What Are the Different Types of Conveyor Parts?

The different types of conveyor parts will vary according to the specific design of the conveyor, which is a piece of machinery used to transport materials from one location to another. One of the most common types of conveyor is the belt conveyor, which consists of a rubber, metal, or plastic belt wrapped around a series of cylinders or drums. The conveyor parts of this machine may include the frame, cylinders, cylinder bearings, motor or motors, belt or belts, sidewalls, hydraulic lift or lifts, hopper, and computer controls to operate the entire system.

The key components of this type of system are the cylinders, which are mounted on axles and bearings between parallel frames. These rollers will vary in size according to the intended application of the system, and several conveyor parts will make up a cylinder. The drum is the outside sheath of the cylinder; the bearings rest inside the drum, and an axle will rest within the assembly and bearings. The axle will be fixed to either side of the conveyor frame, thereby allowing the cylinder to move freely when an object moves over it. Several cylinders will be fixed in succession within the frame to provide a stable surface for moving goods.

Other conveyor parts may include alternate moving devices such as an auger. An auger is essentially a large screw that is set within a confined box or frame. When materials are loaded into the box or frame, the auger turns and moves the materials in either direction. This system is most appropriate for moving fine particulate matter such as sand or grains. Augers are enclosed to prevent materials from spilling out or from interfering with the rotating parts of the conveyor system.

Hoppers are conveyor parts that may be included with any style of conveyor. This piece of equipment is essentially a large containment bin that is shaped like an upside-down triangle. A large opening at the top of the hopper allows a user to dump bulk material into it, and a smaller opening at the bottom of the hopper will feed the material onto the conveyor or into the auger at a regular speed. This allows large amounts of material to be stored before being transported on the conveyor system, and it also allows for a steady feed of materials onto the conveyor system, which prevents clogging or overloading of the conveyor system during use.