A large distributor was in need of a way to handle their outgoing shipments from a mezzanine to the main floor. A newly constructed mezzanine was installed to provide a dedicated area for package preparation and shipment. Orders are filled by bringing products up to the mezzanine level.
Packaging stations are positioned along a 40' stretch of horizontal gravity roller conveyor. Products are packaged in corrugated boxes, weighed, and labeled for shipment. Once this is completed, these boxes are rolled along the gravity roller conveyor to the edge of the mezzanine.
At the discharge of the roller conveyor, the boxes transition to a gravity skate wheel conveyor that transports the cases to the main level at a gradual decline. A spiral was chosen over a decline belt conveyor to save floor space and to simplify the overall design by using gravity instead of a powered system. At the end of the spiral a horizontal section of conveyor was provided to allow the boxes to slow and stop and be removed for shipping.
The benefits of this overall system were many. The mezzanine level provided a complete new work space for order fulfillment with plenty of space, separated from the busy fork truck traffic on the main floor level. Gravity conveyors were utilized to bring boxes from the mezzanine level to the main floor, simplifying the overall installation and process. Floor space was minimized. Long term conveyor maintenance on this system is minimal since gravity is utilized and moving parts consist of rollers and skate wheels.
Although not all applications lend itself to this type of set up, this situation was perfect for this type of conveyor. The case type and sizes all fit within the parameters of utilizing a spiral. In some situations, a powered belt conveyor with the proper transitions would be required. Thomas Conveyor and Equipment can evaluate this for you and design a system that will meet your needs in the most efficient and cost effective way possible. Give us a call at 844-220-0086 and let’s discuss how we can improve your overall facility environment.