Conveyor Glossary

Terms Commonly Used in the Conveyor Industry

Whether you’re new to conveyors or have years of experience under your belt (pun intended), it helps to have a clear understanding of the terms used across the conveyor industry. From everyday components to more technical bits of kit, our detailed A to Z glossary breaks down key conveyor terms into clear, plain English.

Use it as a detailed reference, a training tool for new team members, or just to brush up on your knowledge. No complicated jargon, just straight-talking definitions to help make sense of conveyor systems and how they work.

Let’s dive in!

A–C

Accumulation Conveyor

An accumulation conveyor allows products to be paused, queued or evenly spaced out along the line without stopping the entire conveyor system. It’s especially useful in situations where products need to be held before moving to the next stage, like feeding into a machine, sorter or packing station. These systems can use sensors, zones or low-pressure rollers to control the movement of items, preventing collisions or bottlenecks. Accumulation conveyors help improve efficiency, reduce product damage and keep operations flowing smoothly, even when downstream processes slow down or stop temporarily.

Alligator Lacing

Alligator lacing is a type of metal fastener used to join the ends of a conveyor belt . It’s made up of interlocking teeth that are clamped onto each belt end and connected with a pin thus creating a strong, flexible joint. This type of lacing is commonly used for light to medium-duty belts. It’s a practical solution when you need to minimise downtime and get a belt back up and running fast, without access to specialised equipment. However, proper installation does require lacing machines and should be carried out by trained engineers to ensure a secure and long-lasting connection.

Belt Conveyor

A belt conveyor uses a continuous loop of material to move products from one point to another. It’s one of the most common and versatile conveyor types, ideal for handling light to medium-weight items across short or long distances. The flat belt provides a smooth, stable surface for everything from boxes and parcels to parts and packages. Belt conveyors are widely used in warehouses, manufacturing, distribution centres and packaging lines thanks to their simplicity, reliability and ease of maintenance.

Bearing

A bearing is a small but vital mechanical part that helps the conveyor rollers or shafts rotate smoothly with minimal friction. It supports the rotating components while allowing them to spin freely and reliably under load. Bearings are designed to handle both radial and axial forces, depending on the setup, and they come in various types like ball bearings or roller bearings. Keeping bearings well-lubricated and in good condition is key to avoiding breakdowns, reducing wear and keeping the entire conveyor running efficiently.

Belt Tension

Belt tension is the amount of force applied to keep a conveyor belt tight enough to run smoothly without jamming. If the belt is too loose, it can drift off track or stall under load. Too tight, and it can put unnecessary strain on pulleys, bearings and the belt itself. Getting the tension just right is essential for efficient, safe operation and to extend the life of the system. Most conveyors have a built-in take-up mechanism to help adjust and maintain the correct tension over time.

Bulk Handling

Bulk handling involves moving large volumes of loose, unpackaged materials like stone, sand or gravel. As these materials don’t come in boxes or containers, they need specialised systems like screw conveyors and bucket elevators to move them safely and efficiently. Bulk handling equipment is built for durability and often includes features to prevent spillage, dust or contamination. It’s widely used in industries like agriculture, mining, quarrying and construction.

Chain Conveyor

A chain conveyor uses a series of linked chains to move heavy, bulky or awkwardly shaped items along a fixed path. Instead of a belt or rollers, the chains do the heavy lifting, making this type of conveyor ideal for moving pallets. Chain conveyors are built for durability and strength and are often used in manufacturing, automotive, or warehouse environments where standard conveyor belts just won’t cut it.

Cleat

A cleat is a raised section or attachment fixed to the surface of a conveyor belt. It helps keep products in place, when moving up an incline or down, a decline by preventing them from slipping or sliding. Cleats come in various shapes, sizes and materials with some spaced evenly along the belt, while others are custom positioned to match product size or spacing. They’re particularly useful for transporting loose items, small parts or anything that might shift during movement.

Conveyor Frame

The conveyor frame is the main structure that supports all the working parts, including the belt, rollers, motor and guarding. Usually made from steel or aluminium, the frame needs to be strong, stable and properly aligned to keep everything running smoothly. It’s also where other components like side guides, sensors and brackets are mounted. A solid, well-built frame helps extend the overall life of the conveyor.

Control Panel

The control panel is the hub for operating and monitoring a conveyor system. It’s typically an enclosed box that houses all the key electrical components such as switches, motor starters, relays, VFDs and PLCs. Via the panel, operators can start or stop the conveyor, adjust settings and monitor performance or safety alerts. Conveyor control panels are usually mounted close to the conveyor or in a control room depending on the setup. A well-designed panel keeps everything organised, protected from dust and damage and easy to maintain.

D–H

Decline Conveyor

A decline conveyor is designed with a downward slope to transfer items safely and smoothly between different elevations – there’s no need for lifts or manual handling. These conveyors are often used at the end of production lines or between mezzanines and ground-level workstations. Depending on the product and setup, a decline conveyor may use a belt, rollers or cleats to control speed and keep items stable during the descent.

Drive Pulley

The drive pulley is the main pulley that powers the conveyor belt. It’s connected to the motor and delivers the force that gets the belt moving. As the motor turns the pulley, friction between the belt and the pulley surface causes the belt to move and with it, the products on top. Drive pulleys are usually located at the head or tail of the conveyor, and they’re often covered in lagging material to improve grip.

Drum Motor

A drum motor is a motor that’s built directly inside the conveyor’s drive roller, making it a compact and efficient way to power the belt. As the motor and gearbox are enclosed within the drum itself, there’s no need for external drive components, chains or guards. Drum motors are ideal for environments where hygiene, reliability and simplicity are key, such as food production, logistics or packaging lines. They also help keep operations quieter and make conveyor systems easier to clean and service.

Emergency Stop (E-Stop) Button

An emergency stop – often shortened to E-Stop – is a clearly marked safety switch or button that instantly shuts down the conveyor system when something goes wrong. It’s designed to be easy to spot and quick to use, usually placed at key points along the conveyor line. Pressing it immediately cuts power to the system, helping to prevent injuries, protect equipment or stop product damage in the event of a jam, malfunction or other hazard. E-Stops are a crucial part of any conveyor’s safety setup.

Flat Belt

A flat belt is a smooth, continuous conveyor belt commonly used for general material handling. It’s ideal for moving boxes or other items with flat bottoms across short to medium distances. Flat belts are simple, cost-effective and versatile, you’ll find them in warehouse lines to packaging areas and light manufacturing setups.

Flow Control

Flow control manages the speed, spacing and timing of products as they travel along a conveyor line and keeps things moving steadily to avoid pile-ups, gaps or blockages; especially useful when products are merging from different lines. Depending on the setup, flow control might involve basic stop gates, photoelectric sensors or smart systems that adjust the conveyor’s speed automatically. It’s a key part of keeping your conveyor system efficient & safe.

Frame Width

Frame width refers to the full width of a conveyor system – measured from one outer edge of the frame to the other. This includes not just the belt itself, but also the side rails or guards and any structural elements that support the conveyor. It’s an important measurement when planning installations or fitting a conveyor into a specific space.

Guarding

Guarding refers to the safety barriers, covers, or shields installed on and around a conveyor system to prevent people from coming into contact with moving parts. This includes rollers, pulleys, drive chains, and belts – anywhere there’s a risk of operator injury. Guards are typically made from metal mesh, solid panels or clear plastic. They’re designed to keep operators safe without obstructing visibility or access for maintenance. Proper guarding isn’t just best practice – it’s a legal requirement in many industries and a key part of creating a safe working environment.

I–M

Idler Roller

An idler roller is a non-powered roller that helps support and guide the conveyor belt along its path. Unlike drive rollers, idlers don’t move the belt, they simply hold it up and keep it stable as it travels. You’ll find them placed along both the carrying and return sides of the conveyor. They play a key role in:

• Reducing belt sag
• Minimising friction
• Ensuring smooth, even movement

Although they’re simple components, idler rollers are essential for keeping the conveyor running efficiently and preventing unnecessary belt wear.

Incline Conveyor

An incline conveyor is designed to move products up or down between different heights – perfect for bridging gaps between floors, mezzanines or different stages of a production line. These conveyors are built on a slope and often include cleats, side guides or textured belts to keep items from slipping during the climb or descent. Whether you’re lifting boxes to a higher level or gently lowering goods to a packing area, incline conveyors help maintain a smooth flow without the need for forklifts or manual lifting.

Indexing Conveyor

An indexing conveyor moves products in controlled steps or intervals instead of a continuous flow. It stops and starts at set positions, which makes it ideal for assembly lines, packaging machines or inspection points where work needs to be done on each item before it moves along. These systems are often timed to match up with other machinery or robotic arms, ensuring precise placement and consistent movement. Indexing conveyors help improve accuracy and efficiency.

Lagging

Lagging is a layer of material (usually rubber or ceramic) which is added to the surface of a conveyor pulley. Its main job is to improve grip between the pulley and the belt, helping prevent slippage, especially under heavy loads or in wet or dusty conditions. Lagging also helps protect the pulley surface from wear and tear, extending its lifespan. Depending on the application, lagging can be smooth or patterned. You’ll find them commonly used on drive pulleys where strong, consistent traction is critical for keeping the conveyor running efficiently.

Modular Belt Conveyor

A modular belt conveyor uses a series of interlocking segments to form the moving surface. These belts are strong, easy to clean and designed to handle everything from wet environments to heavy loads. As the belt is made of individual modules, damaged sections can be replaced without swapping out the entire belt, saving both time and cost. Modular systems are especially popular in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries where hygiene and regular washdowns are a must.

Motor Starter

A motor starter is a control device that safely switches the conveyor motor on and off. It manages the electrical power going to the motor and often includes built-in safety features like overload protection, which helps prevent damage if the motor draws too much current. Starters can be as simple as a basic on/off switch or part of a more advanced control system that works alongside sensors, PLCs or emergency stops. They can also be simple Direct On Line / Full Load types or Soft Start types, which reduce the initial surge when the motor starts. In short, a motor starter helps ensure the conveyor starts smoothly, stops safely and keeps your conveyor system protected.

N–S

Nose Roller (aka Pencil Rollers)

A nose roller is a small-diameter roller found at the very end of a conveyor. Its compact size allows for a much tighter gap between two connecting conveyor sections, making it easier to transfer small or delicate items from one belt to the next without them tipping or getting stuck. Nose rollers (also called Pencil Rollers by some engineers) are especially useful in packaging lines or when handling lightweight products that can’t bridge wider gaps. They help create smooth, seamless transitions between systems and reduce the risk of product jams or damage during transfer.

Overhead Conveyor

An overhead conveyor is a type of system that hangs from the ceiling or a support structure and moves items through the air rather than along the ground. These are normally a type of chain conveyor, designed to carry loads above head height. It’s a great way to free up valuable floor space and keep workflows running smoothly in busy environments like factories, warehouses or assembly lines. They’re commonly used in manufacturing for tasks like painting, drying, sorting or moving products between workstations without getting in the way.

Sensors

A proximity sensor senses when something is present, out of place or has passed a certain point on the conveyor.  These sensors are great for spotting products quickly and accurately, even without physical contact. They’re often used to trigger other actions like stopping the belt, counting items or redirecting products. Compact, fast and reliable, sensors are a key part of modern, automated conveyor systems.

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)

A PLC is a compact digital computer designed to control and automate machinery—in this case, conveyor systems. It receives signals from sensors, switches, or control panels and then makes real-time decisions to manage things like motor speed, belt direction, timing and safety functions. Think of it as the brain behind the conveyor making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

PLCs are highly reliable and built to withstand the demanding conditions of industrial environments. They’re also generally easy to reprogram, making them ideal for systems that need flexibility or frequent updates.

Pneumatic Conveyor

A pneumatic conveyor moves bulk materials like powders, grains or small granules, typically through enclosed tubes using air pressure or vacuum. Instead of using belts or chains, this system uses a controlled flow of air to push or pull materials from one point to another. It’s especially handy for transporting lightweight or dusty materials cleanly and efficiently over long distances or through tight spaces.

Pneumatic conveyors are widely used in industries like food processing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals where cleanliness and product containment are key. They come in two main types:

• Pressure systems (pushing)
• Vacuum systems (pulling)

Roller Conveyor

A roller conveyor moves items using a series of rollers, either powered by a motor or simply by gravity. They’re ideal for transporting flat-bottomed goods like boxes, trays or totes. Gravity roller conveyors rely on a slight downward slope to keep items moving, though gravity types can be used horizontally but require manual force to move packages along. Powered versions use motorised rollers to control speed and direction. They’re easy to set up, low maintenance and commonly used in warehouses, packing stations and assembly lines. Roller conveyors are a versatile choice when you need to move items quickly and efficiently with minimal manual handling.

Side Guides

Side guides are rails or barriers fitted along the edges of a conveyor to help keep products in line as they move. They prevent items from slipping off the belt or drifting sideways, especially useful when handling lightweight or unstable products, or when conveyors are running at higher speeds. Side guides come in various forms, from fixed metal rails to adjustable plastic guides, depending on the size, shape and movement of the items being transported. They play a key role in maintaining a smooth, efficient flow and reducing product damage or jams.

Skirt Board

A skirt board is a barrier or side panel that runs along the edges of a conveyor belt and usually where material is loaded. Its job is to keep loose or bulk materials (like sand, gravel or stone) from spilling over the sides as the belt moves. It helps contain the product and reduce mess, especially in dusty or high-volume operations. Skirt boards are usually made from metal or tough rubber and are often paired with seals or wear liners to minimise spillage and reduce damage to the belt edge over time. Keeping skirt boards in good condition is key to maintaining a clean and efficient bulk handling system.

T–Z

Take-Up

A mechanical system that keeps the conveyor belt at the right tension as it stretches over time or wears with use. Without proper tension, the belt can slip, misalign or sag leading to inefficiency and increased wear on components. Take-up units automatically or manually adjust the position of pulleys or rollers to tighten the belt when needed. They come in several types, like screw take-ups or gravity (counterweight) systems, depending on the setup. Keeping the belt properly tensioned helps maintain smooth operation and reduces the risk of conveyor breakdowns.

Tracking

Tracking is the process of keeping the conveyor belt running straight and centred on the rollers or pulleys. Over time, belts can shift slightly to one side due to uneven loading, worn parts or misalignment in the system. If not corrected, this drift can cause the belt to rub against the frame, wear out faster, or even come off entirely. Proper tracking involves making small, careful adjustments – usually with tensioners or guide rollers – to bring the belt back into line. Regular tracking checks are essential for smooth operation, reduced downtime and longer equipment life.

Transfer Plate

A flat, smooth metal plate placed between two conveyor sections to bridge the gap and help products move across without tipping, catching or falling through. Transfer plates are especially useful when moving smaller items that might struggle to cross the space between rollers or belts. They create a seamless transition from one conveyor to the next, improving efficiency and reducing product damage. You’ll often see them in packaging lines or anywhere multiple conveyor systems are connected.

Turnkey System

A complete, ready-to-use conveyor setup that’s been fully designed, built and installed to meet your specific needs.

The term “Turnkey” means everything is taken care of for you – from the initial layout and design, to the equipment installation, wiring and conveyor control systems. Once it’s in place, it’s ready to run with minimal setup or extra input from your side. These kinds of systems are ideal for those that want hassle-free solutions and prefer working with a single supplier to handle the entire process from start to finish including conveyor maintenance and servicing.

Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)

An electronic controller that lets you adjust the speed and torque of a conveyor motor, rather than running it at full power all the time. By controlling how fast the motor spins, a VFD helps improve energy efficiency, reduce mechanical wear and gives you more precise control over conveyor performance. It’s especially useful when you need to vary the speed for different products, adjust flow rates or create a more flexible and responsive production line. VFDs can also help extend the life of your conveyor motors by allowing for smooth start-ups and slow-downs, instead of sudden stops and starts.

The above details should help you get to better grip with all the different terms used in the conveyor industry. If you feel we could add more then please do let us know!