic labelling, box sealing, and automated carrier sortation.
- Typical box tote or poly-bag transport conveyor: price per meter cost circa £1,500 – £2,500+. The hardware specification for a typical project can vary dramatically, and depending on the size of the system which can also vary dramatically, the price per metre cost can be quite different. The above price per metre costs can give an indication on what a typical solution might cost.
- Typical pallet conveyor solutions: Gravity solutions £10,000 – £50,000+, powered solutions £50,000 – £200,000+. From basic decline gravity solutions for buffering between processes to complex powered transport solutions. There are a wide variety of solutions available for pallet handling.
- Telescopic gravity roller conveyors for vehicle (un)loading: £6,500 – £15,000. For the loading and unloading of boxed product from delivery vehicles and containers.
- Flexi (or flexible) conveyors: £1,500 – £15,000+. For use on a wide range of applications from vehicle unloading to flexible manufacturing operations. Ranging from gravity non-driven type, to powered zero-line pressure accumulation versions.
Understanding the cost of conveyor systems requires a deep dive into the specific needs of an operation. From basic gravity conveyors to high-end automated solutions, the price can vary greatly. This diversity ensures that there is a conveyor solution for every need, but it also means that there is no straightforward answer to addressing the question about conveyor system cost. The solution examples and associated costs provided above are for indicative purposes only, but hopefully they can assist you in your quest to understand the costs for implementing a conveyor system for your operation.
If you would like to delve into the specifics of conveyor systems for your operation and understand the associated costs for your specific solution, please get in touch with the North Conveyors team.