Overview
The pressure on U.S. manufacturers to reduce costs and increase throughput has made automation a requirement rather than a luxury. The New London Engineering (NLE) Automation Series conveyor is designed to meet that demand. Built for high-speed automated assembly lines, robotic work cells, and packaging systems, this powered belt conveyor gives engineers and integrators the flexibility they need to adapt their production lines without slowing down.
What sets the Automation Series apart from standard belt conveyors is its accessory-friendly design. Sensors, guides, stops, and controls can be mounted and repositioned anywhere along the conveyor frame using the fully accessible T-slot profile. That means when your line changes, your conveyor adapts — without fabrication or custom brackets.
Features and Benefits
The Automation Series conveyor combines practical engineering with cost-effective construction. The hybrid steel and aluminum frame delivers the structural durability of steel where it matters most while keeping the overall weight and cost down with aluminum where it counts. This balance makes it a strong fit for facilities that need reliable material handling equipment without over-engineering the solution.
- 100% accessible T-slots on all sides allow sensors, controls, and accessories to be mounted and relocated without drilling or machining
- Single-point belt tensioning system simplifies maintenance and reduces downtime during belt adjustments
- Rack-and-pinion take-up system enables fast, accurate belt tensioning and streamlined belt replacement
- Industry-leading automation bearings are the largest and longest-lasting in this conveyor class
- Large crowned face pulleys provide easier belt tracking and support heavier loads at higher speeds than smaller diameter alternatives
Applications
The standard-duty Automation Series conveyor is typically deployed in environments where the ability to mount sensors, actuators, and controls directly to the conveyor frame is critical. Packaging lines rely on it for consistent product transport between stations. Robotics integrators use it as the backbone of automated pick-and-place cells. Assembly operations depend on its precise belt tracking and repeatable positioning for quality-sensitive workflows.
Common industries and applications include end-of-line packaging, robotic integration cells, automated assembly and inspection, light-duty part transport, and kitting or sorting operations. Its flexible mounting system also makes it well suited for facilities that frequently retool or reconfigure production layouts.
Construction and Design
Durability and adaptability are built into the frame. The combination of steel structural components and aluminum extrusion profiles results in a conveyor that holds up in demanding production environments without the weight penalty of an all-steel build. The T-slot extrusion runs the full length of the conveyor, providing uninterrupted mounting access for accessories, guides, and tooling at any point along the belt path.
Belt changes are straightforward thanks to the rack-and-pinion take-up mechanism. Rather than shimming or adjusting multiple tensioners, a single adjustment point handles tensioning — cutting changeover time and keeping your line productive. The crowned face pulleys further reduce maintenance by promoting consistent belt tracking, even under heavier loads or at elevated speeds.