Understanding the Flex-Turn Conveyor: A Comprehensive Guide

Turns are frequently unavoidable in conveyor designs, mainly when working in confined spaces or avoiding manufacturing supports and installed equipment. Numerous technologies are available on the market, each designed with a specific purpose in mind. The most critical factors are avoiding delays and product damage, which a suitable conveyor will prevent.

You need to consider the product being handled, the assembly environment, the degree of sanitation, and your throughput objectives when selecting the right-turn conveyor. The conveyor selection guide is a great place to start with that in mind. Your priorities will assist the guide in limiting your alternatives. When weighing your options, keep these three things in mind.

At Wirebelt, our Flex-Turn Conveyor is a multipurpose, adaptable solution. The conveyor can be ordered with angles ranging from 45º to 180º, allowing for maximum utilization of production floor space and flexibility in product line direction adjustments. Three distinct inside radii, ranging from Wire Belt, are available for the Flex-Turn® Conveyor, and a total of 13 belt widths covering both left- and right-hand directions are offered.

A Flex-Turn Conveyor: What Is It?

A unique kind of conveyor system called a Flex-Turn conveyor enables the movement of goods around bends and corners without causing any changes to their orientation. Flex-turn conveyors, in contrast to conventional straight-line conveyors, are made to carry goods over curved paths—typically up to 180 degrees. A unique belt design and a number of rollers or bearings that let the belt follow the curve allow for this flexibility.

Applications of Flex-Turn Conveyors

1. Food Processing

Maintaining product orientation and integrity is crucial in the food industry. Flex-Turn conveyors are ideal for transporting delicate food items, such as baked goods, chocolates, and packaged foods, around bends without causing damage.

2. Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical manufacturing requires precise product handling. Flex-Turn conveyors ensure that pills, bottles, and other pharmaceutical products are transported smoothly and efficiently through production lines.

3. Packaging

In packaging operations, Flex-Turn conveyors facilitate the movement of products through various stages, including filling, sealing, and labeling. Their ability to navigate tight spaces makes them invaluable in compact packaging areas.

4. Automotive

The automotive industry benefits from Flex-Turn conveyors, which move parts and components through assembly lines. Their flexibility allows for the efficient use of space in large manufacturing facilities.

What benefits do Flex-Turn® Conveyors offer?

Flex-Turn® belts are used  to maintain product spacing during transportation. This implies that automated systems lower down the chain can continue to function without human input.

One advantage of the conveyor is that it allows producers to reduce the amount of space needed in their plant by turning their production line 45, 90, or 180 degrees. This reduces the expense of expanding the production space.

The enhanced features, like wash-through construction and self-draining surfaces, make cleaning easier and faster. Consequently, this lowers operating expenses and idle time while increasing productivity.

The benefits of the various conveyor tops vary. The debris may be removed with ease because of the open conveyor top. The smaller products that run the risk of dropping through the belt can be conveyed thanks to the robust HDPE and stainless steel top supports. In circumstances where meat is being processed, the stainless steel variant is very appropriate.

Conclusion

Manufacturing and material handling have changed dramatically with the introduction of the Flex-Turn conveyor. Its effortless handling of bends and curves provides unmatched versatility and efficiency, making it a vital tool in a variety of sectors. Businesses may fully utilize the potential of Flex-Turn conveyors to optimize their operations and maintain a competitive edge in the market by comprehending its advantages, applications, and crucial factors. The Flex-Turn conveyor, used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, packaging, and automotive manufacture, is an example of the creative thinking that propels the modern industry forward.