Q&As on the topic of
Heavy-duty conveyor systems
Heavy-duty conveyor systems
Frequently Asked Questions About Heavy-Duty Conveyor Systems
Moving heavy loads safely from point A to point B is a task that goes far beyond simple load-bearing capacity. Anyone who needs to integrate aluminum or steel coils, slabs, machine components, railcars, bogies, or large components into synchronized production processes faces challenges that conventional conveyor technology cannot handle. Consequently, numerous questions arise even in the early stages of a project. Below, our experts answer the most common questions from the field—based on decades of experience with automated heavy-duty conveyor systems for a wide range of industries.
For what load capacities does Vollert design transport and conveyor systems?
Vollert designs and builds transport and conveying systems for loads ranging from 5 to 50 metric tons, and even beyond that in specific applications. The focus is on applications where standard conveying technology reaches its limits—that is, where heavy loads, dynamic forces, precise positioning, and high availability requirements all come into play.
Beyond the Limits
Vollert designs and builds transport and conveying systems for loads ranging from 5 to 50 metric tons, and in special applications, even significantly beyond that. These solutions are used in particular where conventional conveying technology reaches its technical or economic limits. Typical applications include the transport of coils, sheet metal, machine components, or other large-format and heavy loads. In addition to the load capacity itself, factors such as dynamic loads, high cycle rates, precise positioning, and maximum system availability play a decisive role.
What types of systems are included in the material handling portfolio?
Depending on the load configuration, route, and cycle time, chain conveyors and roller conveyors, push platforms and cross-transfer cars, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), coil and heavy-duty shuttles, as well as overhead-guided shuttle technology—either individually or combined to form a continuous material flow.
Modular System Architecture
The goal is always a seamless, safe, and efficient material flow between production, storage, and shipping. Thanks to the modular system architecture, the systems can be flexibly adapted to future requirements and capacity expansions.
How does heavy-duty conveyor technology differ from standard conveyor technology?
The decisive factors are not just the load capacities, but also the dynamic forces during acceleration, braking, and positioning, the inertia of heavy loads, and the requirements for positioning accuracy and continuous availability during multi-shift operation. Drives, braking systems, support structures, and control systems are designed to handle the actual operating loads.
Real-world load and process data as the basis
The goal is to ensure consistently reliable operation even under demanding production conditions. The design is based not on theoretical nominal values, but on real load and process data.
Can the conveyor systems be integrated into existing production environments?
Yes. Vollert has extensive experience integrating heavy-duty transport and storage systems into existing production and logistics environments. In addition to complete new construction projects, the company regularly carries out modernization and expansion projects in existing facilities.
The Concept Phase Is Crucial
Factors such as floor loads, column grids, building geometry, ceiling heights, fire safety requirements, and existing material flow and IT structures are taken into account as early as the concept phase. Interfaces with warehouse management systems (WMS), manufacturing execution systems (MES), crane systems, or higher-level control systems are also integrated.
For which industries are Vollert's conveyor systems suitable?
These systems are used wherever heavy loads, challenging materials, and tight process cycles come together—particularly in the steel and aluminum industries, the woodworking industry, container handling, in machine and heavy machinery manufacturing, in rail vehicle manufacturing, as well as in construction machinery, agricultural machinery, and other commercial vehicles.
Customized Preliminary Planning
Thanks to customized planning and modular system technology, the systems can be precisely adapted to industry-specific requirements, production processes, and future growth scenarios.
What does a typical heavy-duty project look like at Vollert?
Every project begins with a detailed analysis of existing processes and requirements. This involves recording and evaluating load profiles, material flows, cycle times, routing, transfer points, and the desired level of automation. Based on this, Vollert develops a customized system concept that optimally combines technical, economic, and operational requirements.
Focus on the Lifecycle
The concept phase is followed by engineering, design, and manufacturing of the system components. Vollert then handles on-site installation, commissioning, and process optimization. Even after the project is completed, service, maintenance, modernization, and technical support remain available,
