Quick Facts
| Type: Non-powered conveyor system that uses rollers or skate wheels |
| Operation: Relies on gravity or manual intervention to move items along conveyors |
| Common Uses: Warehouses, distribution centers, and assembly lines |
| Material Compatibility: Boxes, cartons, packages, and totes |
| Key Benefits: Cost-effective, low maintenance, energy-free operation |
| Ideal for: Flat or inclined paths |
| Load Capacity: Varies depending on frame and roller construction |
| Custom Solutions: Available through Conveyor Specialists' in-house engineering team |
What is a Gravity Conveyor?
Gravity conveyors are one of the most widely used material handling tools in the world. At Conveyor Specialists, we understand their vital role in industries ranging from manufacturing to retail. With our in-house engineering team, we provide tailored systems to meet the unique demands of your operation. Whether moving packages down an assembly line or efficiently loading and unloading trucks, standard gravity conveyors offer an affordable, versatile option for businesses looking to streamline operations. Gravity sections can also be part of a larger automated motor-driven system, leveraging gravity in certain areas to reduce overall costs and maintenance requirements.
A gravity conveyor is a simple, yet highly effective system designed to transport items by utilizing the natural force of gravity or manual people power. Unlike powered conveyors, gravity conveyors use no motorized components. Instead, they consist of rollers, wheels, or skate wheels mounted within a frame. The movement of products along the conveyor occurs naturally when placed on a slightly inclined surface, allowing gravity to pull them downward. They can also be mounted parallel to the ground or with minimal incline for staging, packaging, and inspection processing, where manual forces are used to forward materials down the conveyor. Gravity conveyors are an ideal solution for low- to medium-weight materials and can be configured to support a broad range of material sizes.
Types of Gravity Conveyors:
1. Roller Conveyors: These are made up of a series of cylindrical rollers, allowing for easy and smooth transportation of items. They're ideal for handling heavier or more durable products. Roller conveyors are available in a variety of widths, roller spacing, and configurations: straight runs, curves, and spurs.
2. Skate Wheel Conveyors: Constructed with rows of wheels, this type of conveyor is perfect for moving lighter materials and offers greater flexibility, including tighter turns. As a simple rule of thumb, a minimum of 10 skate wheels should be under the material/box being moved to ensure proper conveyance. Like roller conveyors, skate wheel conveyors are also available in a variety of widths, roller spacing, and configurations: straight runs, curves, and spurs.
3. Ball Transfer Conveyors: These conveyors consist of a grid of ball bearings that permit movement in any direction, making them great for workstations where materials need to be rotated or manually shifted. They can also be included in various system designs for simple sorting and transferring to other conveyors.
Key Features and Benefits
- Cost-Effective and Fast: Gravity conveyors are among the most affordable material handling solutions. With no motors or complex systems involved, the cost of installation and operation is minimal and setup and availability is typically very fast.
- Energy Efficiency: Since they rely purely on gravity or manual intervention, there is no need for electricity, reducing energy consumption and utility costs.
- Low Maintenance: With fewer moving parts compared to powered conveyors, standard gravity conveyors require less maintenance, keeping repair costs low and maximizing uptime.
- Scalable and Customizable: Thanks to Conveyor Specialists' in-house engineering team, gravity conveyors can be designed to fit your facility’s unique space and workflow. We offer various lengths, widths, and configurations, from simple straight paths to complex layouts with curves and declines.
- Simplicity and Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of industries, gravity conveyors can be adapted to handle different types of materials and product sizes. From lightweight boxes in retail settings to large cartons in warehouses, they can accommodate various load capacities.
Applications
Standard gravity conveyors can be found across many industries, including:
- Warehousing and Distribution: Gravity conveyors are a staple for sorting, packing, and shipping stations.
- Manufacturing: They are often used in assembly lines where products need to move from one workstation to the next and in shipping and receiving areas.
- Order Fulfillment: Gravity conveyors assist in picking, packing, and preparing items for shipment in e-commerce settings.
- Loading/Unloading Trucks: These conveyors make the manual loading and unloading process faster and more efficient, reducing labor strain.
Custom Design Solutions
One of the key advantages of working with Conveyor Specialists is our in-house engineering team. Whether you need a standard configuration or a fully customized system, we work with you to design the optimal gravity conveyor setup for your specific operational needs. Our team can analyze your facility layout, product types, and workflow to create a solution that enhances efficiency while minimizing costs.
Installation Considerations
When installing gravity conveyors, there are several factors to consider for optimal performance:
- Incline: A slight downward angle is necessary to ensure smooth product flow. Typically, 4-7 degrees of incline works well, depending on the weight of the items.
- Roller Spacing: For consistent movement, the spacing between rollers should be no greater than 1/3 of the length of the shortest item you plan to transport.
- Length and Layout: Consider the workflow of your operation and plan the conveyor system’s length and configuration accordingly. With the help of Conveyor Specialists' engineering team, gravity conveyors can be extended or curved to fit various operational needs.
Whether you're looking for an efficient way to move products through your facility or need a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution for material handling, standard gravity conveyors offer unmatched reliability. With Conveyor Specialists' in-house engineering team, we provide tailored solutions designed to optimize your operation. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your business!