Solidworks Conveyor Design Tutorial

Solidworks Conveyor Design TutorialJanuary 23, 2011 By: Brian Halicki Halco Design

Using a Design Table for the Conveyor Belt, Parametric changes update associated components for a new design.

With the steps provided below, this process of parametric conveyor design is useful when the main construction of the conveyor stays the same, but the belt length and width changes. This will be a simple conveyor construction and does not include drives or bearings.

The following steps will be to:

Develop the belt

Make the Slider Bed

Design Support Legs

The design parameters of the simple conveyor are as follows:

Belt: Width - 18” / Length: 60”

Pulley: Front and Back – 6” Dia.” Width: 1” wider than belt

Slider Bed – Length: 8” Less than Pulley centers

Leg Height: 36” from floor to top of belt

Figure 1. Belt Sketch and Extrusion

The controlling part of the conveyor is the belt. Using a design table, one parameter that changes is the belt length. Another is the belt width.

Figure 2. Sketch for Pulley Design

Next, develop the part model features for the front pulley. It’s dimension is ½” wider on each side of the belt.

When the pulley is created, insert a second copy in the back end of the belt.

Figure 3. Slider Bed Design

The slider be is a sketch based from the width of the pulley. Using the base flange feature from the sheet metal commands, the length is determined from a plane you create 4” off of the back pulley center plane.

Figure 4. Leg Support sketch created

Figure 5. Leg Support Created with Structural Members

Figure 6. Leg Support added to Back End of the Conveyor

Figure 7. Completed Conveyor Showing Overall Dimensions

Figure 8. Design Table Size Change for a 20” Belt

Figure 9. Belt Configurations Shown

Figure 10. Using the Short Slider Configuration

The speed and dependability of using a Solidworks part as the controller of parametric design makes it a good choice in your design. This method works very quickly using Excel in the design of parametric parts.

Halco Design is a leader in design and engineering technology with expertise in CAD and process optimization for the manufacturing, engineering, design industries. To obtain exclusive offers, important updates and special invitations to local workshops and online events, subscribe to Halco Design News -- monthly e-newsletters that offer a wealth of manufacturing / mechanical, custom machine building & automation information from Halco’s applications engineers.

About the Author: Brian Halicki About Brian Halicki Email Brian Halicki