Companies rely on conveyor systems such as those available from cornerstoneautosys.com to effectively move their products in a timely fashion. There are various steps that a company should take in order to ensure that their systems are working at maximum efficiency. Regular inspections, proper training of the operating personnel, proper stocking of key parts, and of course monitoring the different parts of the systems are all crucial steps to take. Picking the right systems for the job will result in a direct improvement of a conveyor systems service life.
Choosing a well designed conveyor system is the first big step, as this will be the most influential factor in a system’s life-line. There are three major flaws to look for when choosing overhead type conveyor systems, which include enclosed track conveyors, power and free conveyors and I-beam monorails.
The first most commonly overlooked issue would be poor take-up adjustment. The chain take-up device is what allows the chain to pull tightly as it exits the drive unit. As the chain begins to lengthen from general wear and tear, the take-up will begin to extend under the force of its springs. When this happens the spring force is dramatically lost, negatively impacting the effectiveness of the take-up.
A lack of lubrication on the chain bearings will prove to be quite detrimental to the system. The drive experiences some very high-impact chain pull during use, and that force can double if the bearings are not being properly cared for.
Loose materials such as powder, paint, acid or various abrasives can rapidly deteriorate the track and chain. Any bearing company will tell you that the number one cause of bearing failure is contamination. Avoiding contamination of a bearing’s raceway is crucial – if ignored, pitting will occur, and the wear will drastically accelerate.