Depending on the purpose of conveyor systems, they can feature different materials, designs, working mechanisms, and applications among other aspects. Notably, a conveyor system that works perfectly for a certain operation or industry may not be the best for another.
For the operations of your company to reach the highest efficiency, you would need to be armed with more than just a budget when looking for a conveyor for sale. The factors below can help you make an informed decision when choosing a conveyor system.
Material Being Handled and Moved
This can be described by characteristics such as size, weight, state, and type. Conveyor systems are tailored to handle each or a combination of these dynamics. For example, products that are large and bulky will require heavy-duty conveyors compared to smaller and lighter ones.
Also, if you are handling products in liquid, chip, or powder form, you are better off with a system that seals in the products to avoid spillage as opposed to one that handles large solid materials. The type of material can range from one industry to another. Food products, for instance, will require sanitary or easier to clean conveyors compared to those needed for airport luggage.
The Operation Environment
The conveyor system you choose should work harmoniously with the work environment. This is in terms of factors such as potential fire and explosive hazards, conveyor installation options, and potential danger to workers.
The conveyor should also be able to withstand conditions present in the workplace such as high humidity, extreme temperatures, and corrosive vapor without malfunctioning. Another key aspect of work environment that will influence the choice of conveyor is the space available.
Care, Maintenance and Repair
If the conveyor goes down, how much time would it require to get it up and running? Besides this, what and how many mechanical parts need constant maintenance for the conveyor to work effectively? You should choose a conveyor that offers the least amount of interruptions with repairs and maintenance. That said, having a team at hand to handle such tasks can help you go with your most preferred choice.
Basing your choice on care will depend on the industry. For warehouse operations, you might not need strict sanitation practices. On the other hand, you may need to consider wash-down requirements with pharmaceutical and food handling conveyors.
Cost
Cost is among the most important factors to consider when looking for a conveyor for sale. To ensure that you get value for your money, you should have a budget set and then go shopping for the best deal within that amount. You can choose to concentrate on the initial cost of buying the conveyor or better yet, engage potential suppliers to get an idea of how much it would cost to own the conveyor in the long-term. Armed with this information upfront, you can make an even better financial commitment.
Conclusion
There are numerous factors to consider when looking to invest in an effective conveyor system. The list above is only a highlight of the general considerations. When it comes down to it, the above factors coupled with your company’s unique needs will help you make the right choice.
