Glossary of Terms

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Barrier (Fork Truck)

A safety device designed to protect infrastructure, equipment, and personnel from potential collisions with forklifts and other powered industrial trucks within a facility.

Ball Transfer

Consists of a spherical ball mounted in a housing, allowing it to rotate freely in all directions. Ball transfers are used in conveyor systems, transfer tables, and other equipment to facilitate the smooth and easy movement of goods in any direction with minimal friction. They are particularly useful for handling items that need to be manually reoriented or redirected during processing or assembly.

Belt Conveyor

A belt conveyor is used to transport lighter materials or goods from one place to another, utilizing a continuous belt that moves over rollers or a flat surface. Belt-type conveyor is not the best choice for heavy-duty pallet handling due to the following limitations: weight capacity, structural support, stability and control, durability, and maintenance.

Buffer Zone

An area where pallets are temporarily stored to balance the flow between different conveyor sections or processes.

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Carrying Space

The carrying space on a drag chain conveyor refers to the area or volume within the conveyor where the material being transported is placed. This space is defined by the dimensions of the conveyor’s trough or casing and the height or width of the chains or flights that move the material. The carrying space determines the conveyor’s capacity and is crucial for understanding how much material can be transported at any given time.

Center Drive

A center drive on a conveyor system refers to a drive mechanism located at or near the center of the conveyor’s length, as opposed to being positioned at one of the ends. Center drive conveyors can easily be designed for reversible operation, allowing material to be transported in both directions.

Chain Driven Live Roller (CDLR) Conveyor

Heavy-duty conveyor with positive drive using roller to roller chain and sprockets. Ideal for transporting loaded pallets, tires, drums, or other heavy items. Suitable for heavy loads and harsh environments. Applications include palletizing, filling, stretch wrapping, load staging, robotic cells, and strapping.

Channel Supports (Adjustable)

Structural components designed to provide flexible and stable support for conveyor frames. These supports can be adjusted in height and angle to accommodate changes in the conveyor system layout, ensuring that the conveyor remains level and properly aligned. They are essential for installations where the conveyor system may need to be reconfigured or where the floor is uneven.

Control System or Controls

The system that manages the operation of the conveyor, often using PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).

Conveyor Cross Over

A structure that allows workers or equipment to safely cross over conveyor within a facility and consists of safety guardrails and non-slip surfaces. This is particularly useful in industrial and manufacturing environments where conveyors run continuously and need to be crossed without disrupting operations or compromising safety.

Cross Chain Transfer

A mechanism to transfer pallets perpendicular to the main conveyor direction, often using rollers or chains. Alba manufacturers four types – In-Frame, Thru-Frame, Frame-to-Frame and Thru-Drive Side Type Chain Transfers.

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Deckboard Orientation

The pallet is oriented with the deckboards (the flat surface boards) running parallel to the direction of movement.

Distributor

A conveyor reseller that can be an effective strategy to expand your market reach and leverage the distributor’s existing customer base and industry expertise.

Drag Chain Conveyor

A type of conveyor used to move bulk materials or unit loads along a fixed path. It utilizes one or multiple chains with attachments to drag or pull the materials through a trough (enclosed housing), or over a flat surface. This type of conveyor is particularly effective for handling heavy, abrasive, or hot materials and is commonly used in industrial applications.

Drive Unit

The motor and gearbox assembly that powers the conveyor.

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Effective Width

The effective width of a conveyor refers to the usable width available for transporting materials or products. It is an important consideration in conveyor design and operation, as it determines the maximum width of items that can be efficiently conveyed. The effective width considers the actual width of the conveyor rollers and any constraints or obstructions along the sides.

Ergonomics

Designing a conveyor system to minimize strain and injury risk to operators while improving overall efficiency and safety.

End-Stop Barrier

A safety and control device used in conveyor systems to prevent materials, products, or equipment from moving beyond the end of the conveyor. It acts as a physical barrier to stop the forward motion of items, ensuring they do not fall off the end of the conveyor and potentially cause damage or create hazards.

E-Stop (Emergency Stop)

A safety mechanism that immediately stops the conveyor in case of an emergency.

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Filter/Regulator with Gauge

Used in chain transfer systems to maintain clean regulated air supply, ensuring optimal performance, and extending the lifespan of pneumatic components.

Fingers

Pneumatically operated pallet holding fingers are mechanisms used in pallet stacker/destacker units to securely hold and release pallets.

Floor Track

Designed to move products or materials along a predetermined path on the floor. It consists of a floor-mounted track that guides the movement of carriers.

Flow Rack

Flow rack pallet storage, also known as pallet flow racking or gravity flow racking, is a dynamic storage system that utilizes inclined tracks with rollers or wheels to enable pallets to move by gravity from the loading end to the picking end. This type of storage system is ideal for high-density storage and ensures a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory rotation.

Forklift

A powered industrial truck used to lift, carry, and move materials over short distances. Equipped with a pair of fork-like prongs at the front, it is designed to handle heavy loads and can be used in various industrial, commercial, and warehousing applications. Forklifts are essential for material handling tasks, such as loading and unloading goods, stacking pallets, and transporting materials within a facility.

FPM

Abbreviation for Feet Per Minute and with conveyor often it is typically a pre-determined fixed conveyor speed of 35, 45 and 60 FPM.

Frames

Constructed from steel (Alba’s) or aluminum, providing a robust structure to support the rollers and the loads being transported. Can be designed in various configurations to suit different layout requirements, including straight, curved, and inclined sections.

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Galvanized Conveyor Rollers

Conveyor rollers that have been coated with a layer of zinc through a process called galvanization. This coating provides superior corrosion resistance, making these rollers ideal for use in environments where they are exposed to moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive elements. Galvanized rollers are widely used in various industrial applications due to their durability and long-lasting performance.

Gaylord

A gaylord is a large, robust, corrugated box used for bulk shipping and storage of loose items or materials.

Gravity Roller Conveyor

A gravity roller conveyor uses the force of gravity to move products along a series of rollers. Unlike powered conveyors, gravity rollers do not have a motor; instead, items move when placed on the rollers and the force of gravity pulls them down a slight incline.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

An essential component for modern conveyor systems, providing an intuitive and interactive platform for operators to monitor, control, and manage conveyor operations. Key features include Real-Time Monitoring, Control Functions, Diagnostics and Alerts, Data Logging and Reporting, User Management, and integrates with other communication and data exchange systems.

Guide Rail

Rails on the sides of a conveyor to keep pallets aligned and prevent them from falling off.

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High-Side CDLR (Chain Driven Live Roller) Drive Mounting

Refers to the placement of the drive mechanism (including motors, gearboxes, and chains) on the side of the conveyor frame, elevated above the rollers to provide easy access for maintenance and adjustments.

HMI (Human-Machine Interface)

A user interface or dashboard that connects an operator to the control system of the conveyor.

Hot-Dip Galvanized Frames

Steel frames that have been coated with a layer of zinc through a process called hot-dip galvanization. This coating provides excellent corrosion resistance, making these frames ideal for use in harsh environments or where long-term durability is required.

Human Robot Interaction (HRI)

A field of study dedicated to understanding, designing, and evaluating robotic systems for use by or with humans. Interaction, by definition, requires communication between robots and humans.

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Incline Conveyor

A conveyor designed to move pallets up or down a slope.

Inline Drive Mounting

A type of conveyor drive system where the motor and gearbox are aligned directly with the conveyor shaft, forming a straight-line configuration. This setup provides a compact and efficient means of driving the conveyor offering several advantages in terms of space-saving, power transmission efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

Inspection Station

A point along the conveyor where pallets are checked for quality or condition.

Iron Cross (Lift and Rotate)

Is a specialized type of conveyor system designed to lift and rotate pallets/products, allowing for precise orientation changes during the material handling process.

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Jam

A situation where pallets get stuck and prevent the conveyor from operating smoothly.

Jog Control

A manual control that allows small, incremental movements of the conveyor for alignment or adjustment.

Junction Boxes

Found in conveyor systems and play a critical role in managing and protecting electrical connections. They ensure safe and efficient operation by providing organized and accessible points for connecting power and control wiring. These junction boxes are essential for integrating various components of the conveyor system, such as motors, sensors, and control units.

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Load Capacity

The maximum weight a conveyor can safely transport and effectively handle without compromising a conveyor’s structural integrity, performance, or safety.

Load Diverter

A device that redirects pallets to different paths or conveyor lines based on predetermined criteria such as size, weight, destination, or operational needs.

Load Orientation

This pertains to how goods are positioned on the pallet. Proper load orientation can affect stability, weight distribution, and accessibility. Key considerations include: Facing: Ensuring that labels, barcodes, or handling instructions are visible and accessible. Weight Distribution: Placing heavier items at the bottom and ensuring an even distribution of weight. Stability: Arranging items to prevent shifting or toppling during movement.

Lift and Rotate (Iron Cross)

A lift and rotate conveyor device is a specialized piece of material handling equipment designed to lift items off a conveyor, rotate them to a desired orientation, and then place them back onto the conveyor or transfer them to another location. These devices are commonly used in automated systems to enhance workflow efficiency and flexibility, especially in applications where precise positioning and orientation of items are critical.

Lift Table

A platform that can raise or lower pallets, often used in conjunction with conveyors for vertical movement.

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Magazine

Refers to the “container portion” on a pallet stacker/destacker. Steel Lined with Structural Steel Support Channels on Three (3) Sides, Standard
Magazine 8’ High, 15 Pallet Capacity. Loading and Unloading of Stacked Pallets is Available at 90° or 180° from In-Feed/Exit of Drag Chain Conveyor.

Maintenance

Regular servicing of the conveyor to ensure it operates efficiently and safely.

Modular Design

A design approach that uses standardized units or sections that can be easily replaced or reconfigured.

Motor Driven Roller (MDR, 24 Volt)

A type of conveyor where each drive roller contains a small, efficient 24V DC motor inside, eliminating the need for external drive mechanisms. This design offers several advantages in terms of energy efficiency, flexibility, and ease of installation.

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OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)

Supplying conveyors to OEMs involves providing conveyor systems that can be integrated into the OEM’s own equipment or systems.

Open Basket Wire Trays

A type of cable management system used in conveyor systems and other industrial settings to organize and support electrical and data cables. These trays are made of a grid of metal wires, typically formed into a basket shape, which provides both visibility and ventilation for the cables they hold.

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Pallet

A flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift or conveyor. Types include: Wooden (Stringer & Block); Plastic (Rackable, Nestable, Stackable); Metal (Steel and Aluminum); and Composite Pallets (usually a blend of materials including recycled plastics and resins).

Pallet Orientation

This refers to the direction in which the pallet is placed or moves through the handling system. Stringer Orientation: The pallet is oriented with the stringers (the long, vertical supports) running parallel to the direction of movement. Deckboard Orientation: The pallet is oriented with the deckboards (the flat surface boards) running parallel to the direction of movement.

Pallet Stop

A pallet stop in a conveyor system is a mechanism designed to control the movement and positioning of pallets on the conveyor. It can halt a pallet at a specific point, ensuring proper spacing, alignment, and timing for subsequent operations such as loading, unloading, or transfer to another conveyor or equipment. Can be manual, pneumatic, electric, or mechanical.

Pallet Stacker/Destacker

A piece of equipment designed to automate the process of stacking and destacking pallets. Stacking: Automatically places individual pallets onto a stack, reducing manual labor and increasing productivity. Destacking: Separates and removes pallets from a stack, preparing them for use in production or shipping processes. Alba’s Pallet Stacker/Destacker handles both wooden and plastic pallets.

Photo Eyes

Also known as photoelectric sensors or simply photosensors, are critical components used in conveyor systems to detect the presence, position, and movement of pallets on a conveyor. They play a vital role in the automation and control of material handling processes by providing real-time feedback to the conveyor control system.

Pin-stops

Mechanical devices used in conveyor systems to temporarily stop or hold items at a specific location along the conveyor path. They are particularly useful for controlling the flow of products, facilitating sorting, inspection, or assembly processes, and ensuring precise positioning for subsequent operations.

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)

An industrial digital computer designed for the control and automation of manufacturing processes, including conveyor systems. In the context of pallet handling conveyors, PLCs are used to control and automate the movement, sorting, loading, and unloading of pallets.

Polyurethane Roller Covering

Protective coatings applied to conveyor rollers to enhance their performance and durability. These coverings are made from polyurethane, a versatile polymer known for its excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility, and impact strength. Polyurethane roller coverings are commonly used in various industries to improve the handling of materials, reduce noise, and extend the life of the rollers.

Pop-up Blade Stops

Used in conveyor systems to stop the movement of items at a specific point along the conveyor line. These stops are particularly useful for controlling the flow of products, sorting, accumulation, or ensuring precise positioning for further processing or handling. Can be actuated manually or automatically using pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuators.

Powder Coating

A finishing process in which a dry, powdered paint is applied to a surface and then cured under heat to form a hard, durable, and attractive finish.

Protective Barriers

Essential safety and operational components in material handling systems. These barriers serve to protect workers, equipment, and infrastructure from potential hazards associated with moving conveyor systems.

Proximity Switches

Sensors are used to detect the presence or absence of an object without making physical contact. They are widely used in industrial automation, manufacturing, robotics, and other applications where precise and reliable detection is necessary.

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RAL Number

Part of a standardized color matching system that ensures consistency across different manufacturers and applications. The RAL system includes a wide range of colors, each assigned a unique number. For example, RAL 9010 refers to Pure White, and RAL 7016 refers to Anthracite Grey.

Robotic Palletizers and Depalletizers

Robotics and pallet handling conveyors are increasingly integrated in modern warehousing and manufacturing environments to optimize material handling processes. This integration combines the efficiency of automated conveyors with the precision and versatility of robotic systems. Palletizers: Robots are used to stack products onto pallets with precision. They can handle different shapes, sizes, and weights, ensuring efficient use of pallet space. Depalletizers: Robots are used to unload products from pallets, which can be particularly useful in receiving areas or production lines.

Rollers/Gravity Rollers

Alba manufactures rollers for all their conveyors onsite to ensure their quality and integrity. In addition to various diameters, gauges, and types, rollers are offered with other options such as polyurethane coating, UHMW roller sleeves, zinc plating and galvanized tubing.

Roller Conveyor

A conveyor that uses rollers to transport pallets, typically powered or gravity driven.

Roller Finish

Refers to the specific surface texture and coating applied to the rollers of the conveyor. This finish can significantly impact the performance and durability of the conveyor, as well as the safety and handling of the pallets. Examples: Galvanized coating, Steel tubing, Rubber Coating, or Zinc plated. Purpose and benefits include: Reduced Slippage, Product Protection, Enhanced Durability and Noise Reduction.

Rotational Movement

The conveyor can rotate products to a specified angle, typically 90, 180, or 360 degrees, enabling proper orientation for subsequent operations.

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Safety Guard

Safety guards for conveyors are protective barriers installed around conveyor systems to enhance the safety of workers and prevent accidents. These guards help to isolate moving parts, reduce the risk of entrapment, and prevent items from falling off the conveyor.

Safety Bumpers

A safety bumper for a conveyor system is a crucial component designed to enhance the safety of material handling operations. Safety bumpers are typically installed on the leading edges of conveyors or at points where there is a risk of collision or entrapment. These devices help protect workers from injury and prevent damage to the conveyor system and transported items.

Scalloped-Type Roller Chain Guards

Protective covers designed to shield the moving parts of a roller chain conveyor system, particularly the chain and sprockets. The “scalloped” design refers to the cut-out or wavy edge shape of the guard, which provides several advantages in terms of safety, maintenance, and operational efficiency.

Sensor

A device that provides precise control and monitoring capabilities. These devices detect the presence, position, and movement of items on the conveyor, enabling automated responses and improving overall system performance. Types include proximity, photoelectric, ultrasonic, laser sensors and load cells.

Shuttle Car

Shuttle cars are used in conjunction with our conveying equipment. A typical application utilizes a conveyor deck that is attached to a traveling base. Shuttle cars can be operated with a motor driven drive, pneumatic indexing base or used in a hand-push application. They travel in a straight line along a floor track. Tracks can be mounted above or in the floor, as needed for each application. Materials can be transported over varying distances or when direct conveyor connections are impractical.

Side Pushers

Mechanical devices used in conveyor systems to divert or move products sideways from one conveyor line to another or to a designated location. They are essential for applications that require sorting, merging, aligning, or redirecting products within a conveyor system.

Slip Sheet (Tier Sheet)

A thin, flat material used in pallet handling to facilitate the efficient stacking and transportation of products. Typically made from corrugated fiberboard, plastic, or solid fiber. Similar in dimensions to a pallet but much thinner, usually just a few millimeters thick. Placed between layers of products on a pallet to provide stability and prevent slippage.

SolidWorks

A 3D CAD tool created by another software giant, Dassault Systemes, and it is also an industry standard for 3D CAD. It is particularly popular in mechanical and product design industries.

Stretch Wrapper

A machine used to wrap pallets of products with stretch film to secure and protect them during storage and transportation. Types include Manual, Semi-Automatic and Fully Automatic, and Mobile.

Stringer

A horizontal structural component used in the construction of pallets, providing support and stability.

Stringer Orientation

The pallet is oriented with the stringers (the long, vertical supports) running parallel to the direction of movement.

Switches

Provide control and safety functionalities. They help manage the flow of materials, ensure proper system operation, and protect both equipment and personnel. Types include Limit, Proximity, Emergency Stops (E-Stops), Pull Cord switches and Rotary Encoders.

Systems Integrator (SI)

Systems integrators provide complete solutions by integrating various components, including conveyors, into a cohesive system tailored to the specific needs of their clients.

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Tier Sheet (Slip Sheet)

A thin, flat material used in pallet handling to facilitate the efficient stacking and transportation of products. Typically made from corrugated fiberboard, plastic, or solid fiber. Similar in dimensions to a pallet but much thinner, usually just a few millimeters thick. Placed between layers of products on a pallet to provide stability and prevent slippage.

TOR (Top of Roller)

Refers to the measurement from the floor to the top surface of the rollers in a conveyor system. This measurement is crucial for ensuring the compatibility of the conveyor with other material handling equipment and systems, such as palletizers, depalletizers, forklifts, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

Transfer Car

Designed to move loads or products between different conveyor lines or storage locations within a facility – at speeds up to 150 FPM. Transfer cars are typically used in industrial environments such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers to facilitate the efficient transfer of goods. A typical application utilizes a conveyor deck that is attached to a traveling base. Transfer cars can be operated with a motor driven drive, pneumatic indexing base or used in a hand-push application. They travel in a straight line along a floor track. Tracks can be mounted above or in the floor, as needed for each application.

Transfer Conveyor

A conveyor used to move pallets from one conveyor line to another.

Tread Plates

Tread plates provide a secure, non-slip walking surface for operators who need to access different parts of the conveyor for maintenance, inspection, or manual handling of goods. Types of tread plates used in roller conveyor include fixed, removable, or cross over.

Turntable

A rotating platform used to change the direction of pallets on a conveyor.

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UHMW Roller Sleeves

Protective coverings made from Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMW) that are designed to fit over conveyor rollers. These sleeves enhance the performance and longevity of the rollers by providing a low-friction, wear-resistant surface. They are commonly used in conveyor systems to reduce noise, protect delicate products, and extend the life of the rollers.

UHMW Wear Strips

UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) wear strips are components made from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, a type of plastic known for its high abrasion resistance, low coefficient of friction, and excellent impact strength. These wear strips are commonly used in conveyor systems and other machinery to reduce friction, wear, and noise between moving parts.

Underslung Drive Mounting

Refers to a configuration in which the drive mechanism of a conveyor system is mounted beneath the conveyor frame. This setup is designed to save space, improve accessibility, and enhance the overall efficiency of the conveyor system. It is particularly useful in applications where overhead space is limited or where a clean, unobstructed top surface is required.

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VFD (Variable Frequency Drive)

A type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied. VFDs are used to optimize performance, improve efficiency, and provide greater control over the operation of the conveyor.

Vision System

Cameras and software used to inspect or guide pallets on the conveyor.

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Warehouse Control System (WCS)

Software that directs the movement of materials within a warehouse, including conveyors.

Warranty

Alba Manufacturing offers a comprehensive warranty for their products. They provide a two-year warranty on all standard catalog equipment, ensuring that materials and workmanship are of good quality. For custom equipment, the warranty period is one year from the date of shipment. This warranty covers the replacement of any part that is proven to be defective, but the cost of installation is borne by the purchaser. Notably, Alba Manufacturing does not cover damages resulting from misuse, incorrect adjustments, or operation in unsuitable conditions

Wear Strip

A strip of material placed along the conveyor to reduce friction and wear on the moving parts.

Welded Sprockets

The sprocket teeth are welded continuously to the roller body, ensuring a solid and seamless connection. This method provides a stronger bond between the teeth and the base compared to spot welding or mechanical fastening.

Wheel Stops

Devices used to halt the movement of wheeled carts, pallets, or vehicles at specific points along the conveyor path. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and controlled flow of materials, particularly in loading and unloading areas or where precise positioning is required.

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Zero Pressure Accumulation

A type of conveyor system designed to allow products to accumulate (queue up) on the conveyor without any pressure buildup between them. This is achieved by creating zones along the conveyor, each controlled by sensors and motorized rollers, ensuring that products are separated and do not touch each other during accumulation. This type of conveyor is commonly used in industries where gentle handling of products is required to prevent damage.

Zinc Plated Conveyor Rollers

Conveyor rollers that have been coated with a layer of zinc to provide corrosion resistance and enhance durability. This type of coating is particularly beneficial in environments where the rollers are exposed to moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive elements. Zinc plating helps to extend the life of the rollers, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.