Conveyor Transfer Methods Explained: Inline, 90-Degree, and More

Efficient product transfer is the heartbeat of any conveyor system. Whether you’re moving bakery goods in a cleanroom or transferring pharmaceutical vials between stations, how you transfer products between conveyors can effect your productivity.

There are several conveyor transfer methods — each with strengths depending on the product type, speed, orientation, and hygiene requirements. Below we explore key methods including inline, 90-degree, and powered transfers.

Inline Transfers

Inline transfers involve two conveyors set up end-to-end in a straight line. This is the most common method and works well for large or stable items. However, small or lightweight products can get stuck or fall between the gap — which is why accessories like nose bars and transfer plates are often added.

Transfer Plates

Transfer plates bridge the gap between conveyors to allow smooth movement across flat surfaces. They’re ideal for cartons or trays but may not suit sticky or irregular products.

Nose Bar Transfers

A nose bar uses a small-diameter roller or pulley to create a tighter gap between conveyors, helping transfer small or unstable products without tipping. They’re often used in food packaging lines where pouches or sachets must travel cleanly between belts.

90-Degree Transfers

A 90-degree transfer turns products at a right angle, helping redirect flow within compact factory layouts. These are commonly found in packaging, bottling, and palletising environments. There are a few ways to achieve this:

• Pushers: Mechanically push items sideways off one conveyor onto another.

• Pop-up Transfers: Use motorised rollers that lift and redirect items at 90 degrees.

• Turntables: Rotate the product before placing it on the adjacent conveyor.

90-degree transfers are ideal for systems with multiple packaging lines or when products need to change direction for labelling, inspection, or wrapping.

Powered Transfer Modules

When precision is essential, powered transfers (like belt transfers or motorised rollers) offer a reliable solution. These modules maintain consistent product speed and orientation, even during complex transfers like merges, diverges, or angle shifts.

Gravity Rollers

Simple and affordable, gravity rollers use slope and momentum to guide items between conveyors. They’re useful in manual packaging lines or for transferring boxes between low-speed conveyor sections.

FAQ: Conveyor Transfer Methods

1. What is a 90-degree transfer in conveyor systems?
A 90-degree transfer redirects items perpendicularly, often using pop-ups, pushers, or turntables.

2. When should I use a nose bar transfer?
Use nose bars for small, delicate, or unstable products that might tip during standard inline transfers.

3. What is the benefit of powered transfers?
They offer controlled movement, better product orientation, and are ideal for high-speed or multi-directional systems.

4. Can I retrofit a 90-degree transfer into my existing conveyor line?
Yes, with careful design and space planning, 90-degree modules can be integrated into many systems.

5. Are transfer plates suitable for food-grade applications?
Only if they’re made from hygienic materials and designed to prevent trapping debris.

6. What causes jams during transfers?
Jams occur when items are misaligned, gaps are too wide, or the wrong transfer method is used.

7. Are gravity rollers effective for fragile products?
Not ideal — they rely on uncontrolled movement, which may damage delicate items.

8. Can a turntable rotate and transfer heavy loads?
Yes, industrial turntables are designed for heavy-duty use in pallet and drum handling.

9. What’s the best method for fast-moving items?
Powered transfers ensure consistent speed and orientation for high-throughput operations.

10. Do transfer methods affect system hygiene?
Absolutely — food and pharma sectors must use cleanable, low-friction materials and avoid trapping points.

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