Overhead Conveyors

We offer an extensive range of overhead conveyor systems ranging from simple manual systems, through powered single line (monorail) to complex Power & Free systems. A total of 7 different systems have been developed for unit load weights from a few grams to 10.000 kg. All the overhead conveyor systems have been developed first and foremost for the extremes of the surface finishing industry and are designed for operating at high efficiencies with minimum maintenance.

3D conveyor animation

Overhead conveyors – reference video

Understanding overhead conveyor technology

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.

Overhead conveyor terms – Power & Free

1) “Power” profile with cardan chain
2) “Free” profile with trolleys
3) Cardan chain with chain carriers
(pusher dogs)
4) Workload to be handled

A) Front trolley
B) Middle trolley
C) Rear trolley
D) Middle load bar
E) Main load bar
A + B + C + D + E = Wagon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an overhead conveyor system?

An overhead conveyor is a type of conveyor system which is suspended from the ceiling or overhead structure. It is typically used to transport materials or products along a production line or assembly process. The conveyor can be powered by an electric motor or by manual pushing and can be designed for various types of materials, such as boxes, parts, or finished products. Overhead conveyors can be monorail, power and free, or manual / hand-pushed wagon systems.

How do overhead conveyors work?

They work by suspending goods from an overhead track, which allows them to be moved freely along the length of the conveyor. This makes them ideal for use in factories, warehouses and other industrial settings where goods need to be moved quickly and efficiently.

Using an overhead conveyor? What are the benefits?

Overhead conveyors offer many benefits over other types of conveyors. They are more efficient, taking up less space and energy to operate. They are also much safer, as there is no risk of entrapment or injury from moving parts.

What are the different types of overhead conveyors?

There are two main types of conveyors operating overhead: monorail and power & free. Monorail conveyors are the simplest type, consisting of a single rail that the trolleys travel along. Power & free conveyors are more complex, consisting of two rails – a power rail that provides power to the trolleys, and a free rail that the trolleys travel along.

What are the different components of an overhead conveyor?

The main components are the profiles / tracks, wagons, trolleys, and drive system. The profil is the track which the trolleys travel along. The trolleys are the vehicles that carry the load. The drive system is what powers the trolleys and moves them along the rail.

There are several benefits of using an overhead conveyor, including:

Increased efficiency: can help to increase the efficiency of your production line by reducing the need for manual handling of goods.
Reduced risk of injury: Manual handling of goods can be a source of injury in the workplace. By using a conveyor, you can reduce the risk of injury to your employees.
Cost-effective: Overhead conveyors can be a cost-effective solution for your business, as they require less maintenance than other types of conveyor systems.

How to maintain an overhead conveyor?

To ensure optimal performance of your conveyor system, regular maintenance is key. At a minimum, you should inspect the system monthly to check for any damage or wear and tear. If you notice any issues, be sure to address them right away to avoid further damage or potential safety hazards.

In addition to monthly inspections, you should also perform a more thorough inspection and cleaning every six months. This will help to keep your conveyor system running smoothly and prevent any potential problems down the road.

What are some common problems with overhead conveyors?

One of the most common problems is misalignment. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as incorrect installation or damage to the system. If not addressed, misalignment can cause serious damage to the conveyor belt and other components.

Another common issue is buildup of debris on the conveyor belt. This can cause the belt to slip or even break, so it’s important to keep the belt clean. In some cases, you may need to install a belt scraper to help remove debris.

How can I ensure my overhead conveyor is operating safely?

There are a few key things you can do to ensure your overhead conveyor is operating safely. First, make sure that the conveyor is properly installed and that all safety devices are in place and functioning properly. Second, inspect the conveyor regularly to ensure that it is in good working condition and that there are potential hazards. Finally, make sure that all employees who operate or work near the conveyor are properly trained in its safe use.

Article recap:

Overhead conveyors operate by suspending materials from an overhead track using a series of pulleys. The materials are then moved along the track by a chain or belt. This type of conveyor is often used to move heavy equipment or bulky materials, as it can support a lot of weight.

One common issue with conveyors is that they can be noisy inside a facility. This is usually due to the chain or belt that is used to move the materials along the track. If noise is a concern, you may want to look for a conveyor that uses a quieter type of chain or belt. One of the most common issues with a conveyor belt is the buildup of debris on the conveyor belt itself.