Accumulation systems hold or stop items on a conveyor and often support picking and packaging applications. They create a temporary buffer zone between products requiring different time lengths to complete.
Packers can face challenges loading products at the rate they move into their station. Accumulation systems slow this stream, creating a collection pool they can easily pick from. They also allow users to supervise multiple stations simultaneously, moving between work areas as needed.
Accumulation conveyors allow processing lines to run uninterrupted, delivering a steady product flow to your packaging equipment. They help prevent product delay or damage while optimizing efficiency. If you’re considering investing in this technology for your packaging operations, this guide will explore the available types.
Three types of accumulation conveyors commonly regulate product flow in packaging applications — medium-pressure, zero-pressure, and zero-contact.
A medium-pressure accumulation conveyor uses a flat drive belt that applies pressure to conveyor rollers, preventing products from crushing or jamming. The drive continues to run as materials accumulate, resulting in collected products.
Medium-pressure accumulation is most suitable for products with a consistent size and weight. When product size varies, the back pressure can cause larger objects to pivot around smaller ones during the accumulation process. That pivoting can lead to side-by-sides and downstream flow setbacks. Additionally, back pressure can damage products due to inadequate protection from fragile packaging.
Medium-pressure accumulation is most effective in environments with minimal accumulation requirements, like minor or occasional downstream delays.
A zero-pressure accumulation conveyor contains sections of rollers that drop in sequence as items accumulate. The conveyor system has a flat, thin belt or padded chain that applies pressure to the rollers to move products.
As a downstream-moving object approaches an accumulated item, pneumatic actuators emit air to remove pressure on the rollers and reduce the drive mechanism. The product slows and gently coasts into place against the accumulated item.
There is no driving pressure on accumulated items, hence the name “zero-pressure.” Zero-pressure accumulation can prevent jams, product damage, side-by-sides, and air gaps from accrued items.
These conveyor systems are ideal for products of different sizes and weights. Zero-pressure accumulation conveyors are typically positioned before and after sorting machines, feeding merges and leading to shipping docks.
A zero-contact accumulation conveyor instantly stops accumulation zones, preventing products from coasting to a stop and hitting each other. These conveyors generally include one or two motor-driven rollers (MDRs). O-bands join the MDRs to other non-powered rollers to manage accumulation zones. Zero-contact accumulation typically provides the best control and lowest risk of product damage.
These systems leave space between products during the accumulation process, dividing conveyors into zones that each hold one item. They’re ideal when working with fragile products, as the conveyor doesn’t allow items to come into contact. Zero-contact accumulation is also effective for objects of different sizes and weights.
Additionally, an MDR system uses “run-on-demand” technology that conserves energy by only operating to move products between zones when necessary. It has minimal operating noise and no back pressure on the accumulated item. However, it usually has a lower product throughput rate than zero-pressure and medium-pressure accumulation.
At DTM Packaging, we create custom packaging equipment solutions. We help clients design, manufacture, and install a variety of systems to streamline and accelerate their packaging processes. We can develop accumulation solutions for numerous applications, such as the ones below.
Are you ready to incorporate accumulation technology into your packaging operations? DTM Packaging can help. Serving a range of industries from food production to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, we’ll work with you to customize an accumulation line to your unique needs. Contact our team today to get started!
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