Manage product flow with something as simple as small conveyor belts
In modern automation systems, small conveyor belts play a crucial role in improving efficiency, precision, and throughput. Their compact size and versatility make them ideal for industries where space is limited but performance is essential. From electronics to pharmaceuticals, small conveyors help streamline processes and reduce manual handling.
Adopting automation is a long-term investment, but installing quick add-ons, like small conveyor belts from Dorner Manufacturing Corporation, can make a world of difference in a manufacturing facility.
Products like the Dorner 1100 Series Miniature Conveyors or a low-profile conveyor 2200 Series can help optimize your production line, provide a quick return on investment (ROI), improve efficiency, and optimizing labor allocation. With a low profile, these conveyors can fit into the tightest of spaces, freeing up valuable machine or worker space.
Why Small Conveyor Belts Are Essential in Modern Automation
Small conveyor belts are transforming how businesses handle product flow. As manufacturing spaces get tighter and products shrink, mini and low-profile conveyors offer a powerful solution: precision, space savings, and easy integration with other automation systems.
Several advantages include:
Compact footprint for tight spaces
High precision suitable for delicate or small products
Integration-friendly design for robotics & modular automation
Customizable options (belt materials, speeds, controls)
Improved productivity with minimal manual intervention
As automation continues to expand across industries, compact conveyor systems will remain a key component in achieving higher throughput and better process control.
Dorner’s 1100 Series is a great example: One of the smallest conveyors available, it has a frame height of just ¾ inch and an optional tight-transfer nose bar great for fragile products.
Companies that handle product movement, such as industrial automation, medical device manufacturing, e-commerce, and so many more, are where small conveyor belts are transforming automated workflows.
LET'S EXPLORE!
Top 5 Applications for Small Conveyor Belts in Automation
1. Electronics Assembly & Inspection -
Small conveyor belts are widely used in electronics manufacturing, where delicate components require precise and reliable handling.
Key Uses
Feeding components into pick-and-place machines
Moving products through automated testing & optical inspection systems
Handling ESD-sensitive components with specialized belt materials
Because electronic assemblies often require millimeter-level accuracy, mini belt conveyors deliver smooth, stable movement that larger conveyors can’t match.
In pharmaceutical automation, hygiene and reliability are crucial. Small conveyors help maintain sterility and speed production processes.
Key Uses
Tablet & capsule inspection
Bottle filling & labeling
Moving medical devices through assembly & packaging stations
Transferring blister packs or syringes with minimal human contact
Their smooth surfaces, stainless-steel options, and compatibility with cleanroom environments make them invaluable in life sciences applications.
Small conveyor belts excel in situations where products must be moved quickly and consistently through packaging operations.
Carton, pouch, or bottle conveyance
Automated labeling systems
Orientation & spacing for coding or printing
Accumulation or metering of items before final packaging
Their compact design allows them to fit between larger machines, making them perfect for integrating into multi-step packaging lines.
Mini conveyors are commonly used in food automation where smaller items require gentle handling.
Key Uses
Transporting baked goods, confections, or snacks
Sorting small items like nuts, berries, or candies
Feeding products into weighing, mixing, or sealing equipment
Moving packaged food through inspection systems like X-ray or metal detection
Food-safe belt materials, washdown construction, and compact footprints make them suitable for both primary and secondary food processing.
Small conveyors are often paired with robots in automated manufacturing cells, enabling precise handoff of parts for robotic pick-up.
Delivering parts to robotic arms for assembly
Transferring components into CNC machines or 3D printers
Creating buffer zones between robot operations
Synchronizing product flow with robotic timing
In these environments, mini conveyors act as the essential “bridge” between machines and robotic systems, improving consistency and cycle time.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Small Conveyor Belt
Choose a belt material that matches your application needs.
Depending on your product and the required movement, opt for smooth belts for steady transport or cleated surfaces for inclines and controlled positioning.
These provide the accuracy and high-speed performance needed for precision automation tasks.
A modular conveyor system ensures flexibility as your operations evolve.
The universal T-slots make it simple to add to the conveyor as your automation needs grow.
💡 Final Thoughts 💡
Small conveyor belts may be compact, but their impact on automation is substantial. Their versatility, precision, and adaptability make them indispensable across industries that require efficient handling of small or delicate items. As automation continues to advance, these miniature conveyors will play an even more critical role in building smarter, more flexible manufacturing and logistics systems.
Ready to integrate small conveyor belts into your automation setup?
Reach out to The Knotts Company — your Dorner Conveyor Experts — to get started and find the perfect solution for your application!
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Our Knotts Automation Team would be happy to further discuss you project in detail and custom design a conveyor to fit for needs - at NO CHARGE!
LEARN MORE HERE: https://www.knottsco.com/products/conveyors
LET'S BRING PRECISION, EFFICIENCY, & FLEXIBILITY TO YOUR PRODUCTION LINES, ESPECIALLY WHEN DEALING WITH TINY OR DELICATE PRODUCTS IN CONSTRAINED SPACES!