When considering adding a new or additional conveyor system to an operation, it is imperative to understand the key considerations when researching and selecting the right equipment. Every type of metal scrap and shop process is unique, so it is important to prioritize the aspects of a conveyor system most vital to your needs.
Conveyor Selection Goals
To meet your needs and requirements, whether it is a single unit or a complex system, there are several basic goals to achieve. Among the goals are:
The first step toward fulfilling these goals is to clearly identify your needs and relate them to the advantages and disadvantages of the available conveyor types. Individual situations almost always involve unique characteristics so judgment on the correct identification, based on experience, usually plays an important role.
Finding the Right Match
Some of the most important questions to answer when trying to match your scrap with the right conveyor include identifying the type and size of the scrap, the volume, the die lube amount, and the required conveyor path. In addition, you want to look for a conveyor that is the most reliable, provides increased uptime, offers the most flexibility as the facility’s needs change, and is the most efficient option for increasing the operation’s productivity.
The chart below relates various types of ferrous and non-ferrous metal scrap to the available metal scrap handling conveyors. It primarily indicates the suitability or unsuitability of a particular conveyor to the materials and conditions listed.
You will find, among the more than one hundred situations covered, that more than one type of conveyor can be used in most cases. In practice, when the solution to your need involves more than a short conveyor run, two or more conveyors used in combination often provide the best result.
Choosing the Right Solution
Do your homework. Research and read as many white papers, case studies, and articles as you can find on various metal scrap conveyor systems and suppliers. This will help your shop form its own ideas about what decision to make. Many companies can sell you a conveyor, but an experienced supplier will ensure you have the right system for your specific scrap type, goals, and requirements, keeping your project on track from beginning to start-up.
For more information, use our conveyor selection tool or contact us today.
