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Speed and Automation Technology: How Conveyor Systems Can Help Achieve Optimum Results

05 December 2017

Despite their highly developed mechatronic assemblies, conveyor systems can jolt to a stop when the machinery isn’t perfectly tuned. Like a perfectly conducted musical concerto, all the parts in this equipment line must operate synchronously. Otherwise, the whole production area starts to feel like a congested river. For instance, if the equipment is semi-automated, which is the modern way, then the sensors controlling the conveyor belt or rollers must operate properly.

Carry Out an Eye Test

Advanced conveyor systems don’t exactly use eyes, but they are controlled by motion-detecting sensors. In the control room, programmable logic controllers coordinate the system. Meanwhile, doors are opening, assembly personnel are handling the moving packages, and other sensory controllers are preparing the next part of a complicated sequence. Sometimes, no matter how well the maintenance schedule operates, the electric eyes monitoring these sequences fails or moves out of alignment. All of those sensory subsystems must be correctly aligned and in peak operating condition.

Inspect the System Backbone

Pulley drums move rubber strips and metal segments. Chain drives draw rollers forward. There are hundreds of moving parts in motion back there. The cladding on the rollers wears, as do the roller bearings. Even if those mounted bearings aren’t worn, they will inevitably drift out of alignment. Adjustment routines will quickly correct this issue, although the maintenance work could cause system downtime. Hopefully, there’s a measure of logistical planning in place, so a second system will assume the load while the misaligned gear is repaired. Incidentally, those bearings require lubrication, either from a sealed oil bath, an independent oil line, or a maintenance operator.

Assessing Production Line Connectivity

We join the dots by evaluating the upstream and downstream requirements within each particular manufacturing facility. In adhering to this strategy, the conveyor system connects to the production and shipping nodes as a bridging channel, a motional conduit that intelligently fulfils the requirements of that processing environment. Packages, for example, can vary in shape and mass, yet each and every box must be conveyed according to the needs of the manufacturing authority. In other words, the installed conveyor system needs to satisfy all production goals while establishing the foundations of a safe transportation framework.

Up in the control room, the electronic controllers digitally time each action. Everything, absolutely every action is synchronized. However, if we’re to optimize the operational conditions in what’s basically a clockwork-accurate system, every other link in the part-connecting chain must operate as intended. Bearings and drum pulleys must be maintained, lubricated, and wear-free. The Electronic sensors skirting the conveyor system obviously require a similar level of heightened care and attention.