Gravity Spiral Conveyors

Items are fed onto the top of the spiral. As gravity pulls the item downward, the controlled pitch (angle of decline) and the friction of the track work together to regulate the speed. Because it is unpowered, it requires zero electricity to operate.

Depending on the types of products being moved, gravity spirals generally use one of two bed designs:

Gravity Roller Spirals: The track is lined with a series of tapered rollers. This is ideal for firm-bottomed items like plastic totes or heavy boxes, minimizing friction so items glide smoothly.

Smooth Chute Spirals: A solid, continuous slide usually made of fiberglass, stainless steel, or low-friction plastic. This is perfect for flexible items like polybags, luggage, or smaller parcels that might get stuck on rollers.

Key Features & Advantages

Maximum Space Efficiency: By utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space, a spiral conveyor can bridge multiple floors or elevated mezzanines within a footprint only slightly wider than the product itself.

Zero Energy Costs: Because the system relies entirely on gravity, it costs nothing to power and contributes directly to energy-saving initiatives.

Low Maintenance: With no motors, chains, gears, or complex electrical wiring, maintenance is incredibly low—typically restricted to checking roller bearings or keeping the chute surface clean.

Continuous Product Flow: It provides a smooth, constant, and uninterrupted flow of goods from high levels down to floor-level packing or shipping zones.

Design Considerations

The Pitch (Decline Angle): The angle must be precisely engineered. If it is too steep, heavy packages will accelerate too fast and potentially crash at the bottom. If it is too shallow, lighter packages will stall halfway down.

Tapered Rollers: For roller-style spirals, the rollers must be tapered (wider on the outside edge, narrower on the inside). This design ensures that a box stays perfectly centered in the middle of the track as it rounds the curves, preventing it from riding up the outside wall and jamming.