Conveyor systems are the connective tissue of any packaging line, and at $2,000-$20,000 per meter of fully integrated powered conveyor, they often cost more than the primary packaging machine itself. Lintyco's LTC620 is referenced here as an end-of-line integration benchmark — every Lintyco VFFS and pouch machine ships with conveyor connection points, but the conveyor itself is sourced from conveyor specialists (Dorner, Intralox, Bosch).
CapEx drivers: (1) belt type (modular plastic, flat belt, roller, chain), (2) width (50-600mm typical), (3) speed (5-50 m/min), (4) sanitary rating (IP65 washdown for food, NEMA 4X for chemical), (5) transfer complexity (curves, merges, elevators). Plan 5-8% of CapEx annually for belt replacement, gear motor service, and frame adjustment.
Cost Breakdown
CapEx → running cost
| Cost Component | Typical Range |
| Capital expenditure (CapEx) | $2,000 - $20,000 per meter |
| Annual maintenance | $200 - $1,500 per meter |
| Energy consumption | 0.5 - 3.5 kWh/hour |
| Labor per shift | 0 (integrated into line) |
Benchmarks at a Glance
2026 data
Typical Speed
5-50 m/min (matches line)
Price Range
$2,000 - $20,000 per meter
ROI Period
12-24 (line integration effect) months
Industry Note
Conveyor ROI is indirect — it enables line throughput and reduces bottleneck downtime. A properly designed conveyor can lift line OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) by 5-15%, which pays back the conveyor cost in 12-18 months on high-volume lines.
Buying Decision Factors
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Belt type: Modular plastic belt ($500-1,500/m) for food and packaged goods — cleanable, durable. Flat belt ($300-1,000/m) for small items and pouches. Roller conveyor ($400-1,200/m) for boxes and cases. Chain conveyor ($800-2,000/m) for heavy loads.
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Sanitary rating: Open-frame conveyor ($2-5k/m) for non-food. IP65 washdown ($5-12k/m) for dairy, meat, pharma — stainless frame, sealed bearings, tilt-up design for cleaning. FDA-approved belts add $200-500/m.
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Transfer complexity: Straight conveyor is cheapest. Curves ($2-5k each), merges ($3-8k), elevators/inclines ($5-15k), and 90-degree transfers ($4-10k) all add cost. Minimize transfer points to reduce jam risk.
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Speed and accumulation: Line speed (5-50 m/min) must match the slowest machine. Accumulation conveyor ($3-10k per section) buffers between machines, preventing bottlenecks when one station stops. Plan 30-60 seconds of accumulation between filler and capper.
Products That Use a Conveyor System
Cross-linked selectors
Frequently Asked Questions
How much conveyor do I need for a packaging line?
Typical line: 8-15 meters of powered conveyor between unscrambler, filler, capper, labeler, date coder, and case packer. Add 2-5 meters of accumulation to buffer between stations. Total: 10-25 meters, $20k-$200k depending on belt type and complexity.
Modular plastic belt or flat belt conveyor?
Modular plastic (preferred for food, $500-1,500/m) — cleanable, durable, handles heavy loads, can be sanitized. Flat belt ($300-1,000/m) for light products and pouches, lower cost but harder to sanitize. For washdown food lines, modular plastic is standard.
What is IP65 washdown rating and when do I need it?
IP65 means the conveyor withstands low-pressure water jets from any direction. Required for dairy, meat, pharma, and any food line with daily washdown. Adds 50-100% to conveyor cost. NEMA 4X is the equivalent US rating.
How do I size my conveyor speed?
Match the slowest machine on the line. If your filler runs 60 bpm producing 1 bottle per second, the conveyor must move at least 1 bottle-length per second (~15 m/min for 150mm bottles). Add 10-20% buffer for accumulation.
What causes conveyor jams and how to prevent them?
Common causes: bottle tipping at transfers, label or cap misalignment, accumulation backup. Prevent with: low-friction belts, smooth transfers (gap <5mm), guide rail adjustment, photoeye sensors to stop accumulation. Budget $200-500/m for guide rails.
Can I add accumulation conveyor later?
Yes — accumulation sections ($3-10k each) can be retrofitted between existing conveyor. Plan 30-60 seconds of accumulation between filler and capper, and between capper and labeler, to keep line running during micro-stoppages.
What is typical conveyor energy consumption?
Small flat-belt conveyor: 0.5-1.5 kWh. Mid-size modular plastic: 1-2.5 kWh. Heavy-duty chain or roller: 2-3.5 kWh. At $0.12/kWh, 10 meters of conveyor at 2 kWh each: $2.40/hour, $9,600/year (4,000 hours).