Side Guides
Keep products on a defined path, adjust for product changes or add guidance above the product. Conveyor Technologies' modular system includes fixed, two-axis adjustable and hold-down guides, with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW) contact surfaces in different profiles.
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Guide arrangements
Fixed side guides
Useful when: Products follow a consistent path and need guidance at a set contact height.
A fixed rail profile and bracket establish where the guide meets the product.
2-axis adjustable side guides
Useful when: Product changes call for a different guide width or contact height.
Lateral and vertical movements change guide spacing and contact height. Screw-adjustable and quick-set arrangements are available.
2-Axis Adjustable Side Guides with Hold-down
Useful when: The product needs guidance above it as well as along its sides.
An upper hold-down rail works with adjustable side guides around the permitted product contact.
2-axis adjustable side guides with hold-down
A hold-down adds guidance above the product when side guidance alone does not provide the required contact. Conveyor Technologies selects its length, rod mounting and locking arrangement around the product height, permissible contact and available access.
Tool-less Width Adjustment
Tool-free adjustment hardware is available. Optional collars establish two preset lateral positions for changing between products.
Setting or adjusting the collars requires tools. Guided, non-rotating cross blocks keep the adjustment mechanism aligned.
Changeover and reconfiguration
Removable modular components
Rails and accessories can be removed and replaced as the arrangement changes. The system includes lane dividers, diverters, hold-downs and end stops.
Accessories and contact surfaces
Lane dividers
Lane dividers have independently adjustable upper and lower rails. In the brochure's adjustable-divider arrangement, no component extends below the lower rail as its height is adjusted. A solid UHMW divider is also available.
Adjustable end stops
End stops can be positioned along the rail, with tool-free longitudinal positioning and removal. The documented arrangement works with rail types A through E.
Width extenders
| Extender arrangement | Documented effect |
|---|---|
| Set of #3014 extenders | Adds 1.25 in to the distance between guides. |
| Set of #2117 extenders on most End-Drive conveyors | Allows loads 2 in wider than nominal belt width. |
| #2117 arrangement on Center Drive conveyors | Allows D values 3 in greater than the brochure's listed values. |
These dimensions increase guide clearance. They do not increase belt width or establish a higher load rating. Conveyor Technologies checks the conveyor, load support and guide arrangement against the applicable drawing.
Liner and finish options
Standard and high-temperature UHMW liners, custom sizes and finishes are available. Fixed-guide options also include cushioning for delicate items.
Conveyor Technologies helps match the liner to product contact, temperature and cleaning exposure.
Dimensions and adjustment choices
The modular-guide brochure's 3 in F rails and 4 in G rails require medium or high brackets. Quick-set arrangements use 4 in or 6 in rods; usable guide travel depends on the complete arrangement.
| Detail | Available choice or meaning |
|---|---|
| Contact surfaces | UHMW liners in multiple rail profiles |
| Mounting brackets | Standard, medium or high |
| Adjustment | Fixed, screw-adjustable or two-axis quick-set |
| Quick-set rods | 4 in or 6 in |
| Guide supply | One side or a set of two sides |
| W dimension | Belt width |
| D dimension | Distance between rails |
| H dimension | Vertical distance from rail center to belt in the modular-guide brochure |
Rail height, bracket height and adjustment travel are separate dimensions. The complete D and H values depend on conveyor series, rail profile, bracket, rod length and collars.
Integration and product control
Guides can contain, separate, hold down, divert or stop a product. Guide rods, brackets and removal access are coordinated with stands, drives and surrounding machinery.
The Transfer & Product Control Guide explains product presentation and handoff considerations. OEM & Machine Integration covers the surrounding machine layout.
Documentation and support
The Side Guides Brochure and Side Guides Technical Drawings use different rail and mounting code systems. The applicable drawing determines usable width, mounting height and guide position.
View Brochure and Technical Drawings
For an existing arrangement, Equipment Identification provides a starting point.
Warranty: 10 years
Discuss your guide arrangement
Tell us what the guides need to contain or position. Conveyor Technologies can help select the rail profile, adjustment method and accessories.
For a technical question, Ask for Engineering Help.