An investigation into design and manufacturing of mechanical conveyors systems for food processing

This paper presents the results of a research investigation undertaken to develop methodologies and techniques that will reduce the cost and time of the design, manufacturing and assembly of mechanical conveyor systems used in the food and beverage industry. The improved methodology for design and production of conveyor components is based on the minimisation of materials, parts and costs, using the rules of design for manufacture and design for assembly. Results obtained on a test conveyor system verify the benefits of using the improved techniques. The overall material cost was reduced by 19% and the overall assembly cost was reduced by 20% compared to conventional methods.