If you were to take an overhead photo of a packaging line, the conveying system would look a lot like a highway or, in some cases, a roller coaster.

Referred to as "intelligent bridges between islands of automation," conveyors are key components to a smooth running packaging line. The idea, obviously, is to get packaging elements from point A to point Z in the quickest and most efficient way possible.

Selecting the optimum conveyor system is dependent on your packaging operation. Flat-top chain is the most commonly used style of conveyor in packaging operations and is available in several generic styles including channel frame, sanitary and open frame conveyors. But sophisticated conveyor systems are expanding beyond the generic and improvements are being made while using established conveying technologies (see our list of conveyor manufacturers at the end of this article).

Some technological improvements in conveyors include:

* Convenient and ergonomic solutions.

* Easy belt reversal for inclined conveyors to increase productivity.

* Screw style conveyors to protect products while cutting costs.

* Improvements in bucket conveyor system for handling and packaging bulk materials and powders.

Considering ergonomics

Ergonomics are a key driver to newly designed bi-directional product conveyors and accumulation tables. These units allow packers to control the amount of product accumulated while controlling conveying speeds.