Footloose at Wayne Densch Preforming Arts Center

8 Conveyor Transfer Methods: How to Transfer Products with Seamless Precision 

When it comes to transferring products from one conveyor system to the other, no mistake can be made at all. That is why precision becomes an essential aspect of any operation.  

In industries such as manufacturing, where even a little mistake can cost a lot of money, measurement accuracy is paramount. For this reason, conveyor systems have become the backbone of the manufacturing and distribution industries as they help manage product traffic.  

However, the real challenges of a conveyor system include moving the product from one part to the other or to another conveyor without jamming. It is here that different transfer methods come into operation. 

All these methods are intended for the transportation of different types of goods and are suited to meet specific operational needs and demands. Below are some of them explained.  

1. Powered Transfer Rollers 

Powered transfer rollers can be used effectively to transport goods to other operational areas with small gaps between the conveyor tracks. These motorized rollers can control the speed periodically and also accelerate and decelerate, which helps them carry sensitive or unstable loads. 

Due to the consistent placement and positioning of powered transfer rollers, these devices are highly effective in high-speed environments where time is precious. They are useful in applications, including packaging lines and distribution facilities where the product integrity must be preserved during transfer.   

2. Right Angle Transfer 

Right angle transfers are essential to achieve the purpose of cross-directional transfer of products by 90 degrees. This kind of conveyor employs rollers and belts in a seamless manner to divert the items without interrupting the line.  

They are perfect for areas with limited space or multiple slanted surfaces. Right Angle Transfer preserves the correct product direction and transfer rate while not posing a threat of jams or product damage.  

Such methods are most effective in sorting operations and multi-tier conveyor systems where space is a concern.   

3. Belt Transfer 

Moving goods of different sizes and shapes between conveyor sections can be accomplished with the flexibility of belt transfers. Using a continuous belt to bridge the space between conveyors offers a smooth surface on which goods can travel.   

When handling small, light, or asymmetrically formed objects that may fall between rollers, belt transfers work pretty well. This transfer method is frequently used in e-commerce fulfillment facilities, where a variety of goods need to be handled quickly and safely.   

4. Pop-up Wheel Transfer 

Pop-up wheel transfers are dynamic ways to reroute items without stopping the main conveyor flow. Geared to drive items in a different direction, the wheels or balls rise above the conveyor surface.  

This technique works well for divergent pathways in a conveyor system or sorting processes. Pop-up wheel transfers are very effective in cross-docking and distribution centers where quick package rerouting and sorting are necessary to fulfill shipment deadlines.   

5. Pneumatic Transfer 

Pneumatic transfers use compressed air force to transport goods between conveyor sections quickly and effectively. This technique works exceptionally well for lightweight objects or in settings where more conventional mechanical transfers might not be feasible. 

Such systems are perfect for handling delicate or fragile materials since they can move objects vertically, horizontally, or around corners with little to no contact. They are widely used in pharmaceutical and food processing facilities where it is essential to ensure product integrity and cleanliness.   

6. Chain Transfer 

Chain transfers offer a reliable option for transferring large or heavy items between conveyor sections. This technique lifts and moves objects over gaps or onto conveyors that are perpendicular to them using chain-driven machinery.  

In warehouses and manufacturing facilities, chain transfers are useful in handling heavy loads because they perform well while handling pallets, crates, and other big containers. 

They are appropriate for challenging industrial settings where alternative transfer techniques would not work because of their robustness and dependability.   

7. Swing Arm Transfer 

A versatile method for rerouting items between conveyor sections that are not aligned is through swing arm transfers. When conveyor heights or angles change, this technique uses a pivoting arm to span the distance between them and provide a seamless transfer of products.  

Swing arm transfers are convenient in space-constrained facilities or when conveyor layouts need to be adjusted to accommodate shifting production demands. They are frequently employed in modular production systems and vehicle assembly lines where adaptability is essential.   

8. Vertical Lift Transfer 

A productive way to transport goods between floors of a building is by vertical lift transfers. This technique transfers objects between floors or elevated conveyor sections smoothly by using elevating platforms or continuous lift systems.  

Vertical lift transfers are essential to maximize vertical space utilization and build multi-level material handling systems. 

They are widely utilized in facilities with multi-story distribution centers and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), facilitating smooth product movement throughout the whole operation.  

Conclusion 

For a range of product handling requirements, the eight conveyor transfer techniques covered here provide accurate solutions. Each technique handles difficulties in material handling tasks, ranging from vertical lift systems to right-angle transfers.  

By choosing the right transfer strategy, companies can boost productivity, reduce product damage, and maximize the use of their conveyor systems.   

These transfer techniques are essential to preserving smooth product flow because they guarantee that commodities travel from point A to point B in any facility with the highest level of accuracy.

Authors

• Dean Pitchford
• Eric Carmen
• Jim Steinman
• Kenny Loggins
• Sammy Hagar
• Tom Snow
• Walter Bobbie
• Zoe Akins