When it comes to material handling a buffer is NOT the same thing you use to polish your floor or your nails.
A buffer can go by many names, but when we say “buffer conveyor” we just mean a solution designed to create some accumulation in case one part of production goes down or needs maintenance. A buffer conveyor is a safety net and a storage solution. They store product between operations so upstream machines can keep running.
A good buffer system reduces downtime, creates time buffers for drying/cooling, and helps lines run more efficiently
If you’re trying to build a line that runs smoothly through real life, maintenance pauses, or differing machine speeds, you need a buffer conveyor.
Lucky for you, we’ve got options!
Types of Accumulation Conveyors
Bi-Flow, Circular, Bi-Directional, Re-Flow, or Mass Flow Accumulation Tables
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Great for round parts with random orientation
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Available in multiple widths with different belt types
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Use multiple lanes or circular motion to reduce pressure on parts
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Downside: They take up significant floor space and don’t preserve part order
Alpine Buffers (Single & Double Screw)
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Store large quantities in a compact vertical footprint
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Single screw: enters at one level, exits another – great for elevation changes
- Double screw: enters and exits at the same level
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Do double duty by accumulating and providing time for parts to cool or dry, or change elevation
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Ideal for First-In-First-Out (FIFO) applications
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Can handle syringes, pucks, pallets, and just about anything under 50 lbs of individual part weight
- Downside: Alpine Conveyors can be more expensive than a Bi-Flow Conveyor for the same amount of accumulation
Serpentine Buffers
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Built using wheelbends for tight curves
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Ideal for overhead accumulation, saves floor space
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High-density storage, low travel distance
- Downside: since they are usually overhead the product weight can be limited by your structure
Vee Chain Buffers
Example Video – re-orienting the parts out of the buffer
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Best for round parts that stand upright
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Uses angled chains or special vee-cleats
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Works with standard FlexLink chain or we will customize chain and add specialized parts
- Downside: getting the parts into that orientation can be a challenge unless they come out of the machine that way
Final Word
Buffers are the unsung heroes of production design. Whether you’re trying to manage machine speed differences, prevent line stoppages, or just need a place for your parts to chill for a second—we’ve got a solution that fits!
Ready to build in breathing room for your system? Let’s design it.
