If you’re looking for ways to cut utility costs at your warehouse or plant, you should think about upgrading your conveyor belt motor. The motor determines how much energy the belt uses to power on and operate during the day. Learn more about what types of motors conveyor systems use.
Electric Motors
The majority of conveyor systems use electric motors, though there are many kinds within this category. The most common is an AC induction engine, which contains a rotating magnetic field that helps produce torque. The biggest advantage is that induction motors don’t require very much startup power, and they require little maintenance. You can have an induction motor run in one direction, or in two.
Hydraulic Motors
While less common than electric motors, it’s still possible to choose a hydraulic motor for your conveyor belt system. Hydraulic motors use pressurized liquid—usually oil—to create the torque needed to move objects. The main advantages of using a hydraulic motor are that they don’t require as much energy as electric motors and they’re able to keep consistent speeds even when powering heavy machinery.
Pneumatic Motors
Pneumatic motors aren’t usually a common type of motor used with conveyor systems. They turn compressed air into mechanical energy, which means they’re far less likely to overheat than their electrical counterparts. If you want to change the speed of a pneumatic motor, all you have to do is change the air pressure. Although, pneumatic motors aren’t well-equipped to handle heavy machinery like many conveyor systems.
Internal Combustion Engines
The internal combustion engine is similar to a pneumatic engine because they both use gases to create power. However, the internal combustion engine requires the burning of fuel to create the necessary gases. It’s more common these days to find hybrid motors—internal combustion plus electric—powering conveyor systems than it is to find pure internal combustion engines.
How Belting and Motors Work Together
Using the right belting with your conveyor can dramatically increase the efficiency of your system. For example, urethane flat belts from Texas Belting and Supply will last much longer than rubber belts. They have higher heat resistance and are less prone to drying out and cracking. If you’re looking for ways to cut costs, sometimes it pays to invest in an upgrade so you don’t have to keep replacing conveyor system components.