Conveyor belts have evolved over hundreds of years to deliver efficiencies in production, manufacturing and packing processes.
Early conveyor belts
Conveyor belts have existed since around 1790, though these early examples bear little resemblance to the sophisticated vacuum conveyor systems provided nowadays by companies such as //www.aptech.uk.com/pneumatic-conveying-systems/vacuum-conveying-systems/.
These early systems featured a strip of leather or canvas running over a flat wooden bed, hand-operated by pulleys and cranks and used to move goods such as grain and flour.
Steam power
In the mid-1800s, steam-powered conveyors replaced the hand-operated systems, offering greater weight-carrying capabilities and allowing bulky goods such as coal to be moved with ease. These systems used rubber-covered belts atop steel rollers to bear the load. In 1905, further adaptations were made to allow for underground use in mining operations.
The industrial revolution
As factories increased their capacity, conveyor belts were used to reduce manual labour and expedite the movement of materials. During this time, the materials used in conveyor belts were also adapted to provide greater longevity, with less risk of stretching and rotting in damp or chemical environments.
Car manufacturing
In 1913 Henry Ford made history when he integrated conveyors into his factory assembly lines, reducing the time taken to build a car from 12 hours to 90 minutes.
Modern conveyor systems
Nowadays, factories, warehouses and manufacturing plants rely heavily on conveyor systems, automating the movement of products, reducing manual handling and improving productivity. Designs and materials continue to evolve to meet different use cases and smart designs enable predictive maintenance, reducing unexpected downtime.
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