Loop Sorters

Loop sorting systems are a specific category of sorting that received its name due to often being configured in a looping arrangement. These systems work by receiving items on a moving conveyor system, and then shuttling items off the looping conveyor onto a shoot or separate conveyor system based on various criteria.Loop sorting systems are known for being highly efficient and for being able to handle high throughput. With ecommerce becoming such a large part of global commerce, loop sorting systems have become critical in allowing material handling operations to keep up with high demand.

Types of Loop Sorting Systems

There are several popular types of loop sorting systems: cross belt sorters, bombay sorters, pusher tray and tilt tray sorters. Each of these systems has its own unique features and benefits, making them ideal for different types of operations.

Cross Belt Sorters

Cross belt sorters use a series of small conveyors that are positioned perpendicularly to a single large conveyor track that they travel on. As the small conveyors move along the large conveyor track, they are inactive, and they receive product which sits on top of the small inactive conveyor. Based on predetermined data of the package sitting on the conveyor, they will activate at a specific point along the large conveyor track to shuttle the items they’re carrying off the large track and onto a chute or a separate conveyor system.

Cross belt sorters are ideal for handling a wide range of products and are known for their high sorting accuracy and speed. They are often used in e-commerce and retail operations.

Bombay Sorters

Bombay sorters use a series of trays that are mounted on a single large conveyor track. As the trays move along the large track, they receive products with specific sorting criteria. Upon reaching the destination that is determined by the sorting criteria, a door opens up in the bottom of the tray, dropping the items into a chute or accumulation conveyor. These sorters are commonly used with smaller sized products.

Pusher Tray Sorters

Items are placed on individual trays that travel along a continuous loop conveyor. A bar or pusher mechanism gently pushes each item off the tray into the correct discharge zone based on its destination. The discharge zones can be chutes, bins, or other destinations where the items are collected and further processed.

Pusher tray sorters are very versatile and can handle a wide range of product shapes, sizes, and weights. They are also relatively gentle on products, making them a good choice for delicate items.

Tilt Tray Sorters

Tilt tray sorters use a series of trays that are mounted on a single large conveyor system. These trays receive goods with predetermined sorting criteria. They travel around the large conveyor system, and upon reaching the destination determined by their sorting criteria, the tray will tilt to cause the product they are holding to slide off the conveyor system and onto a chute, or a separate conveyor system.

Loop Sorting Solutions

At VARGO^®, we understand the nuances of how to apply specific sorting systems to maximize efficiency, reduce errors, and to increase throughput. If you would like to learn more about loop sorting solutions, or to simply find out about the potential to improve your material handling operations, get in touch with us today.