How Slat Conveyors Improve Workflow in Industrial Automation

Industrial automation has transformed dramatically over the past century. In the early days of manufacturing, most tasks were performed manually, with a team of workers required to physically lift, transport, and assemble products. While this approach was effective on a small scale, it was inefficient, labour-intensive, and prone to human error. As global demand for goods increased, manufacturing industries began searching for ways to improve productivity, reduce costs, and minimise risks to workers.

This need sparked the rise of automation. Beginning with basic mechanisation such as simple conveyor belt systems and powered lifting devices, automation has evolved into complex systems that integrate robotics, data analytics, and advanced sensors, software, and machinery. Today, automation supports modern manufacturing and logistics operations, ensuring precision, speed, safety, and consistency across a diverse range of industrial settings.

Conveyor Systems: The Essence of Material Handling

At the heart of this evolution is material handling, focusing on how products and components are moved efficiently through different stages of production and distribution, not only improving workflow but also reducing downtime and costs.

Conveyor systems have long been one of the most common and effective solutions for automating material handling and have become a vital component of manufacturing and logistics operations. By continuously transporting materials, parts, or product loads from one point to another, conveyors reduce manual labour, streamline operations, and maintain consistent throughput.

There are many types of conveyor systems available, each suited to specific industries and materials, such as:

Belt Conveyors – Use a continuous belt to move items of various sizes and shapes, commonly found in packaging and food & beverage environments.
Roller Conveyors – Use rollers to move flat-bottom items like boxes and pallets, often used in warehouses and distribution centres.
Chain Conveyors – Designed for heavy loads, typically used in automotive and industrial manufacturing.
Screw Conveyors (Auger Conveyors) – Move bulk materials like grains or powders using a helical screw blade.
Slat Chain Conveyors – Provide a reliable solution for transporting heavy, irregularly shaped, or hot materials that standard conveyors cannot handle efficiently.

Among these, slat conveyors stand out for their versatility and durability in challenging environments.

What Are Slat Conveyors?

Slat conveyors are a type of material handling system that uses flat interlocking slats, usually steel slats or sometimes food approved slats, which are mounted on chains. This creates a continually moving surface and provides a rigid, stable platform for transporting heavy, fragile, or irregular items. The design enables both straight-line and curved paths, making them adaptable to complex or compact layouts.

Slat Chain Conveyors are often built with stainless steel frames and come in a range of chain widths to suit different production requirements. Their drive mechanism can operate at variable speeds, making them adaptable for both slow, careful handling and high-throughput processes. Options such as roller top links or modular belt conveyors can further extend their capability, particularly in food & beverage environments where hygiene and washdown are essential.

Applications of Slat Conveyors

Slat conveyors are widely used in industries where durability and precision are essential. Typical applications include:

Bottling & Packaging

Transporting bottles, cans, jars, tins, or cartons for filling, drying, labelling, and packaging.

Warehousing & Logistics

Moving bulky goods or product loads with irregular shapes.

Automotive Manufacturing

Moving car parts and engines through assembly lines.

Metalworking & Foundries

Handling hot, heavy, or sharp materials that would damage traditional belts.

Food & Beverage Environments

Using food approved slats for hygiene and reliability.

Benefits of Slat Conveyors

Due to their robust and innovative design, slat conveyors offer a number of benefits for manufacturers and logistics operators, including:

Flexibility

Handle a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and weights and items that require precise positioning or for accumulation applications.

Reliability

Robust chain-driven motion ensures consistent operation with minimal slippage.

Durability

With stainless steel and steel slats, they can withstand harsh environments, high temperatures, and abrasive materials.

Customisable Design

Configurable for straight runs, curves, loops, inclines, and declines, adaptable to modular system layouts.

Low Maintenance

Rugged construction reduces downtime and repair needs.

Slat conveyors are extremely efficient in carrying out their individual tasks, yet become even more powerful when combined with other automation technologies to create a seamless and highly efficient workflow.

Examples of automation technologies that integrate well with slat conveyors include:

Robotic Arms – For automated loading and unloading of parts onto conveyors.
Vision Systems & Sensors – For quality control, product tracking, and real-time monitoring.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) – To transport items between conveyors and other production zones.
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) – To coordinate conveyor movement with other automation machinery.
Custom Conveyor Designs – System designers can create bespoke conveyor belt systems to meet specific production demands.

By integrating these technologies, manufacturers gain a smarter, more adaptable material handling system. This allows system designers to create custom conveyor solutions that suit high-volume industrial settings and future-proof production facilities.

Boosting Efficiency and Safety with Slat Chain Conveyors

From manual labour to fully automated transportation systems, industrial automation has revolutionised how industries operate. Conveyor systems, particularly Slat Chain Conveyors, play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and reliable product movement. Their modular system design, ability to handle a wide range of product loads, and adaptability for integration with robotic palletising or pallet stations make them indispensable across manufacturing industries.

For manufacturers seeking to improve workflow, reduce costs, and enhance safety, slat conveyors offer a robust and reliable solution, providing not just efficiency for today but also adaptability for the needs of tomorrow.