What is a Homemade Conveyor? Should You Use DIY Conveyors?

Have you ever thought about creating your own conveyor belt to transport objects or organize items? Instead of spending a large amount of money to buy an industrial conveyor, you can completely make a homemade conveyor at a much lower cost. Let’s explore the process of manufacturing a conveyor in the article below.

What is a Homemade Conveyor?

A homemade conveyor is a device created to transport objects from one location to another. Homemade conveyors are not mass-produced according to industrial standards but are crafted by users or small-scale units.

Along with homemade pallet jacks, homemade conveyors help make work processes smoother and easier.

See more: Heat-resistant Mesh Conveyors: Classification and Advantages

Structure of a Homemade Conveyor

A homemade conveyor has a fairly simple structure, consisting of the following main parts:

Conveyor Frame

The conveyor frame is the primary load-bearing component that supports other parts of the system. The frame can be made from materials such as:

• Wood: Easy to find and process at a cheap price. However, its durability is low and it is susceptible to termites and warping.
• Metal: Usually aluminum or steel, providing sturdiness, durability, and good load-bearing capacity. However, welding and cutting techniques are required for processing.
• Hard Plastic: The advantages of hard plastic are ease of processing and corrosion resistance. Nevertheless, its durability may not match that of metal.

Conveyor Belt Material

Depending on the load, the conveyor uses PU or PVC belts. Since this part is in direct contact with goods, users will choose a suitable material.

• Fabric: Soft, lightweight, easy to clean, and suitable for light materials.
• Rubber: Durable with good adhesion. Rubber belts are suitable for various types of materials.
• Plastic: Waterproof and easy to clean. Plastic conveyors are suitable for wet materials or those requiring frequent hygiene.

Rollers

When building a conveyor, rollers are an essential component. Rollers allow the belt to move smoothly. Depending on the length of the conveyor, the number of rollers may vary. It is important to note that rollers must be spaced evenly and ensure smooth rotation.

Motor

A crucial point when manufacturing a conveyor is the motor. The motor generates motion for the conveyor. Therefore, it is necessary to select a suitable motor type to ensure the conveyor operates effectively.

Power Source

When making a DIY conveyor, the power source is vital. It provides the electricity for the motor to operate. Ensure the power source is stable and safe.

Other Components

Other parts of the conveyor include:

• Speed controller to adjust the conveyor’s pace.
• Sensors to detect material on the belt.
• Emergency stop system to ensure safety during incidents.

See more: Fabric Reinforced Rubber Conveyors: Advantages and Applications

Should You Build Your Own Conveyor?

Building a homemade conveyor helps increase productivity and save costs. However, DIY conveyors require careful consideration of various factors to ensure safety and efficiency.

Advantages of a DIY Conveyor

• Significant cost savings, especially if you have materials available or can repurpose them from other sources.
• You can design the conveyor to specifically fit your needs.
• Practicing mechanical, assembly, and problem-solving skills.

Disadvantages of a DIY Conveyor

• Homemade conveyors do not guarantee the same durability and safety as industrial ones if they are not designed and manufactured correctly.
• The manufacturing and operation process can pose risks if safety rules are not followed.
• The efficiency of a homemade conveyor is not as high as that of an industrial system.

>>> Plastic Elevator Buckets – A Breakthrough Solution for Transporting Light Materials

Conclusion

Building your own conveyor saves costs and brings many practical benefits. However, to realize this idea simply and effectively, you need to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills. We hope that with the information shared by Naltako, you will be more confident in creating a homemade conveyor and have interesting experiences.