5 Must-Have Features in a Conveyor Case Chain

Seth Bailey | October 19,

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Pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging and distributing facilities have highly unique needs. In addition to extremely sterile pharmaceutical conveyors, precision, flexibility and reliability are vital to preventing any potential cross-contamination while maintaining efficiency.

That means not just any conveyor features will do. Pharmaceutical companies must match the right features to each of their needs. The following are some of the most common goals and challenges faced along the production line, and the pharmaceutical conveyors and features that can help.

1. Eliminate Tracking Issues with the EZSpan Conveyor System

The EZSpan Belt Conveyor uses an extremely thin, modular conveyor chain system to virtually eliminate any potential tracking issues with your pharmaceutical products. Fitting perfectly between machines thanks to an extremely low profile, the EZSpan was designed to eradicate large gaps that allow tablets to fall through. And it can even be customized to meet the needs of your unique operating system.

2. Sort and Merge with Ease Using a High Speed Switch

Divide your pharmaceutical products effectively, quickly and reliably with the High Speed Switch. Able to handle product flow of up to 400 fpm, the High Speed Switch is low-maintenance and rated for continuous 24/7 operation. Pharmaceutical products are transferred safely along by a series of carriers, which are supported by guide rods and powered by a pair of MonoSpan conveyor chains. And with endless configuration options, the High Speed Switch can be programmed to divert pills, tablets or capsules whenever needed. Keep in mind that 2-to-4 lane switching, converging and sorting applications are also available.

3. Move Delicate Products with the MiniLink Chain

When you need to move small, delicate pills or packaging with care, the MiniLink chain conveyor system is the ideal choice. Pharmaceutical conveyors specifically designed for fragile products can be few and far between. But Span Tech&#;s MiniLink pharmaceutical tablet conveyors bring together the functionality of a traditional conveyor system with gentler operation and a compact cross section that fits easily into production and packaging equipment where other conveyors just can&#;t.

4. Keep Your System Sanitary With Clean Out Holes

Cleanability and easy maintenance are vital to keeping your pharmaceutical conveyor belts sanitary and in tip-top shape. Span Tech&#;s Clean Out Holes allow for better access to the inside of the conveyor bed for thorough, effective and quick washdowns. They&#;re even completely customizable to fit your unique pharmaceutical distribution or handling needs.

5. Protect Against Contamination With A Metal Detector-Ready Pharmaceutical Conveyor

Metal detection is extremely important in the production of pharmaceutical products. This is why Span Tech has created the add-on Metal Detector-Ready Conveyor to ensure no metal mixes in with ingestible pharmaceutical products. This conveyor section was designed to help protect against contamination by both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Available in low-profile and split-bed metal detection configurations, the Metal Detector can be used in conjunction with your own metal detector.

Learn Why The Experts Choose Span Tech

Span Tech manufactures proven pharmaceutical conveyors and components that are used to safely transport medication, small vials, bottles, blister packs, vial pucks, bags, tubes, small cartons and more. With our extensive pharmaceutical application experience, our conveyors are designed and customized to effectively alleviate potential manufacturing risks while improving workflows.

The results are powerful. For example, when COBE BCT, a global leader in medical equipment manufacturing, was experiencing slow production rates and ergonomic issues, the company turned to Span Tech. The experts at Span Tech provided an innovative conveyor solution so efficient, COBE BCT soon added three more lines.

Let Span Tech Help Your Business Today

Looking for a specialized conveyor belt for the pharmaceutical industry? Span Tech can help. Browse our entire selection of conveyor solutions and components to get the best system for your needs. Have a question or need more information? Feel free to contact our customer service team today. Whatever your needs, we can recommend the right combination of features and design a custom conveyor solution to help your business succeed.

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The rise of new machines and new tech in factories reshape company operations. In the modern era, advanced technology and automation have led to most warehouses aligning with the principles of Industry 4.0. The industrial revolution has led to most companies upgrading their conveyor systems with artificial intelligence and automation.

Conveyor upgrades enhance connectivity, enable real-time analysis, and facilitate intelligent decision-making. Follow the article as we explore features of modern belt conveyors for Industry 4.0 to help achieve efficiency in warehouse operations.

Follow the article as we explore features of modern belt conveyors for Industry 4.0 to help achieve efficiency.

What is a Belt Conveyor?

Belt conveyors are the most common conveyor system consisting of a moving belt resting on a steel frame to support the belt and moving materials. The belt conveyor has variable speed and connects production modules using intelligent control components to improve efficiency.

There are mainly two types of conveyor systems; sliding style and roller belt style. A belt conveyor with a supporting frame underneath is termed a sliding style. On the other hand, belts supported by closely placed rollers are referred to as roller belt style.

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How Does a Belt Conveyor System Work?

Belt conveyors use a system of motorized pulleys. A belt conveyor system has at least a drive and tail pulley to control belt movement. Between the pulleys are dummy pulleys that are moved by the belt.

Pulleys incorporate a looped belt made of thick, durable material. Once the motor is activated, the belt is pulled between the pulleys. The drive pulley pushes or pulls the load, whereas the tail pulley returns the belt.

The support system is designed to hold moving materials without sagging, allowing the goods to move smoothly. As the belt moves, a belt cleaner removes any carryback that may remain on the belt upon load discharge.

Key Features of Belt Conveyor For Industry Technology 4.0

Industry 4.0 is intelligent as it optimizes interconnectivity and digitization of processes. By integrating Industry 4.0, the next generation of manufacturing allows business models to be connected. Harness the power of technology and unleash the full potential of factory and warehouse operations by incorporating conveyor technology with the following features;

1. Safety Features

Conveyor belt systems can introduce safety elements such as emergency stop buttons, sensors for detecting obstructions, and automatic load balancing to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.

2. Automation features

The conveyor system needs to integrate modern control and computer technology that can think. Through automation, the belt conveyor system can make decisions in specific situations ensuring continuous processes. 

Automation features play an essential role in the processing and packaging industries. Modern conveyor allows automated sorting, merging, and tracking of goods moved from one location to another.

3. Sensors

Sensor elements play a crucial role in predictive maintenance. When warehouse machines come to a standstill, high expenses can follow. Sensors in intelligent conveyor technology 4.0 can help users identify faults in the system at an early stage, ultimately saving money. Sensors play a vital role in predicting and deterring unscheduled downtimes in the production cycle.

4. ERP systems

Belt conveyors can be integrated with enterprise resource planning (ERP) to manage day-to-day business activities. ERP systems can have advanced features such as barcode scanners, label printers, scales, and case sealers to allow precise sorting and efficient material handling.

Sensors and ERP systems work together efficiently to help monitor risk management and compliance, supply chain operations, and accounting. ERP software collaborates with machines to analyze and leverage data to deliver consistent quality and products.

5. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Through AI, machines can communicate in real-time with each other and human operators wirelessly. Machines can understand tasks at hand to improve processes. Artificial intelligence can also help know if a machine is experiencing issues that could affect delays and errors in production. Artificial intelligence notifies the status and location of the issue in real time.

Robots work alongside human operators to monitor and have insights into operations. Robots work faster and more accurately in mundane and repetitive tasks. Unlike human operators, robotics typically perform dangerous tasks more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Benefits of Belt Conveyor Technology for Industry 4.0

Technology 4.0 helps companies at various levels of operations. Some of the benefits include;

• Increased efficiency in material handling processes
• Automated conveyor systems mitigate human errors by minimizing manual interactions.
• The tech provides buffering and staging between processes; for instance, conveyor systems can aid in vision lighting for robotic picking units.
• Increases flow rates in warehouse production and throughput speeds
• Enhances speedy processes for customized orders
• Alleviates occurrence of jams and standstills
• Automated processes ensure that the correct amounts are delivered to the right place. They help transport materials from one place to another while orienting and metering out products.
• Saves on operational costs
• Facilitates an increase in added value
• Ensures flexible adaptation to accommodate changes in product sizes, shapes, and packaging needs
• Interconnections and alignment of intelligent transport systems offer more output compared to the human workforce.
• Reduces risks of workplace accidents, creating a safer and more productive work environment

Conclusion

Conveyor belts have become a crucial element in automated facilities today. Upgrading your warehouse conveyor and storage systems helps you elevate productivity levels, minimize levels, minimize errors, and adapt to the demands of the industrial revolution. Consider conveyors with the features mentioned above to stay ahead of the competition.

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