01
1. Define the product
Record the smallest and largest product, weight, base shape, material, centre of gravity and whether it can leak, roll, scratch or deform. The product determines the usable belt, chain, roller and transfer options.
02
2. Map the movement
Set the infeed and discharge positions, travel direction, elevation change, turns, required orientation and every interface with another machine. Include the shortest product gap and any accumulation requirement.
03
3. Quantify performance
State the required speed, throughput, indexing distance, repeatability and duty cycle. Separate normal production from peak demand so the system is not sized around an ambiguous average.
04
4. Describe the environment
Identify washdown, food contact, cleanroom, temperature, dust, oil, sharp edges, metal detection and electrical-area requirements. These conditions shape frame material, belt construction, bearings and access.
05
5. Plan ownership
Allow safe cleaning, belt changes, tensioning and access to controls. Confirm documentation and critical spares, then validate the proposed conveyor with real products whenever transfer or orientation risk is high.
Field checklist
Four questions that expose selection risk
A selection brief should make four constraints explicit: what is being carried, how it must move, where the conveyor operates and what the surrounding process expects. Product size and weight influence support; speed and orientation influence controls and guides; the environment determines materials and cleaning access; the layout determines transfers, elevation and service space.
- What can roll, tip, leak, scratch or deform?
- Where must position or spacing be preserved?
- Which environmental conditions affect components?
- How will operators clean, maintain and change the belt?