Conveyors for Automation
Conveyor motion within an automated line
Move parts between assembly stations, robotic cells and inspection operations. Conveyor Technologies offers low-profile conveyors with motion, part-holding and mounting arrangements selected around the work at each station.
On this page
01 / The application
Robotic handoff and station positioning
Move to a defined working position
Timing belts engage toothed pulleys to transmit conveyor motion. Indexed movement carries parts between positions for labeling, dispensing, fastening, inspection or assembly.
Hold the part in the required orientation
Part holders and fixtures support products during transport and at the working station. Controlling belt travel alone does not locate an unsecured part. The holder establishes its orientation, while a fixed stop can provide a reference position and a sensor can check that the part is present before the station begins.
Coordinate movement and dwell
Acceleration, travel and dwell form the conveyor's movement cycle. The conveyor advances the part into the working area, then pauses while the robot or station performs its operation. That pause, or dwell, must accommodate the task before the next movement begins.
Positioning tolerance and cycle timing apply to the complete conveyor, part-holding and control arrangement.
For camera-based stations, see Vision Inspection.
Choose a starting point
Conveyors to explore
AccuMove Conveyors
Timing belt motion for indexing and coordinated movement.
Useful when: Parts advance between assembly, labeling or inspection stations.
Dual Belt Indexing Conveyor
Two timing belts support and guide part holders.
Useful when: Parts need to travel in holders through a sequence of working stations.
Vacuum Conveyors
Vacuum holds lightweight or unstable products against the belt.
Useful when: Lightweight parts need to stay against the belt while moving between operations.
End-Drive Conveyors
A low-profile conveyor with the drive at one end.
Useful when: Parts travel between workstations or through a machine.
Center Drive Conveyor
Drive placement between the ends where end clearance is limited.
Useful when: Products need to enter or leave close to adjoining equipment.
02 / The application
Configure the line around the process
Fit the available space
Low-profile frames suit compact workstations and machine enclosures. End-drive and center-drive arrangements place the drive in different positions along the conveyor.
Connect adjoining equipment
Conveyor length, belt width, elevation and drive speed can be selected around transfer points. The receiving and discharge positions connect the conveyor to the surrounding process; the drive and mounting arrangement occupy additional space around that path. Floor, bench and machine mounting offer different ways to support the conveyor.
Accommodate product changes
Adjustable side guides accommodate different product widths. Removable part holders change how a part is supported and located. These are distinct changeover choices, and their applicability depends on the conveyor and product. Belt-change access also depends on the conveyor and its mounting arrangement.
03 / The application
Controls and sensor integration
Start, stop and speed control
Drive configurations accept commands for conveyor start, stop and speed. Variable-speed operation allows the conveyor speed to be adjusted to surrounding equipment.
A start command begins conveyor movement; feedback tells the surrounding controller what is happening. Conveyor Technologies helps select the drive and interfaces so start and stop commands, speed requests and fault signals fit the machine sequence. Programmable logic controller (PLC) connections and communication requirements depend on the selected drive and control arrangement.
Sensors along the conveyor
T-slot accessory rails provide mounting points for photoelectric sensors, proximity sensors and other detection devices. Sensor positions can move along the rail to suit the detection point without drilling new mounting holes.
Detection tasks include product presence, position verification and jam sensing. A presence check before a station cycle serves a different purpose from sensing a backup farther along the conveyor. The sensors, their positions and the control logic are selected around those tasks.
Discuss your automated process
Tell us what the conveyor needs to carry and the operation it connects to. Conveyor Technologies can help select the conveyor, motion and mounting configuration. A brief description is enough to start.