Gravity conveyors use the force of gravity rather than a power source to transport materials downwards. Gravity is a force we are all aware of but even scientists don’t really understand how it works. Everything in the Universe is affected by gravity; the formation of solar systems, planets and stars. The Earth's tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and it helps to keep our feet firmly on the ground.The Industrial Revolution in the19th century saw gravity conveyors playing a major role in manufacturing. Using gravity to transport materials is not a new idea. Our Egyptian ancestors used very basic conveyor rollers to transport large stone blocks to build the pyramids nearly 3000 years ago. While the Romans built gravity conveying aqueducts to supply water to the to the city in 312 BC. This system supplied water for 500 years showing how reliable gravity conveyors can be. The first gravity conveyor as we know them today was patented in Indiana in 1908.Henry Ford became famous for his use of conveyors in his car production lines in 1913. This inspired other manufacturers to design their own conveyor systems increasing production during the Second World War. The American Standards Association started to set safety standards for gravity conveyors in 1947. By 1970 the OHSA was created ensuring gravity conveyors were smooth, safe and efficient. Standards of conveyors have continued to improve making manufacturing quicker and safer than ever. (Source: www.gravity-conveyance.wikia.com)
The Principle Behind Gravity Conveyors
Modern gravity conveyors work in a similar way to ancient ones except they are sleeker, safer and much more efficient. They use gravity to move a variety of sized products including pallets or smaller items for packing and manufacturing. Challenger gravity conveyors provide minimum pressure accumulation at packing or loading stations at the final section of powered conveyor systems. They can be supplied with a variety of different rollers including; mild steel, stainless steel or plastic rollers and can be supplied with an integrated ball table to aid the manipulation of the product. Automated systems have become essential in all aspects of our lives. Manufacturing has become easier and quicker due to conveyor systems. Large online shopping companies have conveyors systems that are measured in miles due to the explosion in online shopping. We would simply not be able to keep up with the great demand if conveyor systems didn’t exist. The principle behind gravity conveyor has remained the same since our ancestors first started to use them. Increased safety standards and improved materials make the systems even more efficient. All of Challengers gravity conveyors are bespoke and built to individual requirements. Purchasing second-hand equipment is an economical way to start your system off if you have limited funds. Challenger provides after sales servicing and maintenance on all of their machinery which increases the life of the conveyors and keeps manufacturing to optimum levels. If you would like to find out more about gravity conveyors contact us and we would be happy to offer advice.
