A solid belt conveyor typically comprises two drums and a bed, with one drum serving as the drive drum and the other as an idle drum to maintain belt tension.
In a conventional conveyor, cylindrical drums are commonly employed, often coated with rubber. These drums possess high durability and can withstand harsh environments and heavy usage. However, they require a key within the bore for driving, which necessitates custom machining to fit the conveyor width and may shear under abrupt motion.
In contrast, the plate drum is constructed from folded and welded sheet metal pieces, resulting in an incredibly sturdy yet lightweight drum. These drums are tapered across their width, featuring a higher center section that enables automatic belt correction.
The plate drum employs a torque lock mechanism, eliminating the need for a key. This means that both the idle drum and the drive drum are identical, as are the shafts used for both.
Moreover, the plate drum incorporates eight blades that form gutters to evenly distribute any material accumulation beneath the belt. This design facilitates easier cleaning and prevents potential build-up, ensuring proper belt alignment.
In a world where shipping costs often surpass production costs, numerous industries have embraced the flat-pack format, and conveyors are no exception.
A flat-pack system allows for the product to be sold and shipped at significantly reduced costs.
Since the drum is delivered in a flat-pack configuration, some assembly is required. This can be easily accomplished using a V block jig. With no key requirement, a shaft can be inserted through the two end caps, and each blade can be slotted into place within these caps. The deflector panels can then be positioned within the gaps.
