An accumulation conveyor streamlines warehouse operations and optimizes product flow by controlling the accumulation of products or materials. Here’s a step-by-step process of how product accumulation on a conveyor typically works:
- Product Arrival: Products enter the conveyor system and are directed onto the accumulation conveyor.
- Conveyor Zones: The conveyor is divided into zones, each holding a specific number of products.
- Zone Activation: When the downstream zone is clear, sensors or controls release the next product into the zone.
- Product Stopping: If the downstream zone is occupied, the conveyor stops the product in the current zone.
- Product Release: When the downstream zone is available, the conveyor releases the products to continue along the line.
Methods to control product flow and accumulation include:
- Zero-pressure Accumulation: Uses sensors to ensure gaps between products to prevent collisions.
- Slug Release Accumulation: Groups products together and releases them as a “slug” to maintain a consistent flow.
- Diverter Arms: Divert products to different conveyor lines or accumulation areas for efficient sorting and accumulation.
Successful implementations of accumulation conveyors have been seen in industries like e-commerce and manufacturing, where they handle high volumes of packages or ensure smooth product flow between processes, avoiding bottlenecks and maximizing productivity.