Conveyor systems can be paramount to the efficient operation of industrial and e-commerce facilities. They need to be durable, reliable and with low maintenance requirements. Any production downtime caused by conveyor malfunction or the regular scheduled maintenance required by brushed motors is costly. Our range of brushless motors requires far less maintenance meaning reduced down time and with performance comparable or better than standard brushless motors it is easy to see why Parvalux motors power many types of conveyor systems.
At the centre of any reliable conveyor system is a durable and robust motor and at Parvalux we appreciate that the diverse needs of these industries mean that customisation and flexibility are key when it comes to motor design. This has led to our specialisation in crafting custom solutions tailored to the unique requirements of different conveyor applications.
Types of Conveyor Systems
There are four main conveyor types, each with a specific set of dynamic requirements.
Roller Conveyors – These systems utilise a series of rollers mounted on a frame and are commonly used for transporting materials or products in a gravity-fed or powered configuration.
Belt Conveyors – Belt conveyors employ a continuous loop of material, typically made of rubber or plastic, to transport goods along a predetermined path. They are versatile and suitable for various applications, including horizontal, inclined, and declined conveying.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) – AMRs use autonomous vehicles equipped with sensors and navigation technology to transport goods within a facility without having to introduce a specialised infrastructure. They offer flexibility and scalability in warehouse and distribution operations.
Sortation Systems – Sortation systems automate the process of sorting and diverting items based on predetermined criteria such as size, weight, or destination. They play a crucial role in streamlining order fulfilment and distribution processes in e-commerce facilities.
When Off-the-Shelf Doesn’t Cut It
When building specialised conveyor systems there are likely to be several requirements which are dependent on how the system will be used, as well as specific challenges you may also face in operation. This is when off-the-shelf products may not have the speed or torque you need to meet all your requirements. Rather than compromise on performance, Parvalux have made it easy for you with a comprehensive range of custom solutions for conveyor systems which offer a number of vital features, including:
Motor Selection – We provide a wide selection of motors which can be tailored to the demands of conveyor applications. Whether it is high torque for heavy-duty roller conveyors, precise speed control for belt conveyors, or dynamic responsiveness for AMRs, our motors will meet the performance requirements of each application.
Gearbox Integration – The integration of gearbox technology enhances the performance and efficiency of conveyor systems. Our diverse range of gearboxes, including worm gear, helical gear, and planetary gear options, allow for precise torque multiplication and speed reduction to match the specific requirements of each conveyor type.
Controller Customisation – To ensure seamless integration and control of motor and drive systems, Parvalux offers customised controller solutions tailored to the needs of all conveyor applications. Whether it is basic speed control, position sensing, or advanced motion profiling, our controllers enable precise and reliable operation of conveyor systems.
Brake Solutions – In applications where safety and precision are critical, Parvalux provides brake solutions to enhance the performance and reliability of conveyor systems. Whether it is holding position on inclines, preventing rollback, or emergency stopping, our brakes ensure safe and efficient operation of conveyor systems in industrial and e-commerce environments.
Pros and Cons of Custom Motors
There are numerous benefits to customised motors within your conveyor systems, which make the additional financial outlay worth it. The pros include:
Tailored Specifications – Customised motors are designed and manufactured to meet the specific requirements of a particular conveyor application. This includes customised voltage, power rating, speed, torque, mounting options, and other features.
Optimised Performance – Customised motors offer the advantage of optimised performance tailored to the unique demands of the conveyor system. Design engineers can specify the exact performance parameters needed for the application, resulting in enhanced efficiency, reliability, and productivity.
Tailored Integration – Customised motors can be seamlessly integrated into the conveyor system, considering specific mounting requirements, space constraints, and compatibility with existing components.
Unique Features – Customised motors can incorporate unique features and functionalities tailored to the application’s needs, such as specialised enclosures, protective coatings, or integrated sensors for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.
The cons include:
More Expensive – Customised motors typically involve higher costs compared to off-the-shelf motors. The design, engineering, and manufacturing processes for customised solutions incur additional expenses, making them less cost-effective for projects with limited budgets.
Longer Lead Times – Customised motors require a longer lead time for design, prototyping, and production compared to off-the-shelf options. This can delay project timelines and may not be suitable for projects with tight deadlines.
Pros and Cons of Off-The-Shelf Products
Sometimes, however, buying products off the shelf can be quick and convenient, and just what your project needs. But, depending on your budget and requirements the compromises you have to make with off-the-shelf mean the product may not meet all your requirements. The benefits of off-the-shelf include:
Cost-effectiveness – Since off-the-shelf motors are produced in large quantities, they tend to be more cost-effective compared to customised motors. This makes them a suitable choice for conveyor systems with budget constraints.
Wide Applications – Off-the-shelf motors are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of applications and industries, offering versatility and compatibility with various conveyor types and configurations.
Availability – These motors are often readily available for immediate purchase and installation, making them suitable for projects with short lead times or urgent requirements.
The cons of off-the-shelf options include:
Standardised Design – Off-the-shelf motors are mass-produced with standardised designs, specifications and features. They are readily available for purchase without any modifications required and one size generally fits most but often you may need to make compromises as the motor won’t meet all specifications.
Limited Flexibility – Off-the-shelf motors may not always meet the exact requirements of a specific conveyor application. They come with predetermined specifications and features, limiting their flexibility and adaptability to unique project needs.
What Next?
Knowing whether off-the-shelf would be suitable for your conveyor system project, or whether bespoke customisations would be preferable can be difficult. This is where we are here to help. We pride ourselves on the reliable and quality motors that we design and produce as well as the expertise of our team.
Our standard geared motor range can be used off the shelf, but each model is also completely customisable meaning we can develop a conveyor motor and gearbox to your specific requirements including small space envelopes.
If you would like to find out more about how we can help you with your conveyor systems, please contact the team today.
