Handling Solutions Inc.Handling Solutions Inc.If you’re considering upgrading or replacing your current sorting conveyor system, now is the time. According to a recent study from Technavio, the conveyor market is expecting a compound annual growth rate of 5% over the next three years, despite the COVID-19 shutdowns. The transition to an e-commerce economy is forcing businesses to increase investments toward factory modernization; making the marketplace even more competitive.
While all sorting equipment is designed to safely, efficiently and effectively organize items traveling along a conveyor belt, the latest technology advancements are plentiful. They offer solutions for continuous material handling across product lines and industries.
To help narrow down your choices and identify the most important “big picture” features for your business, we have put together a guide to help you find the most modern sorting conveyor system that for your sector.
If you’re looking to take your warehouse conveyor to the next level, familiarize yourself with these terms, trends, and technology:
Before you begin comparing sorting conveyor systems, take a moment to identify the following criteria:
Once you’ve answered those questions, review the main sortation categories to narrow down the choices that will best suit your business objectives.
Shoe sorters have been the go-to choice for facilities with high volumes of products for many years, and recent technology advancements are the sorting conveyor of choice for fragile inventory. They’re not as fast as other types, but they’re a popular choice for their ability to manage a diverse range of products at a medium to high speed sortation rate. They’re ideal for sorting cases but they’re also used to sort units.
A “shoe” is a component that moves laterally across the surface of the conveyor to divert a pre-determined item from its course. The design provides quiet, gentle, and accurate sorting. Shoe sorters are known as slat sorters because slats are used to move product through the conveyor system. The diagonal motion keeps the product from being damaged. Sliding shoe sorters fall into the “linear” category of sortation systems; the design reduces equipment wear and the slat design allows for repairs to small sections rather than the entire machine.
Crossbelt sorters are a popular choice for small units that require a high rate of speed. The cross belt sorter with a loop design provides two induction areas, yielding twice the rate as a linear design. and sorting the product by diverting it into a chute. Crossbelt sorters can be used with automation stations or manual operators and offer high sorting rates, higher than the sliding shoe sorter. Crossbelt sorters are popular in e-commerce, grocery, and retail clothing operations.
Crossbelt sorters fall into the “circular” sorter category, known for high sortation rates and compact design.
Tilt tray sorters are similar to crossbelt sorters, but they run in a continuous loop and use trays that tilt the product into chutes or another conveyor belt. They also sort units and their speed can exceed the crossbelt sorter. Tilt tray sorters are a popular choice in the pharmaceutical industry, publishing, and mail order fulfillment.
The Narrow Belt Sorter is very similar to the crossbelt sorter, but it exerts less force on sorted items. Narrow belt sorters are a popular choice in the auto parts industry, electronics, and food and beverage. These sorters can move product at a 90 degree angle without damage. Like sliding shoe sorters, narrow belt sorters can move cases or units. Narrow belt sorters fall into the “divert” category of sortation; divert systems are known for easy maintenance, flexibility, and zone routing applications.
Pop up wheel sorters are used to sort cartons, though it’s not as fast as the other options. It’s ideal for companies that don’t have a permanent space or a large budget for equipment. They’re popular for their functionality and reliability. They’re ideal for retail, auto parts, and the food and beverage industry.
When it comes to sorting systems, custom options are also available. Depending on your business model and productivity needs, you may want to consider additional sorting options:
Do you have any questions or queries that remain unanswered? Reach out to the Handling Solutions team today, we’ll get straight to the point and help you find the perfect solution for your material handling operation.
With the highest quality products from top-rated vendor partners and over 50 years of experience in the industry, we create handling systems for any product, in any space.
