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Conveyor Sortation Systems
Precision Warehouse Design excels in designing conveyor systems and innovative solutions for various operations, understanding product movement in distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. We’ve designed sortation conveyor systems nationwide.
We ensure your conveyor and material handling systems are apt for moving individual boxes, bulk materials, totes, full cases, or pallets. We take time to understand your operations, recommending suitable conveyor belt equipment like rubber or conventional conveyor belts, sandwich belt conveyors, and custom solutions with appropriate control and automation systems.
Our sortation conveyor system solutions cater to our customers in various industries and use cases:
- Parcel sortation in distribution centers
- Unit sortation of boxes or totes in manufacturing lines
- Bulk sortation in warehouse facilities
- High-speed sortation for e-commerce fulfillment
With over 20 years of experience, we offer expertise in designing conveyor systems for diverse applications. Whether you need a simple belt conveyor or an advanced sortation and order fulfillment system with integrated controls and automation, we can assist.
what do you want to sort?
- Boxes * Totes * Pallets * Trays * Poly-Bags * Mailers
MAIN TYPES OF SORTERS:
Narrow Belt Sorter
This type of sortation system uses a series of narrow belts, each with its own take-up. High-friction rollers raise to grip and gently divert products at a 90-degree angle right or left, on-the-fly. It’s best used when your operation requires accurately sorted products or when handling a wide variety of product sizes, shapes, and weights.
Shoe Sorter
Also known as a sliding shoe sorter, this system uses a series of shoes to slide across the surface to push items off the sorter. It’s ideal suited for high-speed sortation of a variety of product sizes and shapes.
Pushers/Pullers
These are used to divert products from the main conveyor line, either manually or automatically. They’re best used when the rate of product flow is lower, and the product is sturdy enough to handle the pushing force.
Arm Diverts
Arm diverts are used to change the direction of a product in a conveyor system. They are best used when dealing with sturdy products that can handle the force of the divert.
UBT (Urethane Belt Transfers)
This system is designed to bridge the gap between adjoining conveyors and equipment. The UBT uses a pair of polyurethane belts to move items off the conveyor. They’re ideal for use in conveyor systems that require a high degree of coordination or precise positioning.
Plastic Belt Sorters
These systems use plastic belts and are ideal for sorting items based on size, weight, and shape. They’re best used in applications that require the gentle handling of items.
Sure Sort
This is a small item sorter that delivers and processes a wide variety of items safely and efficiently. It’s best used in operations that handle a wide range of product sizes, shapes, and weights.
Tray Sorters (Tilt and Pusher)
Tray sorters use a series of trays to carry items to their designated location. When the item reaches its destination, the tray either tilts or pushes the item off. They’re best used when items need to be sorted in a specific orientation or gentle handling is required.
Bombay Sortation
This system uses a series of flat carrier surfaces (flights) to convey the product to the appropriate divert station. It’s best used in high-speed transport applications where product stability is key.
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FAQs on Conveyor Sortation Systems
1. What is a sortation conveyor system?
A sortation system or conveyor system is a specialized system designed to sort products and packages to their respective destinations within a warehouse or distribution center. These systems are essential for managing the flow of goods and increasing efficiency in logistics and supply chain operations. They are engineered to intelligently distribute items based on specific criteria such as weight, size, shape, or destination. By automating the sorting process, these sortation systems can eliminate the need for manual sorting, thereby reducing labor costs and increasing operational efficiency. They also help in reducing errors that can occur in manual sorting, ensuring that the right product reaches the right place at the right time.
2. What is an automated sorting system?
An automated sorting system is a mechanical system that uses automated processes to sort different items into designated categories or locations. This system is often used in warehouses and distribution centers to streamline operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. These systems use advanced technologies such as sensors, scanners, and software algorithms to identify items, determine their appropriate destinations, and direct them along the correct paths. By automating these tasks, businesses can significantly improve their productivity, accuracy, and speed, while also reducing the risk of errors and damage to goods.
3. How does a tilt tray sorter work?
A tilt tray sorter is a type of automated sortation system that uses a series of trays attached to a conveyor belt. When an item reaches its designated drop-off point, the tray tilts, gently sliding the item off the tray and onto a chute or conveyor leading to its destination. This mechanism allows for precise control over the movement of items, ensuring that they are accurately sorted and delivered without damage. The tilt tray sorter is particularly useful for handling a wide variety of items, from small and lightweight to large and very heavy items, making it a versatile solution for many different types of sorting applications.
4. What are the sortation automation technologies used in the logistics industry?
There are various sortation automation technologies used in the various processes of the logistics industry, including but not limited to, cross-belt sorters, tilt-tray sorters, pusher sorters, and sliding shoe sorters. These technologies use different mechanisms to move items along the conveyor and direct them to their designated locations. The choice of technology depends on the specific needs and requirements of the logistics operation, such as the types and sizes of items to be sorted, the required sorting speed, and the complexity of the sorting task. By leveraging these advanced technologies, businesses can achieve high levels of efficiency and accuracy in their sorting and other order fulfillment operations.
5. What are the benefits of using a sortation conveyor system?
Sortation conveyor systems boost warehouse efficiency and productivity by automating goods sorting, reducing labor costs, increasing throughput, and minimizing errors. Customizable to handle various product types and sizes, they ensure accurate item sorting and direction, enhancing logistics reliability and improving customer satisfaction and business performance.
6. How do I choose the right sortation conveyor system for my needs?
Choosing the right sortation technology and conveyor system depends on several factors, including the types and sizes of the items you need to sort, the speed at which you need to sort them, and the layout of your facility. It’s also important to consider future needs, as your system should be scalable to accommodate growth. Consulting with a professional who has a broad range of expertise in various conveyor types and systems can be very helpful in making the right decision. They can assess your specific needs and requirements, recommend suitable technologies and system configurations, and provide guidance on how to optimize the system for maximum performance and efficiency.
7. Can sortation conveyor systems handle fragile items?
Yes, many sortation conveyor systems are designed to handle fragile items with care. The key is to choose a system that uses gentle material handling techniques and has features designed to protect fragile goods, such as soft touch diverters or padded sortation devices. These features can help to prevent damage to fragile items during this essential part of the sorting process, ensuring that they reach their destinations in good condition. Always discuss your specific needs with your sortation system provider to ensure the system will be suitable for your products. They can provide advice on the best sortation technologies and system designs for handling fragile items, and help you to implement a solution that meets your specific needs.
