Product Launch: EZGUIDE Conveyor Guide Rails

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As part of Span Tech’s commitment to continuous innovation in the industry, we’ve launched the newest line of adjustable conveyor guide rails. Our EZ Guide Rail System brings a more efficient alternative to conveyor guide rails that’s never been seen before in the marketplace. With the ability to solve many of the primary issues other guide rail systems have, the EZ Guide introduces a new level of efficiency to the world of manufacturing. We’re taking a closer look at the EZ Guide Rail System and the many ways it can benefit your business.

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A Closer Look at the New EZ Guide Rail System

Popular in the packaging and distribution industries, conveyor guide rails are required when accumulating products to prevent the products from walking off the conveyor. As the latest conveyor guide rail design to hit the market, Span Tech’s EZ Guide Rail System can solve many of the primary issues that traditional guide rail systems have.

Carefully designed by our team of expert engineers, it’s sure to make your manufacturing process more efficient than ever before.

Unique Product Features

Conveyor guide rails play a crucial role in keeping your product in line and secure during transport. From directing products to a certain position to transferring them from one conveyor to another, these systems have a lot of functions.

Span Tech’s new EZ Conveyor Guide Rails take these features to the next level. Our latest product has notable benefits that set it apart from other guide rails on the market.

No Protruding Conveyor Guide Rail Brackets or Shafts

Traditional conveyor guide rail systems tend to use a solid-mounted shaft to mount their guide rail. This can be a major safety hazard. Why? When the rail is adjusted to its “maximum open” position, the shafts will stick out from the conveyor’s sides. This makes it easy for people to get their clothes or body parts caught and can cause injuries on the job.

In comparison, our EZ Guide System doesn’t contain protruding brackets or shafts. You won’t find mechanical components sticking out from the sides of the conveyor during an adjustment. Instead, all the mechanics take place within the shrouded portion of the system. This keeps everything safe for anyone walking close to the conveyors.

Designed to Remain Adjustable Through Curves

While many of the traditional guide rail systems can be made to adjust their width in straight sections, few can be adjusted through a curved portion of a conveyor. Why? The radius of a section is simply too difficult for them. To adjust through a curved portion, guides must bend and their length has to increase or decrease as the radius is changed.

Our EZ Guide System is equipped to handle adjustments for both straight and curved sections. Its design has a radius that can change as the guide’s width is increased or decreased in a curve.

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Product Variation Types

Our EZ Guide Rail System is currently available in the following two different configurations:

  • Fixed — This variation offers a basic, fixed-width guidance solution and is ideal for single-width products and/or safety concerns like overhead conveyor installations.
  • Manual Adjustment — As the entry-level system, this variation is adjusted by manually unlocking its guides and positioning the guide rail by hand. This setup is quite similar to almost all other guide rail systems on the market.
  • Incline & Decline Conveyors

Each of these configurations can be made for almost any type of conveyor and still provide the ability to guide through curves. Two of these types — the Fixed and Manual Adjustment — were first introduced at Pack EXPO Connects.

Get Innovative Conveyor Guide Rail Solutions from Span Tech

As a company that thrives on innovation and testing, Span Tech recognizes the importance of utilizing the latest technology in manufacturing. That’s why we’re proud to bring you products like our EZ Guide Rail System. When it comes to providing speciality conveyor solutions like conveyor guide rails, we’re committed to going the extra mile every time. To order our conveyor guide rails for your facility, contact us today!

6 Things to Consider in the Site Selection Process for a Warehouse

Setting up a warehouse distribution center

It’s an exciting time, and your company is ready to take the next step. Setting up a warehouse distribution center can be a monumental experience for any organization. Maybe you’re fairly new on the market and shopping around for your very first site. Or, perhaps your successful company is seeing growth, and it’s time to expand. Whatever the reason, the site selection process for a warehouse is critical for your continued prosperity.

As you get ready to select a new site, consider these six factors to help you make the right decision and ultimately avoid building your plant in an unfit location.

1. The Role Of Your Warehouse

Before you do anything, it’s crucial to take a good, long look at your business plan. Examine and evaluate where you’ve been as a company and where you’re going. Determine if setting up a warehouse or distribution center is the best decision for your business at this time. If it is, think about the site’s purpose. Ask yourself: How much traffic will be within your plant? What capacity of people will need to be there at any given time?

Overall, you want to make sure you’ve covered the basics and fully understand how a new facility must meet your needs. This may sound like common sense, but it’s easy to overlook and can have serious consequences for your business.

2. The Building’s Layout

The design of your warehouse can be vital to productivity and the overall efficiency of product flow. Think about where you need the dock doors to be located to make the most of your new space. Should they be on one side? Opposite sides? How many dock doors will you need and what will you use them for? How will the building’s setup affect packaging?

If you’re focusing on e-commerce, your goal is to find something that will take your product from the picking process to the shipping process. Additionally, you want to consider any possible restrictions to the free flow of product, like interior walls or obstructions.

3. The Distance

During the site selection process for a warehouse, try to minimize the mileage between customers, materials and your plant. Keep in mind, the whole point of finding a new distribution center is to make life easier — not present more challenges.

Think about where your customers are located in comparison to the site you’re considering. If your organization uses raw materials in its manufacturing, where are they located and how far will you have to go to get them? Your warehouse location is important and should play a major role in your decision process.

4. The Overall Environment

As you visit potential distribution areas, examine the nearby industrial sites. Really think about their effect on the surrounding environment. Do they emit dust? Is there air pollution? Are there any odors or toxic elements left behind?

You never want to work at a site that’s contaminated or near other contaminated plants. This is really important in the food production industry, as well as beverage production. It’s also a significant factor for industries like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, so as to avoid cross-contamination.

5. Your Location Criteria

Depending on your warehouse’s purpose, you may find that you require certain elements to get the most use out of its location. For example, you might need additional land due to factors like drainage, topography and governmental regulations. Along with that, consider accessibility and transportation. Will your plant’s operations require that you have railway access? How important is it to be near the interstate? These are questions you want to answer when setting up a warehouse distribution center.

6. Utility & Water Costs

Your expanding distribution center is already an investment. Spiking water and electric bills are the last things you want. You can try to avoid this by determining the square footage you’ll require. Consulting a utility matrix should help with this process. In doing this, you can determine whether or not an adequate energy supply source is readily available. Be sure to review water and wastewater requirements, as consumption costs are often influenced by pre-treatment costs or additional wastewater sub-charges.

Let Span Tech Help with the Site Selection Process For Your Warehouse

At Span Tech, our goal has always been to “build the very best conveyor systems we are capable of,” and we’re dedicated to helping you with your expanding distribution center.

Our flexible and completely customizable distribution center conveyor systems take the stress out of choosing a new warehouse location. They can also improve the overall production efficiency of your facility and help you prepare for future success. We’re more than happy to assist you in setting up a warehouse distribution center through the use of our flexible and customizable conveyor solutions.

If you have questions or would like additional information about how our systems can improve your new warehouse or distribution center, don’t hesitate to contact Span Tech. We want to set you up for success!

4 Must-Have Cosmetic Packaging Solutions and Conveyor Features

If you’re not using safe, reliable and efficient conveyor systems for cosmetics, you could be making a costly mistake.

The world of cosmetics is now a multibillion-dollar industry. In fact, by 2022, experts forecast that the global cosmetics industry will be worth almost $430 billion. The all-encompassing term “cosmetics” refers to makeup, deodorants, fragrances, color cosmetics and hair, sun and skin care.

Because so many people around the world rely on cosmetics companies to provide them with safe, high-quality products, it’s more important than ever before that manufacturers utilize the proper cosmetic conveyor systems when producing their products.

The cosmetics industry is unique in that it requires a lot of flexibility on the part of the cosmetic packaging manufacturers. This means that your cosmetic industry equipment needs to be adaptable and able to comfortably accommodate any product’s assembly and/or distribution. When it comes to choosing conveying and packaging solutions for cosmetics, there are several features that are a necessity to have on your line.

1. End-To-End Product Movement

In the cosmetics industry, it’s critical to have adaptable, end-to-end product movement with a small transfer gap and closed carrying surface. This ensures that these often tiny products are moved along the line safely without high levels of friction.

At Span Tech, we offer a number of chain conveyor systems for cosmetics. The Closed-Top Chain Conveyor offers a smooth, closed carrying surface, ensuring small products don’t slip through the cracks. The MicroSpan Chain Conveyor also provides an incredibly smooth surface with an extremely small transfer gap for easy transport. And the MultiSpan Chain Conveyor is the peak of versatility and flexibility thanks to its compact design and variety of available chain types.

2. Smooth Sorting And Merging

When a cosmetics brand manufactures products, whether it’s an eyeshadow palette, a lip gloss or mascara, there are a lot of moving pieces and parts at play. Because of this, it’s essential that manufacturers have reliable material handling conveyor solutions in place that can accurately sort and merge at a fast pace.

The High-Speed Switch divides your cosmetic products efficiently and effectively, all while maintaining your product line pitch. If you need to stop or eject skin care or makeup products from your line, Span Tech’s selection of Conveyor Stops and Pushers can help. And easily discharge products at a multitude of elevations with the compact Vertical Switch Conveyor.

3. Reliable Elevation Change

A cosmetics brand often produces a lot of different products at once. Because of this, the more conveyor systems with smaller footprints, the better. The best way to accomplish this is by utilizing reliable and efficient conveyor systems that change elevation. These types of conveyor systems for cosmetics give you the capacity to move a wide range of product types without having to take up valuable floor space.

The Span Tech Topper Lift can tackle tricky angles, cosmetic product orientations and steep elevation changes of up to 60 degrees. And the Helical Conveyor is unique in that it can change elevation and direction simultaneously, creating the most ergonomic modular design with the tightest turning radius in the industry. If you’re tight on space and need to move several delicate cosmetic products at once, the Conveyor Elevator gives you the cost-effective capacity you need.

4. Easy Cleanup

Cosmetic products are often made using a powder, liquid or otherwise viscous material. Because of this, cosmetic industry equipment tends to get quite messy and even dangerous if you’re not using the right conveyor system add-on equipment. In fact, if you don’t have the right system in place, it can damage your conveyors, compromise the quality of your products or even put your employees at risk. By using the proper add-ons, you can ensure cleanability and prolong the lifespan of your material handling equipment.

Our Drip Trays were specifically created to catch liquids and debris that may fall off your conveyor and onto walkways or other areas of your conveyor system. And our Clean-Out Holes are made for areas where sanitation is a high priority. This system allows for better access to the inside of the conveyor bed and makes for a more effective and efficient washdown.

Let Span Tech Build Your Custom Conveyor Systems for Cosmetics

At Span Tech, we manufacture automated conveyor systems, innovative accessories and add-ons to customize a complete solution for your needs. Have a complex package design or an accelerated speed of production? We can accommodate that. We take great pride in our focus on maximizing safety and minimizing damage and defects — which means you get the highest quality products available.

Have a question or need help customizing your cosmetic conveyor system? Reach out today — we’re happy to help in whatever way we can.

Best Material Handling Systems For A Smooth Conveyor Transfer

Conveyor transition systems

The need to safely and efficiently move products along a conveyor line spans countless industries. And while most conveyors contain the same essential components, a vital part of any system’s success and, ironically one of the most overlooked, is the transfer conveyor.

Span Tech’s conveyor transfer systems were designed to effortlessly connect your new or existing conveyor systems. The conveyor transition section on a line will enable products to efficiently and reliably make a smooth transfer at various speeds and in multiple directions without disruption. The following are some of Span Tech’s top material handling systems and solutions for a smooth conveyor transfer.

Gravity Transfer

When your application doesn’t require a powered transfer, the non-powered Gravity Transfer Rollers provide an ideal method for quickly moving materials. The rollers’ small nose bar allows even the smallest of products to be transferred safely and efficiently. And the innovative design makes maintenance and cleaning incredibly simple. Gravity Transfers from Span Tech are entirely customizable, and dead plate transfers are also available and can be fitted to your system.

MicroSpan Transfer

A compact, durable transition solution, the MicroSpan Transfer makes end-to-end product movement easier than ever before. This conveyor transfer can be operated by an employee from the main conveyor shaft or can be independently powered by its own gear motors.

Wire Mesh Transfer

Wire Mesh Belt Conveyors are the perfect solution for avoiding sticky situations. This transferring conveyor shares many features with that of the MicroSpan Transfer, but is ideal for handling sticky or gummy products. The Wire Mesh Transfer is applicable for use near or within freezers and for various bi-directional situations.

Learn Why The Experts Choose Span Tech

Span Tech’s smooth conveyor transfer solutions are designed to seamlessly move products and food from one conveyor to the next. With our extensive experience in customizing transfer conveyor systems, each solution and component has been created to improve workflow and alleviate potential manufacturing risks and safety concerns.

For example, when Fleischer’s Bagels moved to its new 42,000-square-foot facility, they were producing over 50 bag designs and various sizes of bagels. At first, conventional bagel equipment was considered, but they soon found that for their level of high-volume production an automated approach would be needed. They turned to Span Tech. The expert team at Span Tech created a completely custom conveyor system with different types of transfers to boost productivity while reducing costs. To this day, they remain one of the most unique and efficient factories in the bagel industry due to their specialized use of different types of transfer systems.

Let Us Help With Your Conveyor Transfer System Today

If you need a specialized conveyor belt or conveyor transfer for your manufacturing or material handling facility, let Span Tech help. Browse our extensive selection of conveyor systems, components and add-ons to find the best solution for your facility’s unique needs. Have a question or need more information? Contact our customer service team today!

Top 6 Must-Have Sorting Conveyor Systems & Accumulation Solutions

Top accumulation & sorting conveyors

Sorting, merging and accumulating products is a vital part of production, packaging and distribution for many industries. From cosmetic manufacturing to food production, efficient product flow has never been more important. Span Tech’s line of sorting conveyors has been specifically designed to meet these needs. The following are some of the top sorting, merging and accumulation conveyors available from Span Tech.

1. Alleviate Accumulation Issues with the Powered Divert

The Powered Divert is a small accumulation conveyor at a 90-degree angle, suspended above a horizontal chain. Ideal for bagged and nonrigid products, the Powered Divert works by keeping the product continually moving forward, virtually alleviating any accumulation issues. This is an incredibly valuable application if you have a limited conveyor length where a standard divert rail would be too long. The Powered Divert is typically powered by a WA20 or WA30 gearmotor and is ideal for distribution.

2. Eliminate Skewing with the Transpositor

The flexible and adaptable Transpositor creates right-angle product transfers without any skewing. Using the sprocket-driven MicroSpan chain, this conveyor feature can be used to reject or divert even the most delicate of products. Built for product lanes or for patterns across the width of receiving conveyors, the Transpositor is perfect for feeding wrappers, case packers and hand-pack stations. This sorting conveyor feature is ideal for packaging, distribution, e-commerce and more.

3. Reach New Heights with the Vertical Switch

The Vertical Switch allows products to be discharged at multiple heights. Depending on your unique configuration, the system can be man-driven from the conveyor or independently powered — the choice is yours. And thanks to its compact design, the overall footprint of the sorting conveyor system is reduced, meaning less space is needed for optimal operational efficiency. The Vertical Switch is designed for manufacturing, distribution, pharmaceutical production and manufacturing, and cosmetic manufacturing and distribution.

4. Easily Move Heavy Products with Pushers and Stops

Conveyor Stops and Pushers are stations that sort products efficiently by ejecting them off the conveyor or halting them altogether. This is incredibly important when working with heavier products. The adaptable station can also be used for sorting specific product from the main conveyor flow, palletizing or utilizing a product reject system. Keep in mind that stoppers and pushers can be used in both pneumatic cylinder and electric motor applications. Pushers and Stops are ideal for packaging, manufacturing, e-commerce, and cosmetic manufacturing and distribution.

5. Auto-Sort Products with the Reliable Laner

The innovative Laner system auto-sorts products into lanes. It works by utilizing multiple rows of specially designed wheels to speed up product flow. This allows products to be efficiently sent down the line for final packaging or accelerated in different directions for additional processing. The process virtually eliminates product jamming, residue contamination and the slowing down of product movement, common issues when using traditional methods like guide rails or sheet metal dividers. The Laner works best with round, thin products.

6. Smoothly Sort and Merge with the High-Speed Switch

The High-Speed Switch allows you to split product flow efficiently while maintaining product pitch. Products are transferred along the production line by a series of carriers which are supported by guide rods. Powered by a pair of MonoSpan conveyor chains, the High-Speed Switch can split product flow evenly or can be programmed to divert a product whenever or wherever you need it. This conveyor feature is explicitly designed for rigid and/or bagged (not bulk) products. The High-Speed Switch is perfect for food and beverage production, packaging, manufacturing, distribution, pharmaceutical production and manufacturing, e-commerce, and cosmetic manufacturing and distribution.

Order Your Custom Sorting And Accumulation Conveyors Today

At Span Tech, we have a wide variety of sorting conveyor systems to suit your facility’s unique needs. To learn more about available conveyor solutions and components that will work for you, contact us today to start your free estimate.

How to Start a Pharmaceutical Company in 3 Easy Steps

Span Tech Pharmaceutical Conveyors

The pharmaceutical industry is booming. Scientific and technological advances are driving pharmaceutical innovation like never before. But what does this mean for you? It means there are more opportunities than ever for those looking to break out and start their own pharmaceutical distribution business.

Pharmaceutical distribution companies can most easily be described as the middleman between the drug manufacturing company and the retail pharmacy or end user. This industry is recession proof, making it an incredibly advantageous venture for any savvy entrepreneur. But it can be difficult to understand exactly how to start a pharmaceutical distribution company, navigating details right down to which pharmaceutical conveyors to use. That’s why we’ve put together a condensed, easy-to-understand guide for starting a safe pharmaceutical distribution business that can be successful long-term.

How to Start a Pharmaceutical Distribution Company

There are many steps and considerations involved when starting a pharmaceutical distribution company. The following is a brief overview:

      1. Hire a business consultant and determine your niche
      2. Create a successful business plan
        • Research competitors
        • Determine company structure
        • Choose the right equipment
        • Establish roles
        • Conduct SWOT analysis
        • Verify license requirements
    1. Establish your brand

 

Step 1: Stack The Deck In Your Favor

This is the first stage in planning your pharmaceutical distribution system and thus is twofold. This is when you build the true foundation of your company, which means having the right person (or people) in your corner and the right business in place.

  1. Start by hiring an experienced business consultant who fully understands the pharmaceutical industry. This person will be responsible for examining your overall business concept and determining if it would survive and thrive as it should.
  2. The second part is to thoroughly evaluate your business options. There are three routes you can take when starting your pharmaceutical distribution company:
    • Begin a pharmaceutical business with a manufacturing unit
    • Market medicines under your new brand name
    • Team up with an established drug manufacturer

Keep in mind that whichever option you go with will fully depend on your overall budget and business goals.

Step 2: Create A Successful Business Plan

Once you’ve settled on the type of pharmaceutical distribution company you’re going to start, you need to create a business plan. While you can’t guarantee that it’s going to be a successful plan, you can set your business up in a smart way to better your chances of success.

Research Potential Competitors

Research is a key step in the process of setting up your business. Knowing your competitors will give you a good idea of where and why they excel — and what they could improve upon. By studying their business model, you’ll be better equipped to come up with something even better.

Identify Upfront Expenses

Crunch the numbers and determine the total investment that will be required to start a pharmaceutical distribution company. This includes deciding whether steps like manufacturing, trials or pharmaceutical distribution will happen in-house or will be outsourced. Plan out everything that will be needed, including (but not limited to):

  • A production facility
  • An office space or building
  • Utilities (electricity, gas, water, Wi-Fi, etc.)
  • Lab equipment
  • Office supplies
  • Furniture
  • Machinery
  • Employee wages
  • Pharmaceutical industry conveyors
  • Pharmaceutical conveyor belts

Choose the Right Equipment

As mentioned above, choosing the right equipment is vital to running a reputable pharmaceutical distribution company. That includes any manufacturing and packaging equipment, including the appropriate conveyor belts for pharmaceuticals.

The best pharmaceutical conveyors will not only help ensure safety but also enhance efficiency. For example, you can eliminate potential tracking issues with the Span Tech EZSpan Belt Conveyor system and sort and merge with ease with the High Speed Switch.

You’ll also need to ensure your equipment doesn’t damage your product. The MiniLink chain conveyor system was specially designed to move small, delicate pills or packaging with care. These and all of Span Tech’s conveyors were thoughtfully designed and can be fully customized to alleviate potential manufacturing risks while improving overall workflows.

Establish Roles And Responsibilities

Running a pharmaceutical distribution company is not something that can be done with just a handful of people. You’ll need a full staff of qualified, knowledgeable and enthusiastic employees who have the same vision for the company as you do. This needs to be factored into your business plan and your total investment. Some roles that are vital to starting your business include:

  • A chief executive officer
  • A human resources manager and/or department
  • An inventory manager
  • A purchasing manager
  • A customer service executive and/or team
  • An accountant or accounting department
  • Various marketing and sales executives
  • Floor manager(s)
  • Floor employees
  • Janitor(s)
  • Security guard(s)
  • Truck driver(s)

It takes a lot of people to run a company. But by having the right team in place, you’ll alleviate a lot of the stress that can come with starting your own business.

Conduct SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is where you take a hard look at your business plan’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. In addition to completing a SWOT analysis of your own pharmaceutical distribution company, make sure to do one for each of your major competitors as well. This will give you a great overview and comparison of the market and where and how you fit into it.

Verify License Requirements

It’s vital when starting out that you research and acquire all necessary licenses for your city and state. The pharmaceutical distribution requirements will depend on your type of business but, in general, pharmaceutical startups are considered limited liability corporations. To find full listings of required licenses and permits, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) website, the regional SBSA office and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.

Step 3: Establish Your Brand

Once you’ve started your company, it’s time to take the proper steps to promote it by establishing a brand. Breaking into the pharmaceutical distribution industry and getting your products in front of the medical community can feel like a Herculean task. But by doing your research and investing in advertising and marketing, you’ll be one step closer to building a successful company. Advertising and marketing companies can help you create everything you need to get your name out there:

    • A logo
    • A brand image
    • A company mission
    • A website
    • A marketing campaign

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If you have the budget for it, a PR agency or a designated marketing communications team can also be invaluable to your business in the long term.

Understand that building your pharmaceutical distribution business will take a lot of time, money and work. But by taking the right steps, hiring the right team and using the right equipment, you’ll be well on your way to running a successful company.

Start Your Company Off Right With Span Tech Pharmaceutical Conveyors

Span Tech’s proven pharmaceutical conveyors and components are used to safely transport medication, small vials, bottles, vial pucks, blister packs, tubes, bags, small cartons and more. Browse our entire selection of pharmaceutical conveyors and solutions to build your company for success. Have a question or need more information? Contact our customer service team today. Whatever your needs may be, we can help design a custom pharmaceutical distribution system that can help make your business a success.

The Importance Of Pharmaceutical Distribution — And How The Right Conveyors Can Help

pharmaceutical distribution

Pharmaceutical distributors play a critical role as the middlemen between manufacturers and patients. If distribution is interrupted or improperly managed, pharmaceuticals might not get to patients and hospitals in a safe and timely fashion, which could put lives at risk. And a reliable pharmaceutical distribution system requires the proper pharmaceutical conveyors.

How Can Pharmaceutical Conveyors Improve Drug Distribution?

Having an efficient and safe pharmaceutical distribution system ensures that all drug sales are recorded, reported and sent to the correct places. There are quite a few ways that pharmaceutical conveyors help keep the system running smoothly.

Improved Efficiency

Pharmaceutical conveyors have the capability to automatically move pharmaceuticals from tablet production to final prescription distribution. This quickens the pace at which drugs are distributed while still ensuring a safe and sterile environment.

Enhanced Ergonomics

Conveyors make it easy for pharmaceutical distribution workers to inspect or work with the pharmaceuticals as they travel down the line. This smoother pacing helps to streamline the supply chain and reduce the cost of pharmaceutical production and distribution, saving the health care system as a whole time and money.

Saving Space

Pharmaceutical conveyors can operate vertically and horizontally, which helps optimize floor space while still distributing the drugs quickly and securely. Making the most of even tight spaces can also help decrease the cost of drug distribution.

Which Conveyors Are Best For Pharmaceutical Distribution?

There are many conveyors that could be well-suited to pharmaceutical distribution if they were fitted with the correct chain types. For example, the MicroSpan chain is tightly woven to ensure that no small tablets are lost and also provides an extremely small transfer gap between conveyors. MiniLink chain is another ideal option for moving small objects like pharmaceuticals with care while also helping separate and merge multiple conveyor lanes.

The EZSpan Belt Conveyor is a particularly perfect solution for pharmaceutical distribution. This new line of belt conveyors from SpanTech is well-suited to pharmaceuticals thanks to its thin, modular conveyor chain. The chain is different from the standard fabric found in most pharmaceutical tablet conveyors, which are usually fabric. With the EZSpan, tracking issues are non-existent and no take-up unit is required, so there are no gaps between machines. On top of improved efficiency, the chain material is easier to sterilize and maintain, which makes it easier to ensure the safety of patients.

Let SpanTech Help Create Your Ultimate Pharmaceutical Distribution System

SpanTech is eager to help any pharmaceutical distribution company create a safe and efficient system using the right pharmaceutical conveyors. Start an estimate for your company today.

Pharmaceutical Conveyors: Top 5 Must-Have Conveyor Features

Pharmaceutical conveyors and solutions

Pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging and distributing facilities have highly unique needs. In addition to extremely sterile pharmaceutical conveyors, precision, flexibility and reliability are vital to preventing any potential cross-contamination while maintaining efficiency.

That means not just any conveyor features will do. Pharmaceutical companies must match the right features to each of their needs. The following are some of the most common goals and challenges faced along the production line, and the pharmaceutical conveyors and features that can help.

1. Eliminate Tracking Issues with the EZSpan Conveyor System

The EZSpan Belt Conveyor uses an extremely thin, modular conveyor chain system to virtually eliminate any potential tracking issues with your pharmaceutical products. Fitting perfectly between machines thanks to an extremely low profile, the EZSpan was designed to eradicate large gaps that allow tablets to fall through. And it can even be customized to meet the needs of your unique operating system.

2. Sort and Merge with Ease Using a High Speed Switch

Divide your pharmaceutical products effectively, quickly and reliably with the High Speed Switch. Able to handle product flow of up to 400 fpm, the High Speed Switch is low-maintenance and rated for continuous 24/7 operation. Pharmaceutical products are transferred safely along by a series of carriers, which are supported by guide rods and powered by a pair of MonoSpan conveyor chains. And with endless configuration options, the High Speed Switch can be programmed to divert pills, tablets or capsules whenever needed. Keep in mind that 2-to-4 lane switching, converging and sorting applications are also available.

3. Move Delicate Products with the MiniLink Chain

When you need to move small, delicate pills or packaging with care, the MiniLink chain conveyor system is the ideal choice. Pharmaceutical conveyors specifically designed for fragile products can be few and far between. But Span Tech’s MiniLink pharmaceutical tablet conveyors bring together the functionality of a traditional conveyor system with gentler operation and a compact cross section that fits easily into production and packaging equipment where other conveyors just can’t.

4. Keep Your System Sanitary With Clean Out Holes

Cleanability and easy maintenance are vital to keeping your pharmaceutical conveyor belts sanitary and in tip-top shape. Span Tech’s Clean Out Holes allow for better access to the inside of the conveyor bed for thorough, effective and quick washdowns. They’re even completely customizable to fit your unique pharmaceutical distribution or handling needs.

5. Protect Against Contamination With A Metal Detector-Ready Pharmaceutical Conveyor

Metal detection is extremely important in the production of pharmaceutical products. This is why Span Tech has created the add-on Metal Detector-Ready Conveyor to ensure no metal mixes in with ingestible pharmaceutical products. This conveyor section was designed to help protect against contamination by both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Available in low-profile and split-bed metal detection configurations, the Metal Detector can be used in conjunction with your own metal detector.

Learn Why The Experts Choose Span Tech

Span Tech manufactures proven pharmaceutical conveyors and components that are used to safely transport medication, small vials, bottles, blister packs, vial pucks, bags, tubes, small cartons and more. With our extensive pharmaceutical application experience, our conveyors are designed and customized to effectively alleviate potential manufacturing risks while improving workflows.

The results are powerful. For example, when COBE BCT, a global leader in medical equipment manufacturing, was experiencing slow production rates and ergonomic issues, the company turned to Span Tech. The experts at Span Tech provided an innovative conveyor solution so efficient, COBE BCT soon added three more lines.

Let Span Tech Help Your Business Today

Looking for a specialized conveyor belt for the pharmaceutical industry? Span Tech can help. Browse our entire selection of conveyor solutions and components to get the best system for your needs. Have a question or need more information? Feel free to contact our customer service team today. Whatever your needs, we can recommend the right combination of features and design a custom conveyor solution to help your business succeed.

How to Choose the Best Conveyors Based on Your Needs

Best Conveyors By Application

Whether you have a factory, warehouse, distribution center or packaging facility, choosing the best conveyors for your workflow can make all the difference in your efficiency. And purchasing a conveyor that meets all of your needs is much easier when you’ve identified your goals and developed a system.

For a truly successful and efficient operation, you first need to ask yourself a few questions:

  1. What are you processing or packaging?
  2. Are you going to be processing or packaging one item or multiple items?
  3. How are items being introduced to the system and at what rate?
  4. How does this relate to the packing and/or processing rate?
  5. How many orders or items need to be shipped in a week? In a day?
  6. Do you have a peak season when output requirements ramp up?
  7. What are the requirements for the most demanding part of each day?
  8. What is the layout of your warehouse, distribution center or other facilities?

If you already know or have now determined the extent of your conveying needs, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for when shopping for a conveying system. And by presenting the various types of conveyor systems and products in categories based on your logistical goals, we hope you’ll have an even clearer idea of which are the best conveyors for your business. The following are some common conveying requirements and a few coordinating Span Tech products that can help.

Transferring Materials

One of the more common needs in a warehouse or distribution center is the ability to move products in a linear manner from one conveyor to the next. Span Tech’s transfers are strong enough for heavy products while remaining smooth enough for the smallest and most delicate of products. Our proven technology was developed to work seamlessly with our conveyors but can easily be adapted for use with other systems. To make sure you have the best conveyors for any job, we offer many types of transfer conveyors. The following are a couple of ones we highly recommend.

Gravity Transfer

Recommended for e-commerce, packaging and distribution industries, Gravity Roller Transfers are ideal for non-powered transfer applications. The transfer roller design was created with integration in mind. This is why it can be placed as close as possible to other machinery, making for a smooth and seamless transport. And the roller’s small nose bar conveys even the smallest of products safely and securely.

MicroSpan Transfer

When you need a powered transfer, this product can make your end-to-end product movement easier than ever. The MicroSpan Transfer is a compact and durable transfer solution that was made to last. These compact transfers have the ability to be slave-driven from the main conveyor shaft or independently powered by their own gear motors. And with variable angle capability, it can be used for declines with “feed off” applications or for inclines with “feed on” applications.

Sorting & Merging Materials

Do you have a need to accurately and efficiently sort and merge materials? Most distribution centers today require some type of sortation or merging capabilities. If so, you need a product that can boost and maintain your productivity. Span Tech’s line of products efficiently, safely and accurately sort and merge items on a conveyor line, making them the best conveyors for saving you money by eliminating wasted labor and processes.

Laner

Our Laner is able to reliably auto-sort your products into lanes, allowing them to easily be packaged or sent in different directions. This innovative system not only accelerates products into lanes but also virtually eliminates the potential for jamming. With the Span Tech Laner, a typical flow rate of 700 to 800 products per minute can be achieved. This system works best with round, thin products.

High Speed Switch

Span Tech’s High Speed Switch divides products effectively while maintaining product pitch. This switch splits product flow at up to 400 fpm. And the flow can be split evenly or programmed to divert a product whenever you need it. This switch was designed for rigid or bulky products and is most applicable for the packaging, distribution and e-commerce industries.

Powered Divert

The Powered Divert sorting and merging option from Span Tech is extremely valuable for applications where conveyor length is limited and a standard, stationary divert rail would need to be too long to fit (because it would need to use a lesser angle of deflection). The Powered Divert works by helping the product continue moving forward, alleviating unwanted accumulation. Essentially, this feature is a small conveyor flipped up to a 90-degree angle and suspended above your horizontal chain. This product is perfect for non-rigid items or a bagged product. It’s most often used in the food production, packaging, and e-commerce industries.

Elevating Or Lowering Materials

Have the need to change the elevation on your production or packaging line? Whether it’s due to space or production requirements, many warehouses and distribution centers face this challenge. But Span Tech has the best conveyors and dependable systems that seamlessly change the height while keeping your product in tip-top shape. These innovative systems can accommodate heating, cooling and even product orientation needs, so your line runs better than ever. The exact system you choose, though, will depend on your unique space configuration and what you’re moving.

Incline Conveyor

The Span Tech Incline Conveyor is a fully customizable system that can be tailored to your unique needs. These incline conveyors can provide extreme elevation change with speeds reaching up to 400 feet per minute. Wear strips and center support rails provide long-wearing, silent operation. Multiple lengths, belt widths, and curve angles are also available. This system is applicable for those needing to save floor space and elevate products.

Changing-Elevation Topper Lift

The Changing-Elevation Topper Lift can easily and seamlessly tackle difficult angles, product orientation, and drastic elevation change. With a combination of high-friction and conventional chain types, it can incline and decline products at angles up to 60 degrees. The upper chain simply drapes down over the items being moved and rides above the lower transport conveyor, holding the items in place along the way. This design allows for a much steeper angle. Plus, the topper lift allows products to stay upright! The topper lift can handle both rigid and flexible products and is most applicable to the packaging and distribution industries.

Accumulating Materials

Do you have the need to collect products on a conveyor and move them as one group instead of individually? This process works by halting the product on the conveyor and allowing the products behind it to catch up and accumulate together. This need is most often required when packaging multiple products in a single bundle.

Accumulation also acts as a safeguard from shutting down production if a machine at the end of the line is down. You’re able to continue running the line and accumulate product before the downed machine instead of having to shut down the entire line.

Tube Top Chain

The Tube Top Chain was created in order to allow more products to accumulate than previously possible with plain chains. These tubes rotate freely under products that are stopped on the chain, allowing a longer slug of products to accumulate without the risk of damage to the product or conveyor. This product has applications in the beverage, distribution, e-commerce and packaging industries.

Shop Span Tech For All Your Conveying Needs

Let Span Tech help you find the best conveyors for your needs. Browse our entire offering of conveyor systems to find a reliable, durable and effective method of maximizing productivity. Our experienced customer service team can provide you with a totally custom recommendation. Contact us today for more information.

Top 6 Custom Distribution Conveyor Belt Features

Span Tech Custom Conveyors

As a distribution facility, you need your processes to run seamlessly so that each product arrives at its destination without trouble. You also want to make the most of your space. To achieve all this, you need a custom conveyor system that can handle tight turns and changes in elevation, while still reliably sorting packages. The following custom conveyor belts are capable of these functions and more to create optimal efficiency in your facility.

 

Vertical Switch

Vertical Switch Custom Conveyor Belts

Having custom conveyor belts that make use of vertical space can help you save room in your facility. The vertical switch lets you discharge packages at elevations that were previously not possible, and therefore use space that was previously unusable, creating a new level of efficiency for your workspace. The switch ramps gently lower your products from one level to the next, ensuring that they get where they need to go safely.

 

Traffic Cop

Traffic Cop Custom Conveyor

If you need to merge multiple lanes of product, but aren’t sure how to do it in an organized manner, the traffic cop is the solution. This custom conveyor feature uses two swinging arms to stagger product flow. One arm stays in place while the other allows a lane of traffic to pass through. Then, the other side opens after a set period of time, allowing one, two or more packages to slide through at once. The traffic cop offers you the needed control to keep your products flowing smoothly.

 

Spiral Elevator Conveyor

Spiral Elevator Custom Conveyor Systems

Like the vertical switch, the spiral elevator conveyor gives you access to vertical space that previously went unused. Custom conveyor systems with a spiral elevator can also give you a strategic time delay, so you won’t experience backups from products reaching their locations too quickly. This custom conveyor belt gently raises your products from one level to the next, allowing you to make the most of your space without damaging fragile items.

 

MicroSpan Transfer

MicroSpan Transfer Custom Conveyor Belt

When one end of a custom conveyor belt meets the beginning of another, there is generally a small gap between them. While this may not seem like a problem, it can cause major backups if smaller packages get caught in the gap. MicroSpan transfer conveyors help to avoid such hangups. The tiny conveyor belt bridges the space between the two larger conveyors, making a smooth transition to keep your business moving.

 

Helical Conveyor

Helical Conveyor Custom Conveyor Systems

Changing elevation and direction at the same time doesn’t have to be tricky, as long as you have the helical conveyor on your side. This custom conveyor’s unique design allows it to raise or lower your product while also changing its orientation. It offers the most aggressive elevation change to curve radius in the industry while still keeping your products free of damage. It’s just the investment you need to make your facility as ergonomic as possible.

 

Transpositor

Custom Conveyor Belt Transpositor

A more compact alternative to the helical conveyor is the Transpositor. This two-tiered custom conveyor belt uses a trap door to gently drop your products from the first level to the second. The belt on the second level rapidly spins perpendicularly to the belt above it. When the product is dropped down, the belt performs a right angle turn to reroute the product into its awaiting container. The drop is only a few inches, so even items such as frozen food in plastic containers can be distributed without damage.

 

Span Tech Has The Solution For Your Distribution Needs

Span Tech offers a variety of custom conveyor systems that will perfectly suit your distributing facility’s needs. To learn more about which distribution conveyor features will create the ideal system for your space, contact us to start your free estimate.