How to Choose the Right Conveyor Belt System for Your Business Needs

Conveyor belt systems are one of the most common pieces of equipment for moving material in a warehouse or distribution center from one part of the facility to the other. But you may be surprised to learn just how many types of conveyor belt systems are available and the potential that each type holds. In this post, we’ll discuss the different types of systems and how to determine which one is best for your operations. 

Understanding the Role of Conveyor Belt Systems in Business Operations

Contrary to what you may believe, conveyor belt systems do more than just “move material.” They’re part of a facility’s complex material-handling solution that can help move items quickly, efficiently, and safely. This can help streamline productivity and reduce costs in your facility.

Conveyor systems are typically found in warehouses, logistics centers, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and more.

Assess Your Business Needs and Workforce Requirements

Part of selecting the right conveyor belt system for your facility is properly assessing your business needs. Here’s a look at some tips to properly evaluate such needs:

• Assess the volume and product movement requirements throughout your facility.
• Consider the kinds of materials being moved throughout your facility. Evaluate factors such as weight, size, shape, and fragility.
• What type of environment does your conveyor belt need to function in? For example, is it an indoor environment? Outdoor? Combination of both? What environmental factors will it need to withstand? Are there hazards or contaminants you must account for?

Know the Different Types of Conveyor Belt Systems

Once you’ve evaluated your facility and its material handling needs, it’s time to consider the different types of conveyor belt systems. Here’s a closer look at some of them:

• Flat-belt: True to their name, these types of conveyors utilize flat belts and are best for transporting material over level distances. They’re ideal for moving bulk materials or packaged goods.
• Modular: Modular systems are composed of individual interlocking modules rather than one continuous belt. Modular belts offer more flexibility in their configurations and perform well in tight spaces or where curved belt conveyors are needed.
• Rollers Conveyors:  Best for moving flat-bottomed items. They operate via a series of rollers and can be driven by gravity or motors. Roller bed conveyor designs are common in many industrial operations.
• Cleated: These types of belt systems feature raised sections, known as vertical cleats, designed to grip products and prevent them from sliding around. These raised sections, or “cleats,” can be especially helpful when moving items to and from various elevations. Ideal for incline belt conveyor setups or handling loose materials. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Conveyor Belt

There are various key factors you’ll want to carefully consider when choosing the conveyor belt system that’s right for your operations. These include:

• Load Capacity
• Belt strength
• Durability
• Energy efficiency
• Flexibility and ease of integration
• Maintenance complexity

Industry-Specific Considerations

Once you’ve settled on the system that best suits your operations, you may also need to incorporate various industry requirements based on the specific facility. Some of the common industry-specific considerations include incorporating sanitary conveyors and fabric belts for food industries, heavy loads for mining, or chemical resistant materials for harsh environments. 

Cost vs. Long-Term Value

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right conveyor belt system for your facility, and they can play a big role in the return on investment you can realize from incorporating this equipment. For instance, a system with a lower upfront cost may end up costing you more in the long run if it requires more regular maintenance or is difficult to maintain.

Additionally, conveyor systems that streamline efficiency can help enhance productivity and reduce manual labor costs, translating to greater savings. If you business is growing or sees seasonal spikes, modular plastic conveyor belts may offer better scalability. 

Furthermore, if your business is growing or its demand fluctuates by season, then flexibility may be important in a conveyor system, and it might make more sense to select a customizable system rather than an off-the-shelf solution.

Be sure to weigh all the various factors carefully to maximize your return on investment.

Installation, Maintenance, and Supplier Support

Once you’ve selected the conveyor belt system best for your operations, you’ll want to factor in other considerations. The first is access to professional installation. To get the most out of your conveyor system, it needs to be installed correctly.

Other key considerations are access to maintenance and the availability of spare parts. Be sure to also check any warranties offered on the equipment.

Making an Informed Conveyor System Decision

If you’re looking for a new conveyor belt system, take your time and choose the system that best meets your facility’s needs and aligns with your operational requirements. We suggest doing your homework before making a decision. Consult with a conveyor belt supplier and/or industry experts, talk to peers, and review spec sheets to make the best decision for you.

For more information, contact A-Lined today.