Height differences between machines can become a problem in production – especially if you have to disrupt the production line, for this costs money and requires resources. Luckily, there are several ways to manage height differences.
Disturbances in a production line are a nightmare for any manufacturer, for if the line does not run smoothly, this costs time and money and requires work. Interruptions due to height differences must therefore be eliminated. There are various ways to manage this. An inclined belt conveyor with belt studs is especially suited for the transport of small plastic or metal parts. With very tight spaces and parts that have to be processed, a lift is a good solution. And a small load carrier buffer system can handle product transport from A to B.
Solution 1: Inclined belt conveyors
An inclined belt conveyor is a simple and cost-effective solution. Because it automates manual tasks, it’s an economical investment for the long term. Procurement costs are recouped quickly, and you save time and money and conserve resources. Inclined belt conveyors also make space. Thanks to their slope, you can use the height and not just the width and length of a room. The machines can be set up closer together, so there is more space for other things. Another benefit is the flexibility of an inclined belt conveyor. If you want to change your production line around, you can remove the inclined belt conveyor from the production line very easily. No conversion is required, so you can use the inclined belt conveyor elsewhere if necessary.
Solution 2: Lift
If there’s a little more money available, a lift is a smart solution. With a pneumatic lift, workpieces move from one level to the next by themselves for seamless processing. In addition to flexibility and variability on the main assembly and production line, a lift also offers easy, direct access to production cells. Furthermore, it allows you to make optimal use of production space; a lift is elegant and it also saves space.
Solution 3: Small load carrier buffer system
If an electric drive will not solve the problem, a buffer system with roller conveyors can help connect different levels. This space-saving system minimizes errors and reduces time lost in production. And if automation is what you want, this is also possible: The small load carrier buffer system is also available with driven belt conveyors and can be automated with lifts.
