The three models of pallet conveyors available from Norpak Handling

A chain roller conveyor for pallet handling

Norpak Handling Ltd. offers an amazing range of material-handling solutions, including pallet conveyors. Many large plants and warehouses use these conveyors to organize and separate large items or quantities of them as pallets are transported to other parts of the facility or loaded for shipping. Norpak supplies three kinds of pallet conveyors for varying applications, and users can boost their efficiency and optimize them with optional customization and accessories.

Gravity, powered, or multi-strand

Gravity roller conveyors, chain-driven live roller conveyors, and drag chain conveyors make up the three main types of pallet conveyors. Gravity roller conveyors rely on gravity as their operating principle to move pallets along rollers, and users must pitch them slightly to make this happen. The required amount of pitch depends on the type of product, its weight, and other factors.

Chain-driven live roller conveyors are powered, which makes them more compatible with transportation of heavier pallets. This is a more versatile option that does not need to be pitched, and users can modify these conveyors to accommodate individual requirements. Length, width, and space between rollers are among the configurable factors.

Also known as multi-strand conveyors, drag chain conveyors consist of parallel strands of roller chains that rails support. Users place items on the chains, and a motor powers the conveyor to put the chains in motion, not unlike with the chain-driven live roller conveyor. Norpak recommends drag chain conveyors for tasks in which little starting and stopping is needed.

When selecting a pallet conveyor, a customer should determine the specifications of the bottom surfaces of the pallets, since this affects which system is most compatible. Conveying on rollers is best when bottom boards run parallel to the travel direction; bottom boards that run across the width of the conveying surface may cause pallets to drop between rollers, which can stall the system.

Popular functions that users can add to pallet conveyors include pallet accumulation, start and stop functions, zone control, automated product sensing, loading-zone controls, transfer of pallets between lines, and pallet rotation. Some Hytrol conveyors use EZLogic technology, for example.

To learn more, contact Norpak.

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