A common question faced by system integrators when designing a sorting facility is: which technology is superior, the cross belt sorter or the tilt tray sorter? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The “better” choice depends entirely on the specific application, item characteristics, and throughput requirements.
The cross belt sorter uses individually propelled carts with a transverse belt that slides items off. This “positive discharge” is ideal for fragile, irregular, or heavy items (typically up to 50 kg), as it provides a controlled and gentle sort. It excels at handling a wide mix of shapes and sizes and can achieve very high accuracies.
In contrast, a tilt tray sorter uses a continuous loop of trays that tilt at the discharge point, allowing items to slide off by gravity. This system is exceptionally fast and is often the choice for very high-speed operations sorting uniform, non-fragile items like books, DVDs, or small, robust packages. It is generally less ideal for heavy, bulky, or easily damaged goods.
So, cross belt sorter vs tilt tray? The decision matrix is clear: Choose a cross belt for mixed SKUs, fragile items, and positive control. Opt for a tilt tray for very high-speed sorting of uniform, non-fragile parcels. As an experienced logistics solutions provider, SIWUN can help integrators navigate this critical choice, offering expert guidance and reliable parcel sorting machines for applications where versatility and gentle handling are paramount.
