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Conveyor belts have been in use since the early 1900s; before that there were pulley systems and hand cranks; and before that there were horses and carts. While the traditional powered belt and roller conveyor systems are still dominate and widely used in most industries and facilities, the use of temporary modular conveyor systems has grown in popularity recently. Modular conveyors can be utilized in distribution centers, retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, material handling, shipping, and logistics companies. Modular conveyors are gaining in popularity as an alternative to traditional conveyors because of their flexibility, portability, versatility, easy setup, and affordability.

FLEXIBILITY

For businesses with high fluctuations in volume and seasonal demands, modular conveyors can offer the agility and adaptability required. Traditional conveyor systems are the workhorse of the transportation industry; they are robust, fixed, and built to last. A temporary modular setup provides flexibility which provides the ability to adapt to the short-term, high-volume influx of increased seasonal volume.

PORTABILITY AND VERSATILITY

Unlike the traditional conveyors that are used for mature and established processes, modular can add versatility to an existing process. Modular conveyors are like a build-your-own Lego set. You can customize your own conveyor system if there is enough power supply to support the configuration. The components include straights, curves, merges, lift gates, inclines, declines, intersections, and transfers.

The conveyors can have transportation and accumulation modes. Accumulation belts have 30-inch zones.

Standard straights are:

• 5 feet or 10 feet sections
• 24, 36, and 48-inches wide
• have 2, 3 or 5-inch roller center widths
• 1.9-inch diameter rollers
• speeds ranging from 30-230 feet per minute
• 70-75 lbs. per linear foot capacity
• some models also have sortation systems available

On 6-inch casters, the conveyors are easy to maneuver into the system reconfiguration that suits the needs of the operations. Once arranged, the conveyors can be locked into place with brakes.

EASY AND SPEEDY SETUP

Modular conveyors are plug-and-play equipment that makes for an easy and speedy setup. They are designed to be rugged, and low maintenance, with minimal hardware, components, and a simple control system. No lengthy installation times will be required. No special tools or equipment are required to install. Running on 120 VAC power, modular conveyors can be plugged into the existing power source within the building and do not require new panels. Compared to traditional conveyor systems, modular conveyors have a shorter lead time, approximately 6 to 15 weeks, depending on the vendor. Modular conveyors do not have to be anchored onto the concrete floor; therefore, they do not require governmental permits or a city inspection process. Although, this may differ depending on the city and state regulations.

AFFORDABILITY

Often, temporary conveyor systems can be a low investment cost because it reduces the cost of installation and infrastructure costs. Traditional conveyors require mechanical and electrical installation, installing conduits, pulling AC and DC wiring, control panels, and system controls.

If you have a short-term lease on a warehouse building or see changes in the business model on the horizon, installing a traditional conveyor system might not be a feasible option. If you are looking for more flexibility in your changing business, consider adding temporary modular conveyors to your arsenal of material handling equipment.

As a systems integrator, TriFactor can provide unbiased solutions based on customer needs, not one particular equipment manufacturer. With a staff comprised of specialists in all areas critical to material handling solutions and design. Our offerings include mechanical and electrical systems design and engineering, project management, order implementation, electrical controls design, complete mechanical and electrical installation as well as service after the sale.