Summary:
The conveyor guide rail system is an element of certain conveyor systems that helps guide the movement of the conveyor belt so that it goes in the direction that it needs to go.
The Conveyor Guide Rail System: All You Need To Know
What Is a Conveyor Guide Rail System?
Reasons why conveyor guide rail systems fail
signs you are having conveyor guide rail problems
Ways poor conveyor guide rails can impact production line efficiency
Conveyor guide rails system are one of the many different types of conveyor systems that can be used in different industries, from manufacturing to agriculture to shipping to warehousing and more. When correctly installed and maintained, these systems provide businesses with increased safety, efficiency, and productivity. So what exactly is a conveyor guide rail system? Let’s take a look at the basic characteristics and learn how this system works.
What Is a Conveyor Guide Rail System?
The conveyor guide rail system is an element of certain conveyor systems that helps guide the movement of the conveyor belt so that it goes in the direction that it needs to go. Conveyor systems are used for many different things and come in all shapes and sizes, with materials ranging from metal and plastic to rubber and stone.
The design and functions of different conveyor systems can vary greatly depending on their purpose, but the guide rail system will be present in many cases because it serves as a vital function of such systems. For example, some conveyors may only need the rails at two points while others may need them every few feet or more.
Rails help ensure that the belt moves at an even speed and doesn’t get caught up in any objects or otherwise become disrupted. They also serve as protection against slippage, which could lead to accidents or damage of goods.
Reasons why conveyor guide rail systems fail
Conveyor guide rail systems can be an integral part of any warehouse or factory that uses forklifts to transport materials around the facility. Unfortunately, despite their usefulness, many of these systems are not properly maintained and as a result, will end up breaking down and causing workplace accidents and lost time in your facility. The following 5 reasons are some of the most common ways that conveyor guide rail systems fail in warehouses and factories across the country.
1) Improper assembly
One of the most common reasons for conveyor guide rail system failure is improper assembly. When putting together a conveyor guide rail system, it’s important to make sure that all of the components are properly aligned and secured. Otherwise, the system will be more likely to fail.
2) Worn out guides
Over time, the guide rails on a conveyor system can become worn down. This can happen for a number of reasons, including heavy use or improper maintenance. When the guide rails are worn out, they can no longer provide the necessary support for the conveyor belt, which can lead to the belt coming off the track.
3) Improper adjustment
One of the most common reasons for conveyor guide rail system failure is improper adjustment. If the rails are not properly aligned, the system will not be able to function correctly and will eventually fail. Improper adjustment can also cause premature wear and tear on the system, which can lead to its eventual failure.
4) Debris buildup on rollers
Debris buildup is one of the top reasons why conveyor guide rail systems fail. When debris accumulates on the rollers, it can cause them to seize up and fail. Additionally, the build-up of debris can also cause the chain to jump off the track, which can lead to a derailment. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to keep the rollers clean and free of debris.
5) Not following maintenance guidelines
Maintenance is key for any type of machinery, but it is especially important for conveyor guide rail systems. These systems are constantly in use and subject to a lot of wear and tear. If they are not properly maintained, they will eventually fail.
signs you are having conveyor guide rail problems
Guide rails are one of the main components that allow your conveyor system to work properly and efficiently, so when there are issues with them, your entire system can suffer greatly. Here are five signs that indicate you may have guide rail problems in your conveyor system and need to address them as soon as possible.
1) The load is off center
If your conveyor’s load is constantly off-center, it’s a sign that your guide rails aren’t properly aligned. This can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your conveyor belt, as well as decreased efficiency. If you notice this problem, realign your guide rails as soon as possible.
2) The machine stops after some time
If your conveyor belt stops soon after you turn it on, that’s a sign that there’s a problem with the guide rail. The guide rail is what keeps the belt moving in a straight line, so if it’s not working properly, the belt will stop.
3) There are sparks when you start the equipment
When you first turn on your conveyor belt, there shouldn’t be any sparks. If there are, that’s a sign that something is wrong. The guide rails are one of the most important parts of the conveyor belt system, so if they’re not working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems. The equipment isn’t running smoothly (five sentences): If your conveyor belt is juddering or shaking, that’s a sign that the guide rails aren’t doing their job.
4) Lots of noise
If your conveyor is making more noise than usual, there’s a good chance something is wrong. The first step is to check the rails to see if they’re loose. If they are, tighten them up. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the rails entirely.
5) Damaged product
If you notice that your product is becoming damaged as it moves along your conveyor guide rails, there’s a problem. This could be caused by several things, such as an issue with the material your product is made of, the weight of your product, or even the speed at which your conveyor belt is moving. Whatever the cause, it’s important to fix the problem as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your product and costly repairs down the line.
Ways poor conveyor guide rails can impact production line efficiency
Poor conveyor guide rails can impact production line efficiency in several ways, as these rails guide material along the path of the conveyor, so if they are too narrow or bent, then material can slip off the side or get stuck in the middle of them. Let’s examine five common problems that result from poor conveyor guide rails and see how to avoid them
Reduce inefficiencies
There are a few key ways in which poor conveyor guide rails can impact production line efficiency. First, if the rails are not properly aligned, the conveyor belt will have to work harder to move products, resulting in increased wear and tear. Second, if the guide rails are too close together, products can get jammed, causing delays. Third, if the guide rails are too far apart, products can fall off, again causing delays.
Leads to scrap
When conveyor guide rails are not level or properly aligned, it can cause the product to be scraped off the conveyor belt as it moves along. This can lead to increased production costs and decreased efficiency. Not only does this result in wasted product, but it can also cause damage to the conveyor belt itself, which can lead to even more downtime and repair costs.
Lead to rework and secondary processing
As products move down the conveyor line, they may veer off course if the guide rails are not properly aligned. This can lead to rework and secondary processing, as workers have to intervene to correct the product’s path. In addition to slowing down production, this can also impact product quality and cause safety hazards.
Lead to cost of poor maintenance
As anyone in the manufacturing or distribution industries knows, time is money. And when it comes to your production line, even a few minutes of downtime can cost you dearly in terms of both lost productivity and revenue. That’s why it’s so important to keep your conveyor guide rails in good condition. Unfortunately, poor maintenance can lead to all sorts of problems that can impact the efficiency of your production line.