Applications

Industrial Conveyor Systems from Dorner

Are you wrestling with high labor costs, frequent production delays, and quality control headaches in your facility? Inefficient manual handling strains your workforce, chiping away at your margins and jeopardizing your competitiveness.

Every hour lost to slow transport, avoidable product damage, or bottlenecks translates into missed deadlines and mounting expenses. Overworked employees face greater injury risks, while customers demand speed and consistency you struggle to deliver.

As a leading conveyor systems manufacturer, Dorner’s industrial conveyor systems provide the streamlined, automated answer you’ve been searching for. By integrating our durable, high-performance conveyors into your operation, you reduce manual labor, cut downtime, and maintain consistent product flow—ultimately driving higher throughput, improved safety, and a stronger bottom line.

“I just think Dorner is the best conveyor on the market. We specify a lot of Dorner conveyors throughout the year. They’re a good, responsive company for my customers.” — Rob LeVangie, San Diego area manager, Nor Cal Controls

Cutting Downtime and Increasing Throughput for Over 50 Years

Dorner is a global manufacturer of industrial conveyor systems, offering a wide range of automated conveyor solutions to help companies optimize material handling and industrial automation processes.

With decades of experience as a low-profile conveyor manufacturer, serving industries from automotive to food and beverage, our reliable, durable conveyor platforms handle everything from heavy-duty loads to delicate products. Our custom-engineered conveyor solutions ensure each system meets your specific application requirements—enhancing efficiency, safety, and throughput across the board.

What Are Industrial Conveyor Systems — and Why Do They Matter to You?

An industrial conveyor system is a material handling solution engineered to streamline product movement across various stages of manufacturing, assembly, or distribution. Unlike manual methods, these automated conveyors help you mitigate bottlenecks, reduce labor-intensive tasks, and improve product quality through consistent speed and controlled handling.

How Industrial Conveyor Systems Address Common Pain Points

Excessive Downtime

High Labor Costs

Inconsistent Product Quality

Space Constraints

Compliance & Safety

Problem: Manual handling poses significant safety risks to workers and can fail to meet stringent regulatory requirements—such as those set by OSHA for workplace safety or ISO standards for cleanroom environments. These risks can result in injuries, reduced product quality, and potential non-compliance with occupational and manufacturing guidelines.
How industrial conveyors help: By incorporating ergonomic designs, using appropriate cleanroom-compliant materials, and integrating advanced safety features, automated handling systems can mitigate the hazards of manual processes. This ensures a healthier work environment, preserves product integrity, and supports adherence to strict regulatory standards, all while enhancing worker well-being.

Real Benefits for Your Operation

✓ Elevated Efficiency

Automating product flow reduces production time, enabling faster delivery and higher throughput.

✓ Reduced Costs & Increased ROI

Lower labor demands, fewer product losses, and minimized downtime lead to significant savings over time.

✓ Enhanced Worker Satisfaction

By removing strenuous manual tasks, your team can focus on higher-value activities, boosting morale and employee retention.

✓ Better Quality Control

With sensors and integrated inspection systems, defective items can be identified early, decreasing waste and rework.

✓ Scalability

Industrial conveyor systems scale alongside your operation—whether you’re adding a new product line or expanding to new facilities.

Common Applications of Industrial Conveyor Systems: Where They Excel

“Our conveyors go to many manufacturing plants from food to medicine, pet products, and much more. There’s such a variety of products that run on our conveyors.” – Order Entry Specialist Joanne M

Industrial conveyor systems can significantly boost safety, efficiency, and productivity across a range of industries. By automating the transport of materials and products, these systems help businesses reduce labor-intensive tasks, improve quality control, and streamline production timelines. Below are some of the top applications where industrial conveyors truly excel.

Consumer Goods

In the consumer goods industry, industrial conveyor systems play a key role in moving products between different stages of packaging, labeling, and assembly. This not only helps minimize manual lifting and the potential for workplace injuries, but also maintains consistent product flow for higher throughput. The ability to incorporate sorting and inspection features can lead to better quality control and fewer production errors.

Material Handling

For facilities handling bulk items, material handling conveyors provide a systematic way to transport raw materials and finished goods. By replacing manual transport with an automated solution, operations gain improved worker safety—workers no longer need to lift heavy items—and a more predictable production pace. This consistent movement of materials also supports lean manufacturing practices, cutting down on wasted time and effort.

Metal Working

When dealing with metal parts, having a durable, reliable conveyor system is essential. These conveyors are designed to handle machined parts and manage production loads while maintaining precision. Low-profile conveyors (like the Dorner 2200) can fit under machinery to safely remove finished parts and scraps, while precision conveyor systems like the DCMove are ideal for machining and fabrication processes. These automated metal working conveyors not only enhance safety by removing parts from potentially hazardous machinery but also reduce the risk of product damage through controlled handling and reliable operation.

Automotive

The automotive industry relies heavily on industrial conveyor systems to handle bulky and heavy components, such as engine parts and. By automating these transfers, facilities can accelerate assembly times and decrease the likelihood of workplace injuries from repetitive lifting. Incorporating sensors or vision systems onto the conveyor line also allows for real-time inspection and quality checks, helping ensure each component meets stringent automotive standards.

Warehousing & Distribution

In warehouses and distribution centers, industrial conveyors provide a fast and efficient method of moving goods from one zone to another. This can encompass picking, packing, and shipping activities, all of which benefit from consistent belt speeds that make it easier to forecast workflow and delivery times. When combined with sorting mechanisms, warehouse conveyor systems improve throughput, reduce errors, and help maintain a smooth, organized operation that keeps up with modern e-commerce and fulfillment demands.

By choosing the right industrial conveyor system for your specific application—whether in consumer goods, metal working, automotive, or any other field—you can maximize throughput, enhance workplace safety, and streamline production. Dorner’s custom-engineered solutions ensure each conveyor is tailored to meet the unique challenges of your industry, allowing your operation to flourish with optimal productivity and minimal downtime.

How Do They Work? Key Industrial Conveyor Parts

Regardless of the application or environment, most industrial conveyor systems share several core components that collectively enable smooth, efficient product movement. While the exact design may vary depending on the model and function, these common elements—drive, controls, mode of transfer, and support—remain integral to achieving reliable, high-throughput automation.

Drive

The drive is the power source that propels an industrial conveyor. Modern systems typically use an electric motor—such as Dorner’s iDrive, an internally mounted drive that maximizes energy efficiency and reduces the conveyor’s footprint. This compact drive offers an energy-efficient solution for light to medium-duty applications requiring variable speeds, frequent starts and stops, or product indexing.

Controls

Conveyor controls determine how the system operates, from starting and stopping to regulating speed and integrating with other equipment. When you connect Dorner’s industrial conveyors to your existing automation platform, you can optimize throughput and reduce the need for hands-on monitoring. Depending on production needs, manual controls can provide greater flexibility if you frequently pause operations for inspection or cross-line navigation. Automated controls, however, free up labor to focus on value-added tasks, improving overall operational efficiency.

Mode of Transfer

The mode of transfer refers to how materials move along the conveyor. The most common options in industrial automation are belt or modular chain drives, chosen for their durability, lower relative cost, and adaptability to various load requirements. Some specialized systems also use buckets or pallets carried by timing belts or slip rollers for specific tasks—such as handling bulk material or integrating with robotic assembly processes. Selecting the right mode ensures the conveyor can safely and efficiently accommodate the unique characteristics of your products.

Support

Physically, industrial conveyor belt systems depend on robust framing and supports to maintain structural integrity. An effective support framework securely holds belts, chains, and other critical conveyor maintenance parts in place, preventing misalignment and wear. Accessory mounting features designed into the frame is also a big factor. It’s important to factor in design features that simplify cleaning, maintenance, and repairs, helping to protect worker safety and extend the conveyor’s lifespan. With proper support mechanisms, you reduce unexpected downtime and ensure a consistent flow of goods through your operation.

By understanding these key components—drive, controls, mode of transfer, and support—you can better select or customize an industrial production line conveyor system that aligns with your production goals, material handling requirements, and maintenance preferences. Whether you need energy-efficient motors, automation-ready controls, or a durable frame for heavy loads, choosing a well-engineered conveyor ensures higher reliability, improved safety, and lasting returns on your investment.

Benefits of Using an Automatic Conveyor for Industrial Automation

When it comes to streamlining production and improving operational efficiency, an industrial conveyor system is one of the most valuable assets you can implement. By automating material handling, conveyors address common challenges—like inconsistent quality, slow throughput, and safety concerns—across numerous industries.

Enhanced Efficiency & Reduced Downtime

Automated conveyor solutions expedite the movement of materials from one stage to the next, saving valuable time and labor. Instead of relying on workers to manually start and stop machinery, you can maintain a steady production flow, minimizing downtime. For instance, lift gate conveyors from Dorner allow employees to move freely across the production floor without halting the entire operation, ensuring peak efficiency at all times.

Lower Operating Costs

By reducing manual transport and handling, conveyors help cut labor expenses and potential product damage. Conveyors also minimize the wear and tear on equipment that occurs when raw materials are frequently moved or stacked. Over time, this can result in lower maintenance costs, extended equipment lifespans, and improved ROI.

Optimal Labor Utilization

Industrial conveyor systems free your team from repetitive tasks such as lifting or transferring heavy materials. As a result, workers can be redeployed to roles that demand critical thinking, technical skill, or problem-solving expertise. This not only optimizes labor allocation but also helps foster a safer work environment, reducing the risk of workplace injuries tied to manual handling.

Increased Throughput & Consistency

With a well-chosen conveyor solution, materials flow quickly and evenly, which can dramatically raise throughput. By linking conveyors to other automated machinery, you can form a coordinated production line that boosts speed without compromising quality. Consistent, controlled material movement supports a smooth operation—essential for meeting tight deadlines or handling surge orders.

Improved Quality Control

Because conveyors regulate the pace and positioning of products, quality issues become easier to detect and correct. Integrating sensors or vision systems with your conveyor can further enhance inspection and quality control, alerting workers to potential errors before they accumulate into large-scale defects.

Enhanced Safety Measures

Conveyors reduce the need for staff to transport goods manually, which lowers the probability of strain injuries or accidents near running machinery. Dorner’s industrial conveyors also come standard with advanced safety features—such as emergency stops, lock-out controls, and pinchpoint guarding—to proactively mitigate risks. This builds a stronger safety culture and safeguards your workforce, leading to fewer injuries and reduced downtime.

By focusing on these key benefits—efficiency, cost savings, labor optimization, throughput, quality, and safety—you can see how industrial conveyor system solutions serve as a strategic investment. Whether you’re modernizing an existing line or building a new facility, Dorner’s automated conveyors help drive productivity while supporting a safer and more agile work environment.

Industrial Conveyor Solutions from Dorner

Dorner is a leading provider of industrial conveyor solutions. We offer a wide range of conveyor systems to meet the needs of your facility. Our conveyors are designed to improve efficiency, optimize safety, and reduce costs.

Some of our innovative conveyor solutions include the following systems:

DualMove

Dorner’s DualMove pallet system delivers advanced assembly automation with dual timing belt technology for precise medium to large part movement. With industry-compatible pallet sizes, conveyor load capacities up to 569 kg (1250 lbs) non-accumulating, and speeds up to 66 mpm (215 fpm), the DualMove excels in product routing, inspection, and assembly applications. Its universal T-slot frame design and quick-change belt system minimize downtime while enabling flexible configuration options for evolving production needs.

ERT250

Dorner’s ERT250 Edge Roller Technology conveyor delivers precise, non-contact pallet and tray handling for medium to heavy load assembly automation. Featuring a patent-pending linear gearbox, ISO Class 4 cleanroom verification*, and an easily reconfigurable design, the ERT250 ensures efficient performance with minimal particle production. It’s an ideal solution for manufacturers seeking low back pressure accumulation and hassle-free reconfiguration in demanding environments.

Different Types of Industrial Conveyor Belt

In industrial conveyor systems, the choice of belt can significantly impact performance, maintenance requirements, and overall throughput. Dorner offers a range of conveyor belt options—each suited to specific materials, environments, and industry applications—ensuring you find the ideal fit for your facility.

Flexible Chain Belts

FlexMove chain belts excel in applications requiring accumulation and curved paths, particularly for lighter loads and delicate materials. These flexible conveyor systems are ideal for transporting totes, small parts, and products that need gentle handling through complex layouts. The chain design allows for smooth product flow around corners and through accumulation zones while maintaining careful control of spacing and orientation.

Fabric Belts

Fabric belts are made from flexible materials such as nylon, polyester, or thermoplastic urethane—ideal for applications demanding precision, and accuracy, or for handling small, delicate items. Because they’re easily customized with cleats, magnetic bedplates, or backlit features, fabric belts are often chosen in assembly lines, inspection stations, or any workflow that calls for detailed work on a moving product. Their lightweight nature also reduces energy usage and simplifies routine maintenance.

Rubber Belts

Rubber is a versatile material in industrial conveyor systems due to its corrosion resistance and flexibility. Rubber conveyor belts excel in environments where raw materials may be abrasive, sharp, or produce potentially hazardous debris—for example, in chemical production, printing and labeling, or metalworking. A well-chosen rubber belt can help protect both the product and your equipment from excessive wear, contributing to long-term cost savings.

Plastic (Modular) Belts

For maximum versatility and durability, many operations opt for modular plastic belts, which are not only easy to maintain, and repair, but also simple to customize for unique layouts and complex production lines. Whether you need straight runs or complex curves, modular plastic belts deliver steady product flow without sacrificing performance. Dorner’s industrial conveyor systems — like the 2200 and 3200 Series conveyors — feature modular belt options that can handle everything from small parts transportation to heavy-duty industrial tasks, making them an idealchoice for facilities needing flexible configurations and minimal downtime.

By choosing the right conveyor belt for your industrial conveyor system, you can optimize throughput, product quality, and operator safety—all while reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of your equipment. Dorner’s application experts can help you select and configure the most efficient solution for your unique material handling requirements, ensuring a robust, cost-effective conveyor that grows with your business.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Conveyor for Your Business

Choosing the best industrial conveyor system isn’t just about picking a belt type—it’s about aligning your conveyor choice with specific operational demands, facility constraints, and long-term goals. Consider these key factors to ensure optimal performance and maximum ROI.

Product Features

Match your conveyor to the size, weight, and nature of your products. Heavier items might require a heavy-duty conveyor like the 3200 Series for robust load-bearing capacity, while lighter or delicate goods benefit from a low-profile system like the 2200 Series.

Production Environment

Account for temperature, cleanliness, or chemical exposure. For example, a dust-free or cleanroom operation might need a conveyor built without belts or pneumatics and electrostatic dissipation features, such as ERT models.

Intended Use

Identify the primary goal—transporting, sorting, palletizing, or inspection. Conveyors that integrate with automated machinery can boost throughput and consistency, while systems with manual controls might be preferable for flexible or varied tasks.

Available Space

With limited floor space, curves, inclines, or declines in your conveyor line are necessary to maximize available space while maintaining safe working space for employees. A small-footprint conveyor like FlexMove is ideal. Dorner’s FlexMove conveyors are low profile and the unique plastic chain belting allows for multiple curves on the same line without a reduction in transportation speed or product stability. Our experts will help you plan out the ideal layout for your facility to determine length, turn radius, and overall footprint.

Automation Needs

Decide how much automation you want now—and in the future. High-level automation calls for conveyors with smart controls and sensor integration, whereas simpler operations might only require basic on/off and speed adjustments. Highly modular conveyor platforms like dorner’s DualMove and ERT Pallet systems are designed to be easily expanded and built onto, allowing your conveyor system to grow with your company.

Labor Value

Automating repetitive tasks frees employees for more value-added roles. Conveyors with the right safety features (e.g., emergency stops, guarded pinch points) and easy upkeep to lighten the load on staff.

Budget

Balance initial costs with long-term savings—including energy efficiency, maintenance, and spare parts availability. A well-chosen conveyor often yields higher throughput and lower operational expenses, quickly paying for itself.

By focusing on these considerations—product features, environment, intended use, space, automation, labor, and budget—you can invest in an industrial conveyor system that accelerates productivity, cuts operating costs, and positions your business for sustainable growth. Dorner’s specialized team is ready to help you customize the ideal solution for your unique needs.

Need Custom Industrial Conveyor Solutions?

At Dorner, we work with you to determine your needs and equip you with the automated conveyor solutions you need to succeed.

Looking for something custom? Shawn W., one of Dorner’s Mechanical Designer’s said it best: “We’re always increasing our capabilities of what we can provide customers.”

Enhance the Safety and Efficiency of Your Facility With Industrial Conveyor Systems from Dorner

As one of the leading industrial conveyor systems manufacturers, Dorner can help you enhance the safety and efficiency of your facility. With our innovative conveyor systems, we can optimize your production process to improve your bottom line.

We can also engineer custom conveyor systems to meet your unique application needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our industrial conveyor solutions and how we can help you achieve your business goals.

“They [Dorner] care after the fact. It’s not just about the sale, they really care about what’s going on down stream. I feel like I’ve got good quality conveyors here with Dorner.” — Jim Meadows, Director of Process Improvement, Sandridge Foods

Common Applications of Industrial Conveyor Systems: Where They Excel

Consumer Goods

Industrial conveyors are commonly used in the consumer goods industry to increase safety, efficiency, and productivity. Conveyors can be used to move products from one process to another, or to transport products to and from storage. Additionally, conveyors can be used to sort and package products, which can help to improve throughput and minimize the need for strenuous human labor.

Material Handling

In a manufacturing facility, industrial conveyors can be used to transport raw materials as well as finished products. Material handling conveyors can help to improve safety in a facility by eliminating the need for workers to lift and carry heavy materials while also speeding up tedious processes.

Metal Working

When dealing with metal materials, the use of a durable, sturdy industrial conveyor is essential. Metal working conveyors can be used to move metal parts and materials from one step in manufacturing to another, including moving finished parts away from dangerous moving machinery to be safely processed by staff. A heavier duty industrial conveying system from our 3200 series is well-suited for metal working environments.

Automotive

The automotive industry is one of the most important industries in the world, and it relies heavily on industrial conveyor systems to improve safety and efficiency. Conveyors help to move heavy and bulky parts quickly and efficiently, which can help to improve safety in the factory and increase productivity. Equipping your system with sensors can also help automate the inspection and quality control processes in a consistent, efficient manner.

Warehousing

Industrial warehouse conveyors can efficiently move goods from one section of the warehouse to another, covering greater distances faster than human workers are able to. Conveyors can also transport goods to and from shipping and receiving, improving efficiency in the warehouse. Additionally, conveyors can be used for sorting and packaging operations, which can help improve throughput and accuracy.

How Do They Work? Key Industrial Conveyor Parts

Regardless of application and environment, most conveyor systems operate with the same basic components. However, the type of parts and how they work may vary depending on the model and function of the system.

Drive

The drive refers to the source of power that allows the conveyor to operate. Most modern conveyor systems use an electric motor, but some conveyor models use manual or gravity-based drives, often through the use of rollers that facilitate the movement of objects when a worker pushes it along the conveyor.

Electric-powered drives like Dorner’s iDrive are best suited for industrial applications due to their reliable performance and efficiency. Dorner’s iDrive is an internally-mounted motor designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce the conveyor’s footprint, providing the power necessary to perform heavy-duty tasks.

Controls

How your conveyor operates is largely dependent on the type of controls it has. You can integrate Dorner industrial conveyors into your automation system to optimize their performance, reducing the need for constant monitoring to free up your workers’ time for more involved tasks.

Manual controls may allow for more flexibility if you anticipate frequently needing to stop and start conveying operations for cross-line navigation, inspection, or other activities.

Mode of Transfer

A conveying system’s mode of transfer refers to the way in which it moves materials. The most common and effective modes of transfer for industring conveyors are belts and chains, but you can also find conveyors that move materials with:

Buckets
Cables
Pneumatic controls (with compressed air or vacuums)
Screws or augers
Aero-mechanical controls

Support

Physically, industrial belt conveyors require the right mechanisms to support its structure and functionality, making the frame essential to hold the belts or chains and other essential components.

It is also important that each conveyor system has the correct settings and features to facilitate cleaning, maintenance, inspection, and repairs for the sake of worker safety and proper care.

Benefits of Using an Automatic Conveyor for Industrial Automation

Conveyors are an essential piece of equipment in many industrial settings. They offer a number of competitive advantages to facilities regardless of industry, including:

Enhanced Efficiency

Conveyors can help to improve the efficiency of your facility by reducing the amount of time and labor required to move materials from one location to another. Additionally, conveyors can help to minimize downtime by eliminating the need for workers to stop and start machinery when loading or unloading materials.

Lift gate conveyors from Dorner provide additional benefits, as well, granting easy access to all areas of the floor without requiring workers to navigate around machinery or hinder production times by shutting down belt systems to safely maneuver between lines.

Reduced Costs

Conveyors can reduce the amount of time required to move materials, increasing production rates and overall efficiency. Additionally, conveyors can help to reduce the amount of time that raw materials are handled, which can help to minimize wear and tear and extend the life of your equipment.

Optimized Use of Labor Force

Rather than requiring your workers to manually move materials from one location to another, conveyors can automate this process. This can free up your labor force to handle other valuable tasks that require critical thinking and problem solving skills. Industrial conveyor systems can also help to improve safety by reducing the risk of injuries associated with manual material handling.

Increased Throughput

Conveyors can help to move materials quickly and efficiently, which can help to increase the throughput of your facility. Additionally, conveyors can be used in conjunction with other automated equipment to create a production line that moves rapidly and efficiently without detracting from the quality and consistency of your operation.

Improved Production Quality & Consistency

Conveyors can help to improve the quality and consistency of your production by ensuring that materials are moved evenly and smoothly. Additionally, you can equip your conveyors with sensors that can assist with inspection and quality control so that your workers can take corrective action to prevent errors.

Better Safety Record

Conveyors can help to reduce the risk of injuries in your facility by eliminating the need for workers to manually handle materials or interact with running machinery. Additionally, conveyors can be equipped with sensors and safety features that can help to further improve safety in your operation.

Industrial Conveyor Solutions from Dorner

2200 Series

These low profile, high performance fabric and modular belt conveyors are great for industrial conveying along straight paths. Designed to reduce downtime and increase efficiency and accuracy, the 2200 series conveyor system is especially suited for industrial applications like material handling and packaging.

2700 Series

With extended widths and an increased weight rating from the 2200, the 2700 Medium Duty conveyor is designed for industrial material handling and warehousing applications. The light weight frame and integrated iDrive 2 motor also makes this conveyor a perfect option to be mounted to AGVs for accurate and efficient e-commerce management.

3200 Series

Like the 2200 series, conveyor systems from our 3200 series are built to be low maintenance, efficient, and accurate. Cover longer distances with 3200 conveyor systems for applications like material handling, packaging, parts transfer, and more.

These conveyors are heavier duty systems with a higher weight rating than the 2200 series, suitable for handling larger products in applications like automotive and appliance manufacturing.

DCMove

The DCMove Series is a heavy duty, steel-framed conveyor system offering an economic option for industrial applications. The durable design combined with precision belt tracking and accurate product placement makes this conveyor an ideal option for labeling, printing, packaging, and general material handling.

FlexMove

If you are in need of a flexible conveying solution, the FlexMove line offers a high-quality, innovative design that can be customized and configured to your exact needs. Regardless of your industry, FlexMove conveyors are perfect for specialized applications that require a small footprint, including:

Buffering
Accumulation
Sorting
Indexing
Packaging
Inspection

ERT

This precision pallet and tray handling conveyor is your industrial conveyor of choice for any cleanroom environment with ISO Class 4 approval. Built for efficiency with zero-contact zone control and an open roller design, the ERT is great for cleanroom applications like inspection, automated assembly, and packaging.

FAQs

What is an industrial conveyor system?

An industrial conveyor system is an automated material handling solution designed to move products efficiently through manufacturing, assembly, or distribution processes. Dorner’s industrial conveyor systems streamline production, reduce manual labor, and enhance overall workflow by transporting items at consistent speeds.

How do I choose the right industrial conveyor system for my facility?

Selecting the right system depends on factors like product size and weight, throughput requirements, available space, and industry-specific regulations (e.g., ISO compliance for cleanrooms). Dorner offers multiple conveyor series—such as the 2200, 2700, and 3200—to address unique operational needs, helping you find the ideal solution for productivity and efficiency.

How much does an industrial conveyor system cost?

Costs can vary widely based on conveyor length, frame materials, belt type, and automation features. While a basic conveyor might start in the lower price range, more complex systems with advanced controls and heavy-duty components can be higher. Dorner provides custom quotes to ensure you get the most cost-effective solution for your exact application.

What are the main benefits of industrial conveyor systems?

Industrial conveyor systems offer multiple advantages, including:

Increased Throughput: Automate repetitive tasks to handle higher volumes.
Reduced Labor Costs: Minimize manual lifting and transportation.
Enhanced Safety: Lower the risk of injuries by removing unsafe manual tasks.
Improved Product Quality: Maintain consistent handling speeds and reduce product damage.
Greater Efficiency: Integrate with other automated processes to optimize workflow.

What types of conveyors are available for industrial applications?

Dorner provides a diverse range of industrial conveyors, including:

Belt Conveyors: Ideal for flexible applications and smooth product handling.
Modular Plastic Belt Conveyors: Highly durable, easy to clean, and adaptable to complex layouts.
Precision Pallet Systems: Great for automated assembly, product staging, and zero-contact zone control.
FlexMove: Flexible systems for curved layouts, tight spaces, and specialized movements.

Which industries benefit from using industrial conveyor systems?

Virtually every manufacturing, packaging, or distribution sector can benefit. Common examples include:

Food & Beverage: Sanitary designs and easy washdown options.
Automotive & Metalworking: Sturdy frames and heavy-load capacities.
Pharmaceutical & Medical: Cleanroom-ready systems for sensitive product handling.
Consumer Goods: Efficient packaging, sorting, and assembly line integration.
Warehousing & Logistics: Fast, reliable transport for high-volume fulfillment.

How can I ensure my industrial conveyor system is food- or pharmaceutical-grade?

Look for conveyors made with FDA/USDA-compliant materials, easy-to-clean frames, and hygienic features such as sealed edges and minimal catch points. Dorner’s AquaGard and AquaPruf conveyor lines are specifically engineered for sanitary applications, offering quick disassembly for thorough washdowns and meeting strict safety standards.

Can I integrate Dorner conveyors with existing automation or Industry 4.0 systems?

Yes. Dorner’s industrial conveyor systems can be equipped with advanced sensors, controls, and communication protocols that tie into your current automation infrastructure. This integration supports Industry 4.0 initiatives, allowing real-time data monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimized production flow.

How do I maintain and troubleshoot an industrial conveyor system?

Routine maintenance typically involves:

Checking Belt Tension and Alignment: Prevent unnecessary wear.
Cleaning Belts and Frames: Remove debris to maintain sanitary conditions and reduce friction.
Inspecting Motors and Gears: Ensure smooth operation and address unusual noises promptly.
Replacing Worn Parts: Use genuine Dorner components to preserve performance and warranty coverage.

In case of issues, consult Dorner’s service manuals or contact our support team for expert guidance.

Are customized conveyor systems available from Dorner?

Absolutely. Dorner specializes in designing custom-engineered conveyor solutions tailored to unique layouts, product requirements, and performance goals. Whether you need specialized belt materials, custom dimensions, or integrated robotic automation, our engineering team will create a system that meets your exact specifications.

Different Types of Industrial Conveyor Belt

Dorner offers a variety of industrial conveyor belt systems to meet the needs of your facility. Our conveyors are available with a number of different types of belts for your purposes, including:

Chain

The use of chains is suitable for a heavy-duty industrial conveyor, as industrial conveyor chain can withstand heavier loads than fabric belts. For applications like accumulation, as well as systems that require curves, an industrial chain conveyor is often the best option.

Fabric

Made with flexible materials that can easily move products along the conveyor, fabric belts are ideal for applications that require precision and accuracy, especially when dealing with small, delicate items.

Fabric belts offer a lot of flexibility in design, with options for different materials (such as nylon, polyester, and thermoplastic urethane) and specialized applications (including magnetic and backlit features).

Rubber

Rubber is a popular material for conveyor systems largely due to its flexibility and resistance to corrosion. In industrial applications, an industrial rubber conveyor belt is a popular choice for handling raw materials that could generate debris or be dangerous to handle manually.

Plastic

Our modular conveyor belts offer the most flexibility to help maximize efficiency and productivity in your operation. Customizable, versatile, and durable, modular plastic belts are easy to clean, maintain, and repair, making them suitable for a number of applications including manufacturing and cleanroom environments.

Our 2200 and 3200 series feature modular belt options to suit your needs.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Conveyor for Your Business

When choosing an industrial conveyor for your business, it is important to consider the needs of your operation. Some factors you may want to consider include:

Product Features

When choosing an industrial conveyor for your business, it is important to consider the type, weight, and size of the products you want to convey. This will help you to choose a conveyor that is best suited for your needs. If you need to move bulkier objects, you will need to choose a heavier-duty conveyor like the 3200 series. For more delicate projects, a modular conveyor like from the 2200 series will serve you well.

Production Environment

The environment in which your new conveyor will be installed will influence your decision, as well. In a dust-free facility or clean room operation, for example you need to choose a conveyor system that is easy to clean and maintain, such as the ERT150.

Intended Use

How you intend to use your new conveyor will also impact the system you choose. In any industry, conveyors can be used for a number of purposes, including:

To move materials from one point to another
To sort or separate materials
To package or palletize products
To inspect or test products

Depending on your intended use, you will need to choose a conveyor that is capable of performing that function. Additionally, your desired speed of operation and the frequency with which you need to use your conveyor will also impact your decision.

Available Space

If you have limited space in your facility, you need to choose a conveyor that can be installed in a small footprint. The FlexMove conveyor is designed for just this purpose. With its small footprint and modular design, it can be configured to fit in even the most space-constrained facilities.

In addition to the space you have available, you need to consider the practicality of introducing a conveyor system regarding its length, configuration, and pathways.

What is the path that you want your product to take? Do you need a conveyor that can turn corners or one that moves in a straight line? How long does the conveyor need to be for optimal functionality? Answering these questions will help you to choose the right conveyor for your business.

Automation Needs

Another important consideration when choosing an industrial conveyor is the level of automation you need. If you have a highly automated operation, you will need to choose a conveyor that can be integrated into your existing systems.

Labor Requirements

The level of labor required to operate and maintain your new conveyor system is also an important consideration. You need to choose a system that is easy to maintain and that can be operated safely by your employees.

Additionally, you may want to consider a conveyor that offers some degree of flexibility, like the FlexMove, so that it can be easily reconfigured as your needs change.

Budget

Of course, cost is always a factor to consider when choosing any type of equipment for your business. You need to balance the initial investment with the long-term operating costs to choose a conveyor that is right for your budget.

Enhance the Safety and Efficiency of Your Facility With Industrial Conveyor Systems from Dorner

As one of the leading industrial conveyor manufacturers, Dorner can help you enhance the safety and efficiency of your facility. With our innovative conveyor systems, we can optimize your production process to improve your bottom line.

We can also engineer custom conveyor systems to meet your unique application needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our industrial conveyor solutions and how we can help you achieve your business goals.