Conveyor Solutions from Dart Controls
Posted by Theresa Hoffman on Oct 22nd 2025
Why does it feel like we're living in such a fast-paced environment? Because we are! Technology is advancing to make everything around us more convenient, and conveyor systems are becoming a key tool to make this happen.
Not all conveyors are hidden behind the scenes in manufacturing facilities. There are plenty out in plain sight, and we interact with them without even realizing it. Have you ever gotten up the courage to step over the scary ‘teeth’ at the top and bottom of an escalator? That's a conveyor system! What about the checkout counter at the store? Another conveyor system! The airport? That's a goldmine of conveyors—from the moving walkways to the security belts to the luggage carousel when you land at your destination.
There's a pretty extensive list of different types of conveyors, but what keeps them on track for what they're designed to do? The good old VFD! That's right! Just like a VFD controls the pace of a car wash or the speed of a manufacturing line, it's the brain behind conveyor systems—ensuring they run at exactly the right speed for safe, efficient operation.
AC vs. DC: Choosing the Right Drive
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) work with AC motors by adjusting speed through power frequency changes. They're excellent for energy savings and precise control, making them ideal for applications where speed needs to vary based on demand.
Digital Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) drives like Dart's MD series are designed for DC motors and provide closed-loop speed regulation. These are perfect for applications where you need accuracy and repeatability, where the same precise speed must be maintained consistently.
Both types help prevent overloads, reduce wear on equipment, and adapt to varying loads in settings like warehouses, food processing facilities, and material handling operations.
Dart Controls EZ VFD®
Dart Controls EZ VFD® is designed for anyone who needs reliable AC motor control without the headache of complex programming. True to its name, it's genuinely easy to use—just make basic adjustments for speed, acceleration, and deceleration, and you're up and running.
Available in models ranging from 1/4 to 2 HP, the EZ VFD® supports universal input voltages and comes in both open and enclosed designs to withstand tough industrial environments.
Dart Controls MD Series: Advanced DC Motor Control
For conveyors using DC motors, Dart's MD series offers digital closed-loop SCR drives up to 2 HP. These microprocessor-based controls feature a programmable digital display for rate (e.g., feet per minute), time, or follower modes, making them perfect for precise applications like packaging lines or conveyor ovens.
The MD Plus models, like MD50E, were originally for pizza ovens but excel in material handling for repeatable results. In conveyors, they ensure accurate speed matching and integration with PLCs.
EZ VFD® Setup
Mount the drive in a suitable location, connect power and motor wiring, then adjust basic settings like speed limits and acceleration rates using the intuitive controls. No complex programming required—you can have your system running in minimal time.
MD Series Setup
Configure your preferred operating mode using the digital display, wire your control inputs, and calibrate the drive to match your conveyor's required speed. The display makes it easy to monitor and adjust performance in real-time.