Accumulation Conveyor System
Your facility needs a way to time the transportation of units through an automated system. One option is an accumulation conveyor system, which queues up unit loads before feeding them into the appropriate process, such as picking, packing, sorting, or palletizing.
With an accumulation conveyor system, packages don't pile up. Instead, they remain in a buffer area until the process is ready to accept them. If your production or distribution line regularly experiences fluctuations, you need an accumulation conveyor system. Learn more about how Siggins accumulation conveyors work and how to choose the best system for your facility.
What Are Accumulation Conveyor Systems?
As you may guess from the name, accumulation conveyor systems allow products to accumulate on a conveyor. They can stop or hold items on the conveyor and are frequently used during the packing and picking process, as they create a buffer zone between products.
An accumulation conveyor system gives you more control over transporting products between processes. The method of adjusting the conveyors depends on the type of system you choose, but the concept is the same. You can change the speed of the conveyor to keep a specific spacing between products, reducing damage and eliminating traffic jams.
How does an accumulation conveyor system know when there's too much product on the line or when it needs to slow things down? Often, the systems use sensors that detect when products are in certain zones. When the sensors signal that there are products in that zone, the drive rollers further back on the conveyor don't activate, which prevents the products from moving into that zone. When the zone becomes clear, the sensors send another signal, and products start moving again.
When a product does end up in the buffer zone, the conveyor system has a few ways to release it. It can create space between each product, release all the products in the zone simultaneously, or time the release between products.
Why Use an Accumulation Conveyor System?
Accumulation conveyor systems do more than direct the flow of products. Other reasons to use this type of system include the following:
- Product storage
- Back up before a merging conveyor
- Back up for before a sorter or other gapping device
- Back up for workstations such as weighing, manifesting or packing
Types of Accumulation Conveyors
Siggins has two types of accumulation conveyor systems available — minimum pressure accumulation and zero pressure accumulation. Learn more about each system and coordinating conveyors.
Minimum Pressure Accumulation
A minimum pressure accumulation system is appropriate if you have consistent box sizes and products can build up behind each other with minimal damage. Choose this system if backup conveyor line pressure isn't a concern.
A minimum pressure accumulation system has combined back pressure of about 2% of the live load, which can be too much with long conveyor lines.
Zero Pressure Accumulation
Choose a zero pressure accumulation system when you can't have any conveyor line pressure. For example, select a zero pressure accumulation system if you supply products to packers who need to remove cases from the conveyor at any point and can't have any pressure on the boxes.
Another example of a time when a zero pressure system works best is when you have multiple box or case sizes. If you use a minimum pressure system with different box sizes, the boxes will push against each and can end up side by side, forming a wedge that leads to a traffic jam.
When packing, sorting or otherwise transporting fragile products, such as glassware, you must eliminate back pressure to prevent product damage. The same is true if you're using older cases or boxes in poor condition, which can be damaged by a minimum pressure system.
Accumulation Belt Conveyor and Accumulation Pallet Conveyor
The size and type of conveyor system you choose depends on the size of the products you pack and ship. If you regularly ship and pack pallets, you need a large conveyor to handle oversized products. An accumulation pallet conveyor is appropriate for the largest loads.
A belt conveyor moves products along the conveyor using a belt, or solid piece of material, rather than rollers or chains. Belts can be made from various materials, including rubber and plastic.
Benefits of Accumulation Conveyors
Accumulation conveyor systems offer multiple benefits to your facility, including:
- The ability to control product flow: You can use an accumulation conveyor to manage the flow of products through your facility, stopping or starting the flow when appropriate.
- Multiple roller options available: Siggins accumulating conveyor systems are available with several types of rollers, so you can choose the best one for your products and facility.
- Increased efficiency: You can control the speed of the conveyor system and the spacing between products, which can help you increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your packing, picking or other processes.
- Reduced backups: When you have more control over the system, you can prevent backups and keep product queues from becoming overwhelming.
Why Choose Siggins for Accumulation Conveyor Systems
Siggins provides your facility's material handling equipment to improve productivity and increase efficiency. We form long-lasting relationships with our customers and want to see each organization we work with reach its potential. We've been in business since 1946 and have developed designs and solutions that allow our customers to maximize warehouse space and resources.
When you partner with us, you can take advantage of our vast knowledge and years of industry experience. You'll also benefit from solutions that increase the value of your warehouse. We'll work with you to help you choose the accumulation conveyor system that will serve you best based on the package size and products you work with.
Contact Siggins Today
Your facility will operate more smoothly and efficiently with the help of an accumulation conveyor system. We're here to help you find the right system for you. To learn more and discuss your conveyor needs, contact Siggins today.
