Reduce noise, boost safety, and extend production equipment life with MCE.
Noise is often treated as a background issue in manufacturing. Yet the hum, rattle, and clatter of conveyor systems can cost more than comfort. Research suggests that approximately one-third of our workforce is at risk for hearing loss after working in these environments.
Beyond hearing damage, prolonged exposure to high-decibel environments leads to increased absenteeism and reduced morale. Failing to monitor noise or implement such programs ranks among OSHA’s most commonly cited violations. The consequences extend beyond employee well-being. It also makes communication harder and increases operational costs.
Ultimation, an MCE company, delivers low-noise conveyor solutions to mitigate these risks and build a more productive and sustainable workplace.
The Hidden Cost of Conveyor Noise in Industrial Environments
One squeaky, squealing conveyor is annoying. Imagine the noise of thousands of rollers running in tandem.
Unchecked conveyor noise is at least, disruptive. At worst, it can cause long-term damage to your workforce and bottom line. OSHA sets the legal limits on noise exposure at 90 dBA over an 8-hour shift and NIOSH recommends a lower threshold of 85 dBA, noting that exposure beyond this level is hazardous. Many conveyor systems operating with unlubricated bearings or hard-contact rollers regularly exceed the limits set by regulatory bodies.
In loud environments, workers miss critical auditory cues such as forklift horns or alarm signals. Conversations become strained, leading to errors and miscommunication. Some companies even experience spikes in accident rates tied directly to noise-related distractions.
Younger workers, especially, are prioritizing safe, comfortable work conditions, and persistent noise can throw a wrench in your hiring goals. When facilities overlook noise risks, they increase the likelihood of hearing-related claims and make it more difficult to retain experienced workers.
Noise in conveying systems also signals possible mechanical issues. Conveyor systems become louder when bearings degrade, or parts are left unmaintained. That’s where MCE’s solution provider, Piedmont Electric Motor, can step in.
MCE’s Portfolio of Services: Lubrication and Mechanical Upgrades
Quiet equipment only stays quiet when it's properly maintained. That’s why MCE customers have access to service and support from across the broader MCE portfolio.
Piedmont Electric Motor, another MCE solution, specializes in electric motor repair and preventative maintenance programs for conveyor systems, preserving the performance gains Ultimation’s equipment delivers.
MCE's Piedmont team identifies where the noise originates and applies the appropriate mechanical solution. Addressing motor issues before they escalate ensures production schedules stay on track. That might involve lubrication. In other cases, it may require parts replacement or a structural adjustment based on how the equipment operates daily.
From food manufacturing to heavy industrial environments, Piedmont applies the same maintenance principles outlined in its approach to optimizing food industry conveyor systems, ultimately reducing plant noise, reducing downtime, and extending the life of these mechanical systems.
MCE’s Low-Noise Electric Conveyor Solutions
MCE’s solution provider, Ultimation, supplies modular conveyor technologies that offer a proven path to lower workplace noise. Among their solutions are 24-volt DC power-driven roller conveyors, MCP belt curves, and gravity-fed systems, each featuring a polyurethane roller cover, play a role in reducing decibel levels and improving work conditions.
Motorized Driven Roller Conveyors (MDR)
These low-voltage electric motor conveyors are designed to be quiet, operating at a noise level of under 64 dBA. They're ideal for unit-load handling, including totes and boxes, and provide an energy-efficient way to move products without excess mechanical noise. The modular format enables custom layouts tailored to the environment.
MCP Belt Curves
Designed to handle mixed materials, these curved conveyors deliver smooth directional changes while maintaining a low noise profile. Modularity and flexibility are the key factors in the MCP series of modules. Each pre-assembled module delivers solid technical performance as well as reliability. Their positive-drive construction reduces mechanical friction, and the system runs at less than 64 dBA, one of the quietest belt curves available.
Gravity Conveyors with Polyurethane Roller Covers
Ultimation’s gravity conveyors use the force of gravity to move the load down the rollers and are ideal for warehouses, production facilities, or distribution centers. They designed and made from materials that minimize noise, such as precision bearings and smooth surfaces, to ensure quiet and efficient operation. They also feature optional polyurethane roller covers that significantly reduce impact and vibration noise.
Roller Cover Options
MCE-Ultimation stocks multiple roller cover materials, including urethane, vinyl, and hard plastic. These covers also protect products from scratches and increase the grip between the item and roller for more consistent movement. In many cases, switching to polyurethane roller covers lowers overall conveyor noise by 20 to 30 decibels. Ultimation has roller covers available in bulk or cut-to-length formats, with installation options to fit most roller conveyor systems. Customers can order conveyors with pre-installed roller covers, allowing for a faster setup.
Ongoing Support
MCE-Ultimation enhances system performance with expedited shipping of spare parts and customized maintenance plans that target wear-prone components. Whether a facility needs to replace a damaged roller or adjust conveyor flow, Ultimation provides the parts and expertise to keep systems operating quietly and without interruption.
Even the best conveyor systems rely on consistent mechanical care to stay quiet. Bearings wear down, and parts loosen over time. Noise builds up without attention to these small details. The Ultimation team tackles those issues proactively with a full line of aftermarket support.
The Ultimate in Conveying: Safety, Ergonomics, and Space Optimization
Lowering conveyor noise offers broader benefits beyond decibel reduction. Workers in quieter facilities are more aware of their surroundings, making it easier to hear approaching equipment or verbal cues.
MCE-Ultimation’s conveyor systems are also designed with space and ergonomics in mind. Overhead installations free up valuable floor area and reduce congestion. Flexible, collapsible conveyors can be deployed as needed and then stowed away to preserve clear work zones.
Conveyors with proper height and flow control reduce strain during loading and unloading. These ergonomic improvements translate into fewer injuries and a smoother, more consistent work pace.
>> Maximize Your Warehouse Space: Build Up, Not Out
Beyond Noise—the ROI of a Safer, Smarter Workspace
Every improvement in workplace noise control contributes to measurable returns:
- Employees stay more focused and miss fewer alerts
- Facilities avoid fines and workers’ comp claims tied to hearing damage
- Job seekers are more likely to choose safer, quieter environments
- Equipment lasts longer and requires fewer emergency repairs
- Products stay protected during transit, reducing rework and damage claims
Quiet conveyors support a more sustainable operation both financially and functionally. Companies that prioritize low-noise systems build reputations as safe, forward-thinking employers.
Quiet, Reliable, Ready to Ship
MCE’s conveyor solutions are available online through our eCommerce platform, with many configurations shipping quickly. Customers can request a quote online. They can also order spare parts or connect with technical support through the site. That makes it easier to start building a quieter workspace.
A Comprehensive Partnership for Long-Term Conveying Performance
MCE-Ultimation delivers the quiet, efficient conveyor systems that set the foundation for a safer and more productive workplace. Piedmont keeps those systems running at their best with specialized service, lubrication, and mechanical upgrades that tackle noise at the source. Together, they represent just part of what MCE Automation offers.
If you're ready to improve performance and create a better working environment, take a closer look at MCE Automation’s full network of companies. Each division brings focused expertise to support long-term reliability and stronger operational outcomes across your facility.
Contact us to find out how we can provide the foundation for a quieter, safer, and more productive workplace.