Leading Conveyor System Manufacturers

A conveyor system is an essential component within modern industrial automation, designed to efficiently transport materials using rollers, belts, wheels, and chains. The specific construction of a conveyor system is determined by the type, dimensions, weight, fragility, and durability of the material being conveyed. As a result, conveyor systems are widely adopted for material handling, shipping, processing, and manufacturing applications across a diverse range of industries.

Materials Used in Conveyor Systems

The choice of materials in a conveyor system is critical for ensuring resistance to wear, abrasion, and impact. Conveyor systems are frequently tasked with transporting heavy, sharp, or abrasive objects, which can cause deformation or breakdown if the materials are not properly selected. As a result, durability and impact resistance are top priorities for system designers and buyers.

Common materials used for conveyor components include UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), nylon, Nylatron NSM, HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), Tivar, Tivar ESD, and polyurethane. These materials are chosen for their low friction, high durability, and resistance to chemical corrosion or static buildup.

Static control is a critical factor in conveyor design, especially for industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, where even minor static discharges can cause product damage or safety concerns. Specialized anti-static materials and static dissipative components are commonly integrated into conveyor systems to prevent unwanted electrical charges and ensure smooth, uninterrupted operation.

Parts of a Conveyor System

Every conveyor system is a complex assembly consisting of interdependent components, each playing a vital role in the effective movement and control of materials. Understanding the key conveyor parts is essential when specifying, customizing, or troubleshooting any material handling solution.

• Conveyor Belt – The central element of most conveyor systems, the conveyor belt consists of a durable, flexible belt looped around motorized pulleys. Belts can be constructed from a variety of materials—such as rubber, PVC, fabric, or modular plastic—to suit the needs of specific industries. The belt transmits motion between pulleys and provides a stable surface for moving goods.

  

• Support System – The support system underpins the conveyor belt, ensuring materials remain stable during transit and that the belt can move freely without sagging or dragging. Supports are typically constructed from steel or aluminum and may feature impact beds, slider beds, or rollers.
• Motorized Pulleys – At least two motorized pulleys are required for any conveyor system: the drive pulley (which powers the belt) and the tail or return pulley (which guides the belt back). Some systems utilize additional idler pulleys to manage tension and adjust tracking, optimizing belt alignment and performance.
• Belt Cleaner – Belt cleaners or scrapers remove debris, dust, or product residue from the belt after unloading. This helps prevent build-up, system jams, and component wear, making them a crucial addition for reliability and maintenance in high-volume or abrasive applications.
• Belt Drive – The belt drive mechanism can be positioned at various points along the conveyor, typically at the discharge end (head drive) or intake end (tail drive). The placement of the drive impacts system efficiency, power distribution, and space requirements.

Types of Conveyor Systems

When selecting a conveyor system, it’s important to understand the wide array of designs available, each tailored to specific material handling requirements, load types, and operational environments. Below are the most common types of conveyor systems, along with their use cases, advantages, and ideal applications.

Belt Conveyors

• Belt conveyors are the simplest and most widely utilized type of conveyor system, featuring a variable-speed belt stretched over rollers or a slider bed.
• The belt is typically supported by a steel frame and can efficiently transport a wide variety of products, from lightweight cartons to heavy bulk materials.
• These systems are ideal for applications such as warehousing, distribution, assembly lines, and food processing, where flexibility and continuous movement are required.
• Looking to compare belt conveyor solutions? Visit our belt conveyor selection guide for detailed specifications, industry reviews, and best-fit recommendations.

Gravity Roller Conveyors

• Gravity roller conveyors consist of evenly spaced rollers mounted to a rigid side frame. These systems use the force of gravity rather than motors to move materials.
• Highly cost-effective and low-maintenance, gravity conveyors are especially useful for loading and unloading trucks, order picking, and assembly lines.
• They are commonly found in shipping, packaging, and distribution centers where manual or gravity-fed movement is sufficient.
• Considering gravity conveyors for your warehouse? Check our gravity conveyor resources for configuration ideas and integration tips.

Chain Conveyors

• Chain conveyors employ two or more sets of chains that engage the bottom surface of the materials being conveyed.
• Well-suited for transporting heavy, bulky, or unevenly shaped items such as pallets, containers, or industrial machine parts.
• Commonly used in automotive manufacturing, pallet handling, and steel processing, where strength and durability are essential.
• Need help selecting a chain conveyor? Discover our chain conveyor buying guide for expert advice and top manufacturers.

Motorized Roller Conveyors

• Motorized roller conveyors feature built-in motors along the frame, enabling precise control of material flow.
• The number and arrangement of motors can be customized to match load requirements, system length, and throughput targets.
• Often equipped with sensors for automated start/stop operation, these conveyors are ideal for high-throughput sorting, packaging, and distribution environments.
• Explore smart automation options with motorized roller conveyors.

Slat Conveyors

• Slat conveyors utilize flat, smooth slats connected by chains, offering a damage-resistant surface for delicate or irregular products.
• Commonly deployed in assembly lines, manufacturing, and automotive applications where product stability and gentle handling are crucial.
• Considering assembly line upgrades? Learn how slat conveyors can improve workflow and product integrity.

Overhead Conveyor Systems

• Overhead conveyor systems include enclosed track, open track, and chain-driven overhead models, all designed to maximize floor space by suspending materials above work areas.
• Ideal for paint lines, finishing operations, and garment handling, overhead conveyors improve workflow efficiency and reduce floor congestion.
• Want to optimize your facility layout? Explore the advantages of overhead conveyor solutions for space-saving efficiency.

Monorail Conveyors

• Monorail conveyors employ rails powered by signal lines, allowing for efficient long-distance transportation of goods within large facilities.
• Frequently utilized in automotive, electronics, and heavy equipment manufacturing for automated assembly and material transfer.
• Is a monorail conveyor right for your project? Request a custom quote or design consultation today.

Power and Free Conveyors

• Power and free conveyors are engineered to move parts independently through complex production and assembly processes, providing flexible routing and buffering options.
• Perfect for industries with variable production rates, they enable parts to accumulate, divert, or pause at workstations as needed.
• Looking for high-throughput manufacturing solutions? Power and free conveyors offer unmatched flexibility for dynamic assembly lines.

Inverted Conveyors

• Inverted conveyors are floor-mounted systems featuring drive mechanisms without belts or chains, promoting cleanliness and easy maintenance.
• Common in cleanroom, electronics, and pharmaceutical environments, where contamination control is a priority.
• Need sanitary conveyor options? Get recommendations for inverted conveyor systems that meet stringent hygiene standards.

Paternoster Conveyors

• A paternoster conveyor is a vertical conveying solution featuring equally spaced load carriers attached to a continuously circulating chain drive.
• Also known as platform conveyors, these systems maximize vertical storage and retrieval efficiency within compact spaces.
• Commonly found in storage facilities, libraries, and industrial warehouses where space optimization is key.
• Interested in vertical material handling? Discover the benefits of paternoster and other vertical conveyor systems for your facility.

Chute Conveyors

• Chute conveyors feature smooth, flat surfaces made from wood, metal, or plastic, guiding products by gravity down straight, spiral, or circular frames.
• Widely used for bulk material handling, baggage systems, and package sorting—especially where controlled descent is needed.
• Have bulk material handling needs? Learn how chute conveyors can streamline your process.

Screw Conveyors

• Screw conveyors use a rotating helicoid screw inside a pipe or trough to move granular products, powders, chips, or other bulk substances.
• These conveyors are common in agriculture, food processing, mining, and chemical industries, where consistent, enclosed transfer of loose materials is required.
• Explore more conveyor options: Other systems include pneumatic, vibratory, chain-on-edge, skid, and friction conveyors, each designed for specialized material handling challenges.

Applications of Conveyor Systems

• Industrial Manufacturing: Conveyors move parts for processes such as sintering, heat treatment, and assembly into high-temperature furnaces, increasing throughput and process consistency.
• Packaging and Shipping: Conveyor solutions streamline product packaging, assembly, and shipment, automating repetitive tasks and reducing manual labor.
• Production Lines: Automated systems reduce labor costs, minimize workplace accidents, and enhance productivity in high-volume manufacturing settings.
• Pharmaceutical Processing: Conveyors are integral for clean, contamination-free processing, ensuring strict compliance with industry regulations.
• Mining and Heavy Industry: Robust conveyor systems transport ores, minerals, and other bulk materials safely and efficiently.
• Airports: Baggage handling conveyors provide fast, accurate sorting and routing of passenger luggage.
• Food and Beverage: Sanitary conveyor systems enable hygienic processing, packaging, and transfer of perishable goods.
• Printing and Packaging: Conveyors automate the movement of printed materials, cartons, and packages, improving throughput and accuracy.

Benefits of Automated Conveyor Systems

Investing in a modern conveyor system delivers significant benefits, including:

• Increased Efficiency: Automation reduces material handling time, accelerates workflows, and minimizes bottlenecks across production and distribution centers.
• Labor Savings: By automating repetitive tasks, conveyor systems allow staff to focus on higher-value activities, leading to lower operational costs.
• Improved Safety: Automated material transfer reduces the risk of workplace injuries caused by manual lifting, carrying, or transporting heavy items.
• Scalability: Modular conveyor designs support easy expansion and reconfiguration, accommodating new product lines or increased volumes as your business grows.
• Consistent Quality: Automated conveyors ensure uniformity in product handling, packing, and assembly, improving overall product quality and reducing defects.
• Energy Efficiency: Advanced drives, motors, and control systems help minimize energy consumption and operating costs.
• System Integration: Conveyors can be integrated with robotics, sensors, barcode scanners, and ERP software for complete material handling automation.
• Industry Compliance: Purpose-built solutions meet industry-specific requirements for hygiene, static control, or hazardous environments.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Correct Conveyor Systems Manufacturer

Selecting the right conveyor systems manufacturer is a crucial step for ensuring the long-term success and reliability of your material handling solution. When evaluating potential suppliers, consider the following key factors:

• Industry Experience: Choose manufacturers with proven expertise in your application sector, whether it’s food processing, warehousing, automotive, or pharmaceuticals.
• Customization Capabilities: Ensure the supplier can tailor system designs, controls, and materials to your unique requirements.
• Quality Assurance: Look for robust quality control programs, certifications (e.g., ISO 9001), and documented testing procedures.
• After-Sales Support: Reliable technical support, spare parts availability, and maintenance services are vital for minimizing downtime.
• Integration Expertise: Verify the supplier’s capability to integrate conveyor systems with existing automation, robotics, or warehouse management solutions.
• Lead Times and Pricing: Compare suppliers based on delivery schedules, total cost of ownership, and warranty terms.

To maximize your investment and ensure a positive outcome when purchasing conveyor systems, compare at least 4 or 5 suppliers using our comprehensive list of conveyor systems manufacturers.

Each conveyor systems manufacturer featured on our platform has a detailed business profile highlighting their areas of expertise, product portfolios, and unique capabilities. Use our intuitive contact form to request more information, obtain personalized quotes, or schedule a consultation.

Take advantage of our patented website previewer to review each company’s website, compare service offerings, and gain insights into specialized solutions. Then, streamline your sourcing process with our single RFQ (Request for Quote) form, enabling you to contact multiple conveyor system suppliers simultaneously with the same set of requirements.

Ready to get started? Request conveyor system quotes from leading manufacturers and take the first step towards optimizing your material handling operations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Conveyor Systems

• What is the best conveyor system for my industry? The ideal conveyor system depends on your material type, throughput requirements, space constraints, and industry standards. Use our industry application guides or contact our experts for tailored recommendations.
• How much does it cost to install a conveyor system? Costs vary based on system type, length, automation features, and customization. Get accurate pricing with our free quote request tool.
• Can conveyor systems be integrated with robots or automated guided vehicles (AGVs)? Yes, modern conveyor solutions are designed for seamless integration with robotics, AGVs, vision systems, and warehouse management software.
• What maintenance is required for conveyor systems? Routine maintenance includes lubrication, belt tracking, cleaning, and inspection of motors and components. Many manufacturers offer preventive maintenance programs for maximum uptime.
• Do you offer installation and training services? Most leading conveyor manufacturers provide end-to-end services, including installation, operator training, and ongoing technical support.

Still have questions? Contact our experts for personalized advice or explore our knowledge base for in-depth resources on conveyor design, maintenance, and optimization.