Accumulation Conveyors
Synchronized Workflow Unites Efficiency & Productivity
Streamline Order Processing with Accumulation Conveyors
Accumulation conveyors transport, buffer, count, and sort items. They can also be used for labeling and packaging items, but what sets this system apart is the ability to temporarily store and reintroduce items along the line. Accumulation conveyors monitor and automatically respond to slowdowns enabling your team to clear downstream backlogs while upstream processes continue. This helps to improve efficiency and accuracy in packaging, assembly, and other industrial processes.
Accumulation Conveyor Applications
- Zone routing
- Buffering
- Batching
- Palletizing
- Packaging lane support
- Order processing
When an accumulation conveyor senses a backlog, it shifts items to adjacent spaces called buffer zones. Items accumulate (hence the name) in the buffer zones while the downstream operation is addressed. Once the downstream conveyor restarts, the accumulation conveyor carefully directs items back into the flow on the main conveyor line.
Advantages of Accumulation Conveyors:
- Protect inventory from damage
- Reduce item backlogs from upstream incline & spiral conveyors
- Accommodates items of varying shapes & sizes
- Reduce labor & energy costs
- Protect workers from repetitive motion injuries
- Reduce forklift travel
Call the Apex team for an expert evaluation to determine if an accumulation conveyor is a cost-effective solution for your operation. We follow a vendor-agnostic approach that leads us to the best system for your specific needs, and we “Right Fit” your automation solution to your inventory specs, usable space, and throughput goals. Call the Apex team to learn more.
Accumulation Conveyors Take Two!
There are two main styles of accumulation conveyors. The difference centers on the amount of pressure applied to items as they progress along the conveyor line. Items in sturdy packaging may allow for gathering, whereas delicate items may require isolation. Your inventory and packaging requirements will help us determine the best conveyor option for your business.
Accumulation Conveyor Designs
- Minimum pressure conveyors - These conveyor lines allow items to touch lightly. It is best for items, totes, or cartons that are consistent in size & weight. Speed and spacing between objects are set with a simple roller adjustment.
- Zero-pressure conveyors - These conveyors prevent items from touching and are ideal for lightweight, variable-weight, delicate, and mixed-sized --single items, cartons, and totes. Using photo-eye-controlled sensors and unique zones to segment objects, the conveyors quickly react to slowdowns and bottlenecks and slow or stop items and then release when clear. Options include slug, cascading, and singulation. Zero-pressure conveyors also prevent side-by-side product movement, which can result in items missed by electronic readers.
Let us handle the pressure --we’ll design the conveyor system that best fits your inventory and application needs. Call Apex for a free consultation.
Apex Full-Service Design Through Installation
Apex Companies provides full-service warehouse support. No need to juggle vendors and schedules or compare quotes; the Apex team handles the paperwork and planning to deliver a complete automation solution. We are vendor agnostic, allowing us to plug in the best products that meet your needs, not our quotas.
If applicable, the Apex team can also handle your pallet racking, material handling equipment procurement, mezzanine design and construction, installation, and forklift operator training… in short, what we like to say is “One call does it all” when you contact Apex.
Give us a call today to get connected to full-service support.
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