Guide to Selecting the Right Type of Conveyor Belt for Different Materials

Conveyors have become essential equipment for streamlining operations on the factory floor in many different types of environments. But contrary to what you may think, conveyors are not one-size-fits-all components. In other words, you must select the right conveyor – and the right conveyor belt – for your operation. Failure to do so could hamper efficiency, lead to breakdowns and unplanned downtime, and may present a safety hazard on the shop floor.

In this post, we’ll cover more about what you need to know about selecting the right conveyor belt for your application. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Conveyor Belt

Before you select the conveyor belt for your equipment, weighing various factors that should influence your decision-making is important. These include:

Material Type

This is one of the most significant factors to weigh when choosing the right conveyor belt type.  Consider whether they are heavy loads, abrasive, or sticky. The belt width is also crucial, especially in terms of fitting the bulk material you’re handling. Materials like rubber are ideal for abrasive products, while PVC belts are better for light-duty operations. Metal belts work well in high-temperature environments due to their resistance to abrasion.

Durability and Strength

Conveyor belt durability, or strength, ratings indicate the maximum pulling force it can withstand. Strength is usually measured in PIW or pounds per inch of width. This metric is crucial for assessing belt construction and overall durability. The higher the strength rating, the more tension it can withstand before it breaks – and vice versa.

Additionally, they are often categorized by grades, which helps signify what type of environment they’re ideal for. For instance, you might see an “M,” which signifies a mining environment. Or, you might see an “H” for high temperature. “N” means normal conditions.

Environmental Considerations

We already discussed temperature as a consideration for the type of conveyor belt you choose, but it’s also worth mentioning other environmental factors. Conditions like humidity, oil resistance, chemical exposure, and more should all be weighed to determine the type of belt you choose.

Cost vs. Longevity

While selecting the right belt based on application and environment is important, so is finding a high-quality model. Even if it comes with a higher upfront price, the right belt is only going to pay dividends for your operation in the long run. High-quality belts are reliable and tend to be crafted adhering to stricter quality and manufacturing standards. Low-cost belts, conversely, often have a higher rate of failure, which can lead to unplanned downtime, maintenance costs, reductions in efficiency and, ultimately, lost profits.

Types of Conveyor Belts and Their Applications

There are many conveyor belt types to choose from – here’s a look at some of the most popular ones to select from and some of the applications they’re ideal for supporting:

• Rubber: Rubber belts are resistant to cuts and tears, which makes them ideal for transporting sharp or heavy materials. Rubber that’s specially formulated can also resist extreme temperatures and chemicals. Rubber conveyor belts tend to be ideal in mining, construction, and other heavy-duty environments.
• PVC: PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a common conveyor belt in the food and beverage industry, largely due to how easy it is to clean to meet hygiene standards. PVC belts are also very affordable.
• Metal: Metal belts are known for their resistance to corrosion and temperature, and durability. For this reason, they tend to be used in industrial environments and even in bakeries.
• Fabric: Fabric belts made of cotton, nylon, and polyester are best for transporting light loads. They’re often used in the printing and textile industries.

Maintenance and Lifespan of Conveyor Belts

Like most things, you get out of conveyor belts what you put into them. That said, if you want your conveyor belts to last for a significant period before replacement is necessary, selecting the right type is just part of the deal – you also have to maintain it. Here’s a look at some conveyor belt maintenance best practices:

• Clean it regularly to remove debris, dust, and other buildup.
• Visually inspect it for obvious signs of wear and tear. Replace worn or damaged parts as necessary.
• Make sure the belt is properly tensioned regularly. This prevents excessive wear and tear.
• Use lubrication when appropriate to ensure bearings and other moving parts are operating smoothly.

To ensure you stay on track with conveyor belt maintenance, it’s best practice to create a maintenance schedule and stick to it. This can help reduce unplanned downtime and premature belt failure.

Expert Advice and Industry Standards

Conveyor belt safety standards are governed by various entities, including OSHA, ISO, and CEMA (Conveyor Equipment Manufacturer’s Association). OSHA, for instance, governs guarding regulations, maintenance, and emergency stopping. CEMA sets standards for load safety and construction standards. ISO standards specify wear resistance and quality.

How to Select the Right Conveyor Belt for Your Needs

Are you ready to select the right conveyor belt for your needs? Carefully weigh the material you’re transporting as well as any operational requirements and environmental conditions. From there, you can narrow down your selection and make the best decision.

Contact A-Lined today for more information and assistance in selecting the right conveyor for your environment.