Screw Conveyor Problem Solving

Recently, we employed screw conveyor problem solving. A food processor needed a screw conveyor to move food material from a bin. They also needed to portion out  the food into individual food trays. To do this, they needed to use a stepper motor. This required one that is able to start and stop at 80 times per minute. Our job was to design and build a screw conveyor system that would hold up to major stress. Especially one that allows continual starting/stopping motion that would be occurring.

Here’s how we solved the problem: Screw Conveyor Components and Design

A Lovejoy coupling was employed for the purpose of dampening some of the inertia forces between the drive system and the augers as well as deal with any shaft misalignment. The photograph shows the laser cut window in the motor housing. This gives access to the end plate bearing for greasing. The window also serves as an inspection port. This is to visually verify the integrity of the bearing and the stainless steel Lovejoy coupling that attaches the auger shaft to the gear reducer. Not shown is a removable safety screen that covers the port during operation. Also, the parts are 304 stainless steel. In addition, TIG welding was utilized and discoloration was removed.

This is just one example of a feature that engineers at Astro might design into a screw or auger conveyor system.  They have the expertise and experience it takes to meet the processors’ needs.  The screw conveyors are all built right on site by highly skilled metal fabricators and welders.  Astro has both the machinery and the expertise in designing and fabricating to produce superior screw conveyors that brings long time value to the processor. Call us today and get your project rolling.