There are four basic types of chip conveyors: Hinge Belt, Magnetic, Filtering and Disc Conveyor. Each has unique characteristics for a specific range of applications.
To determine the type of chip conveyor that best suits your applications, start by asking yourself the following questions:
- What kinds of materials are you machining? Some chip conveyors are adequate for handling one type of material, but may not be the best choice if you’re running mixed metals, ferrous materials or plastics.
- What types of chips are you making? The characteristics and variety of chips – coarse, fine, stringy, birds-nests, etc. are major factors in determining the kind of chip conveyor you need.
- How well does the chip conveyor fit your machine tool? To perform properly, the chip conveyor must be customized to work with your specific make and model machine.
- How will you collect and dispose of the chips? Most conveyors deposit chips into a hopper that must be periodically emptied. Be certain that the receptacle is adequate for the amount of material you produce. This will reduce the possibility of backups and chips overflowing onto the shop floor. In some cases, a disc-based system that automatically moves chips from multiple machines through pipes may be a better solution.
- Are a wide range of options available? If a supplier has a limited selection of conveyor types, you may not get the best fit for your applications. Work with a resource that offers all types of chip conveyors before making a decision.
You can learn much more about choosing the right chip conveyor, including details about each type, by downloading this free white paper. Or contact you nearest LNS representative, Phone: 513-528-5674.