The major challenges mitigated by accumulation conveyors include micro-stops and speed variation. In this blog, Norpak Handling, a major distributor of roller conveyors, belt conveyors, chain conveyors, and more, explores these challenges and how accumulation conveyors solve them in detail.
What Are The Main Accumulation Challenges Faced By Conveyor Systems?
Micro Stops
Micro stops are small interruptions in the conveyor system that last anywhere from a few seconds to even minutes. While innocuous by themselves, combining multiple micro stops can cause major disruption in throughput in an assembly line.
Speed Variation
Different conveyors and assembly lines operate at different speeds. In such instances, the actual speed of the process falls to the speed of the slowest conveyor. This is also detrimental from an efficiency standpoint.
How Accumulation Conveyors Mitigate These Problems?
Creating Strategic Buffers
Accumulation conveyors can help create strategic buffers to counteract micro stops. So when speeds slow down or stop in one region, the products are accumulated in just that zone instead of impacting the rest of the line.
Speed Decoupling
Instead of being dependent on conveyor speeds, accumulation conveyors help decouple the speeds of different lines. Now, different conveyor lines can operate at their optimal speeds and improve the overall efficiency of the system.
Absorbing Variation And Maintaining Flow
When new variations or products are introduced to the conveyor system, accumulation conveyors ensure that the temporary slowdowns caused by them do not impact the entire operation. The same holds true for quality inspections. Instead of reducing the speed of the entire line, it only impacts one area.
Conclusion
In closing, accumulation conveyors play a vital role in assembly lines and warehouse operations as they mitigate major challenges such as micro stops and speed variations.
To learn more about accumulation conveyors and how they can benefit your business, reach out to us at Norpak Handling today. As a major conveyor system distributor in Port Hope, Ontario, our collection of conveyors includes roller conveyors, chain conveyors, belt conveyors, and more. For more details, contact us at 905-885-7674.
FAQs:
What are the main types of accumulation conveyors?
The main types of accumulation conveyors include zero-pressure accumulation and belt accumulation systems.
What are some considerations for implementing accumulation conveyors?
Some considerations for implementing accumulation conveyors include sizing accumulation zones, integration with existing systems, and industry-specific applications.
