The term “overhead conveyor” is derived from the fact that, unlike other types of conveyor, they operate over or above the heads of both workers and other equipment.

Overhead conveyors are typically used in manufacturing facilities to move parts from one location to another. They take advantage of the generally unused vertical space above the work area. Using curved sections or lift stations, they bring parts down to operator level and back up to higher levels. Overhead conveyors can pass through production or process areas where personnel cannot enter; sandblasting, cleaning, ovens, paint booths, robotic work cells, etc.

Overhead conveyor systems are designed for a wide range of industrial material handling applications including parts handling, overhead storage and assembly lines in manufacturing or distribution centres. In the finishing / surface treatment industry, overhead conveyors are used to move products through processes such as spray-painting, dip painting, plating, e-coating, ovens, powder coating, sandblasting and cleaning.

Overhead conveyors are easy to implement in most facilities because their modular design is meant to bypass the complicated twists and turns of floor-mounted machines. They are energy efficient and use less power than most other conveyor types. When used correctly, they are an incredibly efficient, safe and reliable means of conveying which maximizes space and minimizes disruption.

Overhead conveyors can be divided into 3 groups based on technical complexity: manual overhead conveyors, monorail overhead conveyors and Power & Free overhead conveyors.

How does a Power and Free conveyor work?
The Power and Free conveyor, which is the most technically complex type, provides asynchronous conveying. Each set of trolleys can stop and start independently and move loads at different speeds.

Power & Free conveyors are based on a dual profile system. The upper profile is used for the ‘Power’ chain and the lower ‘Free’ profile is used for the trolleys. Pusher dogs are fitted to the power chain at the same pitch and are used to pull the carriers around the system.

Stop stations are used to disengage the link between the power chain and the trolleys. When a stop station is closed, the trolley stops while the power chain continues to move. The design of the pusher and trolley allows multiple wagons to accumulate behind a stop station.

Today, our conveyor systems operate in a wide range of demanding industries. Take a look at our many references from across the globe.