Understanding Apron Feeders: The backbone of material handling in industries

The world of material handling is filled with various kinds of heavy-duty equipment. While equipment like conveyors, lifts, cranes, clamps and slings receive a lot of attention for performing their roles, they all operate because of Apron Feeders, which act as the backbone of material handling operations across industries. Apron Feeders, commonly known as pan feeders are used to transport materials at a controlled rate and pace. Think of them as conveyor belts made of overlapping steel plates, but more robust and capable of handling harsher materials and environments.

How do apron feeders work?

Apron feeder components consist of a heavy-duty steel pan, which is further segmented into overlapping plates that travel over a series of cogs, rollers, and gears. Electric motors power the contraption, which propels the pan and carries the material forward. The motors can be controlled remotely. More advanced apron feeders can be programmed to run automatically at a fixed pace. The overlapping structure of the plates ensures the system is operating at a consistent pace and rate and avoids spillage, which is why apron feeders are the ideal equipment for handling extremely challenging materials.

Apron feeders are robust and adaptable

Apron feeders are extremely versatile and can comfortably handle even the most extreme materials without causing spillage or degradation. These include harsh powders, sticky clays, dense liquids of extreme temperatures, and large chunks of unrefined rocks. Apron feeders are made of extremely durable components which make them capable of withstanding the harshest of conditions. They serve well as mining equipment and are also capable of bulk material handling.

What are the benefits of Apron Feeders?

Apron feeders are excellent conveyor systems for transporting challenging objects and materials. Their intense durability and ability to operate at controlled speeds make them perfect for industrial applications like the construction industry. Their benefits transcend durability and control, though and there’s a lot more to them than what’s on the instruction manual.

Precision and control - One of the main benefits of apron feeders is that they offer precise control over the material flow rate. This makes them extremely efficient and contributes to their longevity.

Minimal spillage and dust - Their enclosed design with overlapping plates makes them capable of operating with minimal spillage and drastically reduces dust generation.

Minimal downtime and low maintenance - Apron feeders are extremely durable and this makes them less prone to breakdowns, downtime, and maintenance. Their components suffer from minimal wear and tear and are capable of withstanding the harshest of conditions.

Longevity - Another major benefit that stems from their tough build quality is their longevity. Apron feeders are usually long-lasting and remain operable for multiple decades if maintained and handled well.

Apron Feeders are integral to industrial operations around the world and play a huge role in laborious operations. The size and growth of their global market is a testament to this. They’re among the bestselling conveyor systems in the world. A report by Market Research Future (MRFR) estimates that the global apron feeder market could be worth $23.16 billion by 2030 with a 3.1% annual growth rate.

It’s evident, even from the statistics, that apron feeders play a very important role across many industrial and production processes around the world.