Accueil Case studies Smooth belt conveyors

Conveyor

Smooth belt conveyors

As part of the reinforcement of an automotive production line, Elcom designed and delivered several smooth belt conveyors intended to ensure continuity and reliability in the flow of parts.

This project illustrates Elcom’s ability to provide robust, cost-effective industrial conveying solutions that are perfectly integrated into an existing environment.

Context and challenges

Project objectives

A major industrial player in the automotive equipment sector needed to support the ramp-up of new compact production platforms. To meet these new volumes, the production site had to increase the reliability of its internal flows while maintaining an ergonomic and clearly readable organization for operators.

The main objective was to integrate smooth belt conveyors capable of transporting individual loads smoothly between different stations, in perfect coherence with a pallet transfer system already defined on the line.

Key challenges and constraints

The project was carried out in an already established industrial environment, with more than fifteen years of operational experience on an existing line.

Several strong constraints guided the design:

Guarantee flow continuity without jolts or blockages
Ensure mechanical robustness compatible with intensive use
Limit long-term maintenance requirements
Offer a cost-effective solution compared with competing alternatives
Facilitate integration into the existing installation, both mechanically and ergonomically

These challenges were defined in close collaboration with the production site’s methods and maintenance teams.

How do smooth belt conveyors work?

Smooth belt conveyors are essential equipment in automotive production lines. They enable the continuous transport of parts or sub-assemblies between different workstations, while ensuring controlled throughput and safe handling of products.

In this project, the belt conveyors play a complementary role to the pallet transfer system. They handle the infeed, outfeed and interconnection zones between production cells, while maintaining perfect consistency in terms of height, speed and ergonomics across the entire line.

In addition, thanks to their modular design, Elcom conveyors integrate easily into constrained and evolving industrial environments.

Solution implemented

Elcom designed, manufactured and delivered three smooth belt conveyors adapted to the specific constraints of the automotive production line.

Smooth belt conveyor description

The conveyors are based on a structure made of aluminium profiles compatible with the H’8 40 range. This structure ensures rigidity and durability. They incorporate smooth belts suitable for the transport of individual parts, with end-mounted motorization allowing simplified maintenance.

The delivered equipment includes two smooth belt conveyors with a length of 4,500 mm and one more compact belt conveyor with a length of 1,500 mm.

Belt widths are adapted to the transported parts, with conveyors measuring 300 mm and 500 mm in width. The maximum operating height is 900 mm, ensuring ergonomic integration with existing workstations.

Performance and capacities

Each conveyor is designed to transport individual loads suitable for a standard industrial application. The design prioritizes part stability and regularity of movement.

Elcom technology and expertise

A cost-optimized solution

In a context of increasing pressure on industrial costs, Elcom was able to propose a competitive belt conveyor solution, without compromising on reliability or component quality.

Thanks to a rational design, the use of standardized components and full control over manufacturing costs, the selected solution proved to be approximately 40% less expensive than an equivalent competing solution.

This approach allows the production site to secure its investment while benefiting from equipment suited to intensive industrial use.

End-to-end project support

Beyond the supply of equipment, Elcom supported the customer at every stage of the project, from the design phase through to final validation.

In practical terms, this approach makes it possible to validate overall operation, anticipate potential adjustments, and deliver equipment fully compliant with operational expectations.

Maximum securing before production start-up

By inviting the customer to test and accept the conveyors directly in its workshops, Elcom ensures commissioning without surprises during final on-site installation.

Finally, this upstream validation phase helps reduce risks during production start-up, limit rework after delivery, and guarantee smooth integration into the existing production line.

The customer thus benefits from a solution that is ready for operation, technically and functionally validated even before its final installation.

Cost-optimized solution

End-to-end project support

Pre-delivery security checks

Results and benefits

Key benefits for the industrial site

Improved reliability of production flows between workstations
Reduced risk of blockages and unplanned stoppages
Smooth integration into an existing production line
Cost-effective solution, significantly more competitive than an equivalent competing solution
Durability and low maintenance requirements over the long term

Operational impacts

Thanks to these smooth belt conveyors, the production site now has a simple, clear and efficient solution to support the ramp-up of its new automotive production lines, while securing operating conditions.

Focus: continuity and flow readability

In an automotive production line, flow continuity is a key factor in industrial performance. The smooth belt conveyors implemented provide an immediate and clear reading of the part flow, both for operators and technical teams.

This readability improves:

The solution therefore contributes to a smoother and more robust organization of the production line.

FAQ - Smooth belt conveyors

Why choose smooth belt conveyors for an automotive production line?

Smooth belt conveyors provide continuous, quiet and reliable transport of parts. They are particularly well suited to automotive environments requiring throughput, robustness and ease of operation.

Can smooth belt conveyors evolve with the production line?

Yes. Thanks to their modular design, conveyors can be extended, modified or repositioned to support evolving production needs.

Are smooth belt conveyors suitable for demanding industrial environments?

Yes. Elcom designs conveyors for constrained industrial environments, using proven components and a robust structure that ensures a long service life.