Slat Conveyor
Structural Features: The surface of the Slat Conveyor is made up of metal slats that fit together. These metal slats are attached to chains that run along both sides. They move in a big loop because the chains pull them. This means the Slat Conveyor can keep moving things without stopping.
Suitable Materials: The Slat Conveyor is great for heavy things things with weird shapes on the bottom or things with sharp edges or oil on them. It can also handle things that're very hot and it can take a lot of force without breaking.
Key Advantages: Possesses a robust overall load-bearing capacity and high single-point load tolerance; resistant to dirt, grime, and physical impact, making it suitable for operation in harsh industrial environments.
Typical Applications: Heavy industrial settings such as automotive stamping workshops, foundry lines, machining centers, and engine assembly plants.
Limitations: Capable only of continuous conveyance; cannot perform "accumulation" (on-line buffering) of materials. Operation generates relatively high noise levels, and inclines require the use of baffles or cleats to prevent material slippage.
Roller Conveyor
Structural Features: Composed of rows of parallel rollers arranged in sequence. These rollers can be driven via chains, belts, or electric motors; non-powered (gravity-driven) versions are also available.
Suitable Materials: Suitable for materials with flat undersides, such as cardboard boxes, pallets, plastic totes, and other regularly shaped packaged goods.
Key Advantages: Supports "accumulation" functionality, allowing materials to be temporarily buffered upon reaching a workstation, which facilitates cycle time synchronization and material diversion; easily integrates with various types of automated equipment.
Typical Applications: Logistics sorting centers, express delivery warehouses, packaging lines, and assembly lines for home appliances and electronics.
Limitations: Requires a high degree of flatness on the underside of the conveyed materials; soft packaging or items with irregular undersides are prone to jamming. Uphill conveying capability is limited.