Sometimes a single conveyor is enough to get the job done, but often multiple conveyors are required. Whether it’s to move product at a different speed, around a corner, or merging products from multiple conveyors into a single line, the product must be transferred from one conveyor to another.
Those transitions between conveyors can take many forms depending on the product being conveyed, the type of conveyor, and other considerations.
End-to-End Transfers
The most common type of transfer is the end-to-end transfer where product moves directly from the outfeed end of one conveyor to the infeed end of the next. Typically the outfeed is set slightly higher than the infeed so product “waterfalls” from one conveyor to the next.
For larger products (boxes, for instance), the is often a straightforward transfer without any additional considerations necessary. For smaller products, these transfers may require a transfer device if they’re not large enough to cross the gap created by the radius of the end of the conveyor.
Common transfer devices include nosebar tails (or knife edge transfer), driven transfers, roller transfers, and transfer plates.
Nosebar Tails
For flat belt conveyors, such as QC Conveyors’ AS40 Conveyor, a nosebar tail can be added to reduce the radius at the end of the conveyor. Using small bearings instead of a large pulley, these devices greatly reduce the gap between conveyors, especially when combined with a slight waterfall. These are well suited for small products.
Driven Transfers
For modular plastic chain conveyors, a driven transfer can be added to cover the gap and propel product across it. This small roller conveyor is typically powered directly from an output shaft at either the tail or drive end of the conveyor. They run about 10% faster than the actual conveyor speed to ensure product clears the gap.
Roller Transfers
Much like the driven transfer, a roller transfer is affixed at the end of a modular plastic chain conveyor. The free-rolling device allows product to cross the gap between conveyors using its own momentum, thus it works best for heavier products and faster-moving applications.
Transfer Plates
A transfer plate is a simple plate affixed at the end of a conveyor that allows product to slide over the gap. They’re best suited for products with a very low coefficient of friction.
End-to-Side Transfers
When a 90° turn is required, an end-to-side transfer is common where product is fed from the end of one conveyor onto the side of the next. Again, larger products can usually cross the gap, but smaller products may require one of the transfer devices above at the outfeed of the first conveyor.
Guides or corner rollers are often used to ensure product transitions completely onto the second conveyor and is oriented in the proper direction. V-guides are recommended for any flat belt conveyor where product enters from the side to ensure the product doesn’t force the belt to mistrack.
Side-to-Side Transfer
Thanks to the low belt-to-frame ratio of low profile conveyors, side-to-side transfers are possible where guides are used to shift product onto a parallel conveyor. In modular plastic chain conveyors, these can be assisted by diagonal beams that allow two chains to make a slight turn and run very closely together for a short distance to facilitate the transfer.
Assisted Transfers
For some applications a special transfer device is required that provides some sort of an external assist either for all products or selected products (e.g., for rejection), these can include:
- Pushers
- Blowers
- Robots
- Divert gates
Such transfers are typically provided by an integrator or machine builder.
QC Conveyors’ Applications Engineers are experienced with many types of products and transfers and can help guide your choices. In some cases, testing may be required to ensure product is able to transition properly.
