By Jeff Bollman
Automation Engineer
Thomas Conveyor & Equipment Co
A manufacturer of outdoor storage and home & garden products contacted Thomas Conveyor & Equipment explaining their online business had almost doubled in early 2020. Their existing system was comprised of a slider bed belt conveyor used to process outgoing shipments. They wanted to add a second conveyor line to handle the increase in orders.
A Thomas Conveyor Automation Engineer provided a complimentary assessment and design consultation; prepared a conceptualized layout with a second conveyor line that would run parallel to the existing line, utilizing existing space, centralizing staff, and making the current conveyor set up more efficient and able to handle the increased output.
It was also recommended that the second line be equipped with a VFD (variable frequency drive) so personnel could adjust the speed of the belt to match the output needed. The second line would also be equipped with a photo-eye at the discharge end to stop the product when it reached the end of the conveyor. This would prohibit packages from falling onto the floor.
Another recommendation included the installation of e-stops (emergency stops), on both sides of the conveyor line at several points so that employees could stop the belt in case of an emergency.
Thomas Conveyor was awarded the commission and installed the secondary conveyor line, which included 30 feet of gravity conveyor feeding into 30 feet of slider bed belt conveyor. The client was now prepared to handle their newly increased business as well as growth well into the future.
The customer was so satisfied with the new conveyor line and its updated configuration, that they had Thomas Conveyor return to install e-stops and a photo-eye on the older, existing line so that it too could be brought up to higher production and safety levels.
Thomas Conveyor & Equipment offers a wide variety of transport conveyors, including gravity conveyors, belt conveyors, and live roller conveyors. From a single component add-on to a complete automation system Thomas Conveyor will put our years of experience to work for your operation.
Be sure to contact a Thomas Conveyor & Equipment Automation Specialist for all of your material handling needs. Call us today at 844-220-0086.