What does MDR mean in conveyor systems?

In conveyor systems, MDR stands for Motor-Driven Roller. An MDR conveyor uses individual rollers with built-in motors to move products along the line. Instead of one large motor driving a whole section with belts or chains, each motorized roller (or a group of them) powers its own zone. Key points: Energy efficient – rollers only run when needed. Modular – easier to scale or reconfigure since zones are independent. Low maintenance – fewer moving parts compared to chain- or belt-driven conveyors. Safe and quiet – less risk of injury and generally quieter operation. They’re widely used in distribution centers, e-commerce warehouses, and manufacturing lines where flexibility and control are important.

What is a 24VDC MDR conveyor system?

A 24VDC MDR conveyor system uses low-voltage, direct-current motors to power conveyor rollers or zones. This provides greater energy efficiency, flexibility, and safety compared to traditional 480 VAC conveyor systems.

How do 24VDC MDR conveyors save energy?

They use zone control, meaning each conveyor motor only runs when a product is present in that section. This reduces unnecessary energy use by up to 50%.

Are 24VDC MDR conveyors safer than 480VAC systems?

Yes. Since they operate at low voltage (24VDC), they present fewer electrical hazards while still offering strong performance for material handling.

Can 24VDC MDR conveyors handle heavy loads?

Yes. While best suited for cartons, totes, and packaged goods, modern 24VDC conveyors can handle heavy-duty applications depending on motor size and design.

How can 24VDC MDR conveyors be stopped with your hands but also move thousands of pounds?

24VDC MDRs are designed to be safe around people, while ensuring the system as a whole is highly capable. Relatively low per-roller torque, distributed across many rollers, and aided by low rolling resistance is what makes 24VDC MDR conveyors both hand-safe and powerful enough to move thousands of pounds.

Can I retrofit my existing conveyor system with 24VDC technology?

Absolutely. Facility Functions specializes in retrofitting older conveyor lines with 24VDC motors and controls to improve efficiency without replacing the entire system.

What industries use 24VDC MDR conveyors?

They are widely used in distribution, e-commerce, manufacturing, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical industries due to their flexibility and reliability.

24VDC MDR conveyor assembly line nearing production stage

24VDC MDR Conveyor Systems

Energy-Efficient, Safe, and Reliable Conveyor Solutions

Facility Functions, Inc. designs, manufactures, installs and services 24VDC MDR conveyor systems that deliver efficiency, flexibility, and safety for modern material handling applications.

Unlike conventional 480VAC powered conveyor systems, 24VDC conveyor systems are safer, more energy efficient, require less maintenance, and deliver smooth, quiet operations making them ideal for distribution centers and smart warehouse automation where maximizing throughput and uptime is critical.

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Why Choose 24VDC MDR Conveyor Systems?

Significant Energy Savings

24VDC MDR conveyor systems run only when needed, cutting energy consumption by as much as 60% when compared to conventional 480VAC systems.

Greater Safety

24VDC MDR conveyor systems reduce conveyor-related pinch-point and torque hazards by an estimated 60-80% and eliminate 3 of the top 4 major hazard sources (High-voltage motors, long drive trains, uncontrolled torque).

Lower Total Lifecycle Operating Costs

Significant energy savings, reduced wear on parts, less lubrication/guarding, quicker servicing, and fewer product-damage events combine to make MDR the most cost-effective conveyance systems in the industry.

Reduced Downtime

Fewer mechanical elements, modular component removal and replacement, and smart Zero Pressure Accumulation (ZPA) zone control logic prevent jams and maintenance requirements collectively reducing down-time by as much as 40%.

50-75%+ Noise Reduction

24VDC MDR conveyors are often <50-55dB(A) at operating speed, while conventional 480VAC conveyor systems commonly register ~75-85dB(A).

Improved Throughput

MDR means smoother merges, fewer jams, and tighter gap control, precise zone control and fewer manual interventions which all lead to faster, more consistent product movement even during order volume spikes.

24VDC MDR Conveyor Applications

Side view of a belted MDR accumulation line

Our 24VDC MDR conveyor systems are widely used across industries

E-commerce & Fulfillment Centers

Efficient handling of cartons, totes, and small parcels.

Pharmaceutical & Medical

Smooth conveying for sensitive and high-value products.

Retail

Our 24VDC MDR conveyor systems are designed to ensure you have real answers to your compliance, speed, inventory, and labor challenges so that you can focus on efficiency and growth.

Manufacturing & Assembly

Custom, robust, and durable 24VDC MDR conveyor system solutions based on your specific product line, not what is in inventory.

Warehouse & Distribution

Increase accuracy, throughput, and uptime whether you’re handling individual SKUs or large pallets.

Packaging

Enable you to stay competitive among the constant SKU expansion, rising fulfillment expectations, and evolving consumer behavior.

Food & Beverage

Safe, energy-efficient transport for packaged goods.

Reverse Logistics

Ensure precise and static-safe material handling for all of your return, repair, and refurbishment operations.

Additional Benefits of our 24VDC MDR Conveyor Systems

Improved Environmental Profile

No oil lubrication systems, minimal noise pollution, lower heat output

Seamless Integration with Warehouse Automation

24VDC MDR conveyor systems integrate seamlessly with WMS, WCS, and robotics for coordinated material flow across automated facilities

Integrated Diagnostics & Communication

Simple access to real-time roller status, fault, and load presence data

Labor Optimization in High-Cost Markets

24VDC MDR conveyor systems reduce manual touch points, allowing labor to be re-deployed to higher-value tasks

Modular Scalability and Future-Proof Design

Independent zone logic allows the removal, addition, or reprogramming of zones without rewiring an entire conveyor line

Flexibility for Omnichannel SKU Variety

24VDC MDR conveyor systems are designed to handle a wide range of product sizes, packaging types, and order profiles

24VDC vs. 480VAC Conveyors

Below table shows the main differences between 24VDC and 480VAC Conveyors

Turnkey Conveyor Services

Facility Functions provides end-to-end support for 24VDC MDR conveyor systems

System design and engineering

Custom conveyor layouts tailored to your facility’s workflow and operational needs

Equipment selection and integration

Choosing the right components and seamlessly connecting them for optimal performance

Installation and commissioning

Professional setup, testing, and handover to ensure smooth system startup

Retrofits and upgrades for existing conveyor lines

Modernizing older systems with the latest MDR technology and improved efficiency

Ongoing service and maintenance programs

Scheduled inspections, repairs, and support to keep your conveyors running reliably

Why Partner with Facility Functions?

With decades of experience in conveyor automation and material handling, our team ensures that your 24VDC system is designed to maximize throughput, reduce energy use, and scale with your business.

We have delivered conveyor solutions for manufacturing, distribution, and fulfillment centers nationwide helping our clients achieve higher productivity with lower operating costs. Let us show you how we can help you.

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End view of accumulation conveyor line installation nearing completion

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Recently, engineers at the John Deere manufacturing plant that produces the large sprayer booms used to treat crops on some America’s largest and most productive farms needed a more efficient manufacturing process to meet the enormous and growing demand for its product. The existing process was plagued with inefficiency and significant full-line down time anytime a single unit encountered a problem needing attention. Deere executives contacted Facility Functions for assistance. Facility Functions engineers worked closely with the Deere team fully redesigning the production line and adding an innovative staged-accumulator process that allowed for continuous production line operation while any individual units requiring attention were addressed.

John Deere (Deere & Company) - Ankey, Iowa

Questions About Our 24VDC MDR Conveyors

24VDC Conveyor System

In conveyor systems, MDR stands for Motor-Driven Roller.

An MDR conveyor uses individual rollers with built-in motors to move products along the line. Instead of one large motor driving a whole section with belts or chains, each motorized roller (or a group of them) powers its own zone.

Key points:

Energy efficient – rollers only run when needed.
Modular – easier to scale or reconfigure since zones are independent.
Low maintenance – fewer moving parts compared to chain- or belt-driven conveyors.
Safe and quiet – less risk of injury and generally quieter operation.

They’re widely used in distribution centers, e-commerce warehouses, and manufacturing lines where flexibility and control are important.

Ready to Upgrade to 24VDC?

Whether you’re expanding a facility, upgrading from an AC-powered conveyor, or building a new system from scratch, Facility Functions is your partner for reliable and efficient 24 VDC conveyor systems.

Contact us today to request a quote or schedule a consultation.

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