How to choose the right industrial conveyor for your company
In most well-performing enterprises, there comes a time when manual transport of goods not only becomes insufficient but also causes losses. Efficiency drops day by day, employees are overworked, and as orders increase, delays and complaints become more frequent. Is there a golden solution to these problems? Many business owners decide to invest in industrial conveyors. But how do you choose the right type of equipment? The market offers many options – belt, roller, chain conveyors… In this article, we explain how to match the conveyor to your space.
Industrial conveyors – where to start
First and foremost, the type of industrial conveyor must match the nature of the transported goods. A carton with lightweight products behaves differently from a 100-kg metal car part with irregular shape and protruding structural elements. That’s why it’s important to define the characteristics of the product: its weight, shape, size, and stability. Other factors such as density, humidity, temperature, or tendency to stick are also essential.
Working environment and industrial conveyor
Does your facility operate at high temperatures? Is it humid? Or is it a potentially explosive zone? Each of these factors affects the choice of materials and the design of an industrial conveyor.
In construction environments, resistance to dust and dirt is crucial. In the food industry, ease of maintenance is key. Therefore, a professional manufacturer of industrial conveyors doesn’t sell a “universal” machine but instead creates custom-made solutions that ensure safety and maximum efficiency. And speaking of efficiency…
Efficiency as one of the key parameters
Every company has its own workflow, largely dependent on the type of product and business goals. Before ordering a conveyor, consider the level of efficiency you need. How many products should move through the system per hour? At what speed? For how long? The machine must transport the planned quantity of material smoothly to prevent bottlenecks in the production line.
A reliable manufacturer will perform an efficiency analysis of the conveyor system and advise on how to choose a model that meets the needs of your facility.
Industrial conveyors and costs – what to expect
When selecting a conveyor, consider not only the investment cost but also long-term maintenance expenses. Energy consumption is one of the key factors. An energy-efficient model can significantly reduce bills, especially during continuous operation.
You should also factor in service, spare parts, and maintenance costs. In practice, every investment in industrial conveyors pays off, but some machines are more economical to operate than others.
Industrial conveyors – safety and maintenance matter too
When a machine stops, the entire production line often halts – and downtime always generates unexpected costs. Therefore, when choosing an industrial conveyor, make sure it’s properly adapted to working conditions – resistant to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. It should generate as little noise as possible, and safety measures must be in place to protect employees.
Check whether the conveyor has proper certifications such as the CE mark. Construction also matters – especially the possibility of system expansion or mobility. Another essential factor is easy access to spare parts, as the conveyor will eventually require inspection or component replacement.
Types of industrial conveyors – examples of models
Each type of conveyor has specific characteristics and applications:
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Belt conveyor – used for transporting individual or packaged products over longer distances. Ideal for warehouses and production lines, ensuring smooth and continuous product flow.
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Roller conveyor – designed for transporting pallets and heavier loads. Facilitates efficient loading and unloading, particularly in distribution warehouses.
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Bucket conveyor – suited for vertical transport of bulk materials or small items. Lifts loads to greater heights in multi-level warehouses.
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Screw conveyor – perfect for bulk materials or those requiring precise dosing.
Industrial automation – the biggest step toward growth
More and more companies are investing in industrial process automation because they recognize its economic and operational benefits. Automated industrial conveyors enable continuous, repeatable, uninterrupted work, reducing human error and minimizing financial losses.
Importantly, belt, chain, and bucket conveyors can be integrated with warehouse management systems (WMS), which helps automate routing, control material flow, and monitor overloads or potential disruptions in real time.
MPL Techma – belt, roller, and chain conveyors for your industry
At MPL Techma, we started in 2003, when automation in Poland was still in its early stages. A group of enthusiasts decided to create a company that would help businesses work smarter, faster, and safer. Initially, we supplied components, but soon we began building our own machines.
Since then, we’ve been developing in the field of intralogistics, operating as a manufacturer of lifts and conveyors that can be easily expanded and adapted to growing needs – regardless of whether the load is small or large.
At MPL Techma, we deliver conveyors tailored to the specific needs of your business – from needs analysis to installation and maintenance. We’ll gladly build a system that not only transports your products but continuously and reliably drives your company’s growth!
FAQ – how to choose the right powered conveyor for your company
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Why invest in an industrial conveyor for material handling?
Industrial conveyors increase production line efficiency and reduce employee fatigue. They enable fast and smooth transportation of goods in warehouses and production facilities, becoming an integral part of an efficient production process. -
How to match a conveyor to the type of transported goods?
Define the weight, size, shape, and stability of the load. Different transport systems are suitable for lightweight cartons or heavy pallets. This allows you to choose the optimal conveyor for a specific application. -
What types of industrial conveyors are available?
The most common types are belt, roller, bucket, and screw conveyors. Each serves a different purpose – from transporting individual products to moving heavy pallets. The choice depends on the type of goods and production requirements. -
How does the working environment affect conveyor selection?
Factors such as temperature, humidity, dust, or explosive zones determine the materials and design of the equipment. Industrial conveyors must be durable and easy to maintain, ensuring long service life even in harsh conditions. -
How to determine the required conveyor efficiency?
Establish how many products should pass through the system per hour and at what speed. Belt or roller conveyors should operate smoothly to prevent blockages. Efficiency must match the company’s production rhythm. -
What are the operating costs of conveyors?
Beyond the purchase price, consider energy, service, and spare part costs. Energy-efficient conveyors lower expenses during continuous operation. In the long run, investing in a belt conveyor pays off. -
How to ensure safety when using a conveyor?
The equipment should have proper certifications, including the CE mark. Noise levels and worker protection systems are also important. Industrial conveyors must be safe, user-friendly, and easy to maintain. -
Can conveyors be automated?
Yes, belt, roller, and bucket conveyors can be integrated with WMS systems. Automation allows continuous material transport and performance monitoring, reducing human error and improving efficiency. -
What materials and designs are used in conveyors?
Common materials include aluminum profiles, stainless steel, galvanized or powder-coated steel, and rubber or PVC belts. The structure must be durable, resistant, and easy to expand, ensuring flexibility as company needs evolve. -
Why choose a manufacturer that customizes conveyors?
A professional manufacturer provides machines tailored to the product type, environment, and required efficiency. They offer full service – from design to installation and maintenance. As a result, industrial conveyors become an essential part of a company’s logistics efficiency.