Industries that process metal components.
Metalworking processes such as cutting, grinding, milling, drilling, and welding Metalworking Conveyors produce metal chips, shavings, and parts that must be moved efficiently for disposal or further processing. Metalworking conveyors are built to handle the unique challenges of metalworking environments—such as heavy loads, sharp edges, high temperatures, and abrasive materials.
These conveyors are typically made from heavy-duty materials like stainless steel or reinforced composites to withstand demanding industrial conditions. They are often integrated with CNC machines, lathes, milling machines, stamping presses, and laser cutters to automate the removal and transport of metal scrap or parts.
Common Types of Metalworking Conveyors
There are several types of metalworking conveyors, each tailored to specific applications:
Hinged Belt Conveyors:
These are among the most common in metalworking. They consist of interlocking metal plates that form a moving belt. Ideal for handling small to medium-sized metal parts and chips, hinged belt conveyors can handle both dry and wet materials. They're widely used with CNC machines and automatic lathes.
Magnetic Conveyors:
These use powerful magnets beneath a belt or slide to move ferrous metal parts and scrap. Magnetic conveyors are useful when handling oily or wet chips that might otherwise slip on traditional belts. They are also helpful in separating metal debris from coolant fluids.
Drag Chain Conveyors:
In this type, chains with paddles drag materials along a trough. They're ideal for moving larger or heavier pieces of scrap over long distances or between different levels in a plant.
Screw Conveyors (Augers):
Screw conveyors move material through a tube using a rotating helical screw blade. They're commonly used for compact chip handling systems and for horizontal or inclined transport of metal scrap.
Slat Conveyors:
Featuring flat slats made of metal or plastic attached to a chain, slat conveyors are used when transporting larger or heavier metal components between workstations.
Applications in Industry
Metalworking conveyors are used across various industries including:
Automotive manufacturing – for transporting stamped parts or engine components.
Aerospace – for handling precision-machined components.
Metal fabrication shops – for moving sheet metal and scrap.
Foundries and machine shops – for chip and coolant management.
Steel and aluminum production – for transporting ingots, coils, and other heavy materials.
In each of these environments, metalworking conveyors help automate the process, minimize human error, and maintain a clean and organized workspace.
Benefits of Metalworking Conveyors
Efficiency:
These systems drastically reduce the need for manual handling, thereby speeding up production cycles and allowing for continuous operation.
Security:
By automating the transportation of sharp or heavy metal items, conveyors reduce the risk of worker injuries caused by lifting or handling hazardous materials.
Cleanliness and Waste Management:
Conveyors help in effective chip removal, which reduces buildup around machines and improves coolant recovery and recycling.
Customization:
Metalworking conveyors can be customized in size, shape, and design to fit specific machinery and layout requirements, making them highly adaptable.
Integration:
They can be integrated with robotic systems, vision systems, and smart factory technologies for complete automation of the production process.