Conveyor belts transport material from one place to another along an established route. They are an indispensable part of any production line. They are used in many industries, including food manufacturing, chemical processing, plastics, and much more.
Conveyor belts are typically made up of solid or flexible elements to transport different material types. They can be used in various industrial applications, including on a production line to convey materials or products at different stages of the process or to move items around the factory or warehouse.
Moving materials around quickly and smoothly is essential in a wide range of industries, so you will find conveyor belts being used in all manner of applications.
There are many different types and styles of conveyor belts available on the market today. That’s why it’s important to know what type you need for your particular application. The factors that affect your decision include; the type of material you need to transport, the environmental conditions it will be exposed to, and how long it needs to last. When selecting a conveyor belt for your warehouse, there are many factors to consider. This article will outline some of the most important aspects to focus on when purchasing a conveyor belt.
Capacity
How much weight is the belt going to carry? How far can it travel? What speed will it operate at? A conveyor belt system comprises several components: the belt itself, structural supports, and holding systems. The first step in purchasing this equipment is determining what type of product will be carried by the conveyor.
Remember, belt material varies based on weight load requirements and other factors such as durability and width. For example, a conveyor belt must support a heavier load if it’s transporting heavy products such as apples or potatoes than carrying lightweight items like clothing or jewelry. You’ll also need to determine whether you need a rigid or flexible system; rigid belts have a lower load capacity but are more durable than flexible belts.
Determine your budget
The cost of the belt will typically range from $250 – $2000, depending on the brand, speed, and width. If you are looking for an inexpensive belt, consider a used one or one that is not being sold by the manufacturer. This may save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, suppose you want to ensure that your materials are handled in a safe manner. In that case, purchasing a new belt may be appropriate. Check out Fluent Conveyors, this is the best provider of custom conveyors solutions.
Tread Style
Tread style is one of the most critical factors in determining the right conveyor belt for your needs. Tread styles help conveyor belts travel smoothly and efficiently over any type of surface. Treads work by gripping the ground below them, reducing the amount of friction between the belt and the ground.
There are two primary types of treads:
– Smooth treads are ideal for smooth floorings, such as those found in warehouses, factories, and computer rooms. They can also be used in outdoor settings where the ground is fairly even and flat.
– Ribbed or V-shaped treads work best on uneven surfaces, such as outdoors in fields or dockyards, or indoors on concrete floors that have visible cracks or chips. They can also be used for smooth surfaces if you have a bigger budget and want something more heavy-duty.
Materials Used
The material used in manufacturing your conveyor belt will directly impact its durability and lifespan. Belt material can vary widely depending on application and environment. Nylon belts are great for dry environments, while polyurethane belts work well with materials such as liquids, powders, chips, and granular materials.
Three primary materials are used for conveyor belts: rubber, plastic, and fabric. Rubber belts are the most common and are made from natural or synthetic rubber. They are designed for heavy-duty applications where the weight of the product being transported and the motion of the conveyor may cause other types of belts to wear out prematurely or even tear under pressure. Rubber belts tend to be more resistant to chemicals than their counterparts and won’t break down or melt from repeated exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Gauge of Belt
The gauge is the thickness of the conveyor belt itself. The lower the number, the thicker the belt. For most applications, you will want a 20 gauge belt. This is because 20 gauge is strong enough to hold up to more weight without being too heavy for your roller system to move. However, suppose you are using your conveyor belt for smaller items or faster speeds. In that case, a 22 gauge belt could be an appropriate option.
Belt speed
Conveyor belts are generally rated by their maximum speed. This is particularly important where goods need to be transported as rapidly as possible. Where goods need to be handled gently or require more time or care during transport, slower speeds may be required. In general, speeds over 100 m/min should be avoided for long distances because of the associated stress on the structures.
The Belt’s Width
A wider conveyor belt can support more weight than a narrower one. Still, it will be bulkier and harder to maneuver through tight spaces. If you are using your conveyor belt in an area that is not very wide or moving smaller items (such as clothing), it may be best to go with a narrower width. The smallest widths available on the market today are 3″ wide; anything less than that should only be used for lighter products or slower speeds such as 12 feet per minute.
Application Type
Selecting a conveyor belt is not just about the belt itself. It’s also about the application. Conveyor belts are used in applications ranging from laboratory to packaging. Conveyor belts are selected based on several factors.
Types of applications for conveyor belts include:
Laboratory Applications: Laboratory equipment such as centrifuges need to move large quantities of liquids, solids, powders, and other materials with varying load requirements. Conveyor belts can be used here with minimal risk of damage to sample materials or equipment due to the even, consistent flow that belts provide.
Packaging Applications: Conveyor belt systems are essential in the packaging industry. High volumes of products need to be moved quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Systems are designed for different product sizes and needs, including bulk bags, totes, trays, boxes, and bottles.
Transportation Applications: Conveyor belt systems also play an important role in transportation applications, including transporting products from distribution centers to retail outlets or loading/unloading vehicles.
Testing Applications: Testing industries often use conveyor systems for accurate and efficient transport of test samples from one area to another within a lab or facility.
Takeaway
Different conveyor belt rolls are made for different uses. The more appropriate application might be to choose a heavier belt. This will increase the speed of your product movement. If, on the other hand, you would like to limit your products from falling off the belt or keep them in place, then you should use a heavier and taller roll. The weight of the items being transported should be considered.
You want to make sure that you select a conveyor belt that matches your needs. So how do you make sure that you are selecting the correct conveyor belt for your application? Well, it all begins with understanding what a conveyor belt is and how it works.
About the Author Jeremy Axel
Jeremy Axel is the founder of Fluent Conveyors, they design and manufacture conveyors for Waste and recycling industries, Manufacturing, and Distribution centers across the United States. He is also known for building trusted relationships with conveyor dealers and reseller networks and developing advanced technological processes and tools that help them do their jobs more efficiently.
