Conveyors and sortation
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 1/1/2007
The market for conveying equipment has recovered from the downturn it suffered between 2000 and 2003, though growth is expected to be minimal in 2007 (see charts below). In recent surveys, Modern readers say they prefer to buy conveyors directly from the manufacturer and that belt conveyor tops their shopping lists. Readers show increased interest in motorized roller conveyor, which suppliers say is gaining acceptance because it's quiet, safe and energy-efficient. It's also modular, and suppliers say they see a trend toward modular equipment that's easier to install and to reconfigure.
Popular conveyor types
| Conveyor Type |
2005 |
2006 |
| Belt |
56% |
61% |
| Gravity flow |
41% |
42% |
| Accumulation |
46% |
40% |
| Roller |
35% |
36% |
| Motor driven roller |
33% |
35% |
| Chain |
28% |
25% |
| Pallet |
28% |
22% |
| Medium speed sortation |
16% |
14% |
| Low speed sortation |
15% |
14% |
| Spiral |
17% |
13% |
| High speed sortation |
17% |
11% |
| Power-and-free |
12% |
10% |
| Slat |
9% |
8% |
| Towline |
5% |
4% |
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