Electric Motors for Conveyor Systems

Electric motors are essential to keeping conveyor systems working reliably. Whether it be moving items along on a conveyor belt or transporting items in a warehouse, the right motor can improve speed control, starting performance, energy efficiency, and overall reliability.

At Motors and Inverters, we supply a range of electric motors that suit a broad range of conveyor applications, including different loads, speeds, duty cycles and operating environments.

Choosing an Electric Motor for a Conveyor

Electric motors are used to power a variety of conveyor systems, including belt conveyors, roller conveyors, chain conveyors, screw conveyors, assembly lines, and warehouse and distribution systems. The demands on the electric motor will depend on the conveyor application, however, under any circumstance, the motor should still be able to provide sufficient torque to start and move the load without excessive strain, whilst being capable of running reliably for the required duty cycle.

Smooth starting and stopping can be particularly important in environments where products can shift, spill, or become damaged during acceleration and deceleration, so a well-suited motor should be able to perform start/stop motions in a smooth and efficient manner. A compatible motor can also help reduce overheating during continuous operation, while efficient motors with appropriate speed control can also help reduce energy consumption.

Where variable speed is required, the motor can also be paired with a variable frequency-drive (VFD), allowing the motor speed to be adjusted to suit the application and providing more precise conveyor control.

Get the Right Motor for Your Conveyor

Selecting the right motor depends on the type of conveyor and the demands of the application.

Key considerations include:

Conveyor speed
Load weight
Starting torque
Duty cycle
Gear ratio
Operating environment
Voltage and frequency
Mounting arrangement

The motors power and torque requirements should also be considered alongside the gearbox, conveyor configuration, and expected operating conditions. For example, conveyors that move heavy materials will require considerably more starting torque than those that handle lighter products, so the motors speed and suitability must be matched to meet the demands of the day-to-day operations.

Benefits of the Right Conveyor Motor

Choosing a motor that matches the conveyor application can provide smoother operation, improved conveyor control, and support reliable operation. It can also help reduce overheating, unnecessary energy consumption, and mechanical stress, particularly in environments where the conveyor is continuously operating.

For more demanding applications, selecting the appropriate motor and VFD can provide more accurate control while supporting reliable operation. Invertek, for example, has VFD solutions specifically designed for conveyor systems, including applications that demand high-torque, and operation in demanding environments.

Need a Motor for a Specific Conveyor Design?

Every conveyor is different, so choosing a motor based on power or torque may not provide the right solution for your operation. Our technical team can help you find the most suitable motor based on your conveyors load, speed, starting requirements, and power supply. Simply provide us with the motor nameplate information as well as the details of your operation, and we’ll be happy to find the best-suited motor for your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of electric motor is best for a conveyor?

The best suited motor depends on the conveyor’s load, speed, starting torque, duty cycle, and operating environment. Three-phase motors are commonly used for industrial conveyor systems, where single-phase motors are better suited to smaller conveyors where only single-phase supply is available. In environments where higher torque and lower output speeds are required, geared motors may also be required.

How do I calculate the motor size for a conveyor?

The best-suited motor size will depend on a number of factors, including conveyor load, belt or motor speed, incline, friction, starting requirements, and duty cycle, as well as the gearbox and transmission arrangement. It’s recommended to assess the complete conveyor application, rather than select a motor based on load weight alone.

How much torque does a conveyor motor need?

The required torque depends on the load, conveyor speed, incline, friction, and starting conditions. Starting torque can be significantly different from running torque, so it’s important to consider both when selecting a motor. Additionally, heavy duty conveyors may require a much higher starting torque to move the load reliably from stationary.

Can conveyor motors be controlled with a VFD?

Yes. A compatible variable frequency drive (VFD) can control the speed of many conveyor motors, allowing smoother acceleration and deceleration and more precise speed control. VFDs are widely used on conveyor systems where speed needs to be controlled and changed and when starting and stopping is required.

What motor efficiency class should I choose?

The appropriate efficiency class depends on the motor, application, and operating conditions. Higher-efficiency motors can reduce electrical losses and running costs, especially when conveyors are operating for long periods. However, efficiency should be considered alongside a motor’s power, speed, torque, duty cycle, and compatibility with the overall conveyor system.

Which motor is suitable for continuous conveyor operation?

For continuous conveyor operation, motors designed for continuous-duty use and with an S1 duty rating are typically best suited. The motor should also be correctly sized for the conveyor’s load, speed, and operating conditions to prevent overheating during prolonged use. Three-phase motors are the most common choice for continuous applications due to their high performance and efficiency.