How to choose the right conveyor belt system
Belt conveyor systems are used through all modern manufacturing processes. Belting materials range from thin single or double layer flat belts, urethane rope belting, band belting to plastic chain belting. Each belt type provides specific advantages for many applications.
Plastic chain belting allows for quick and easy repair or replacement and simpler system design. Typically you do not need to track plastic chain belting. The belt locks in to geared drive on the conveyor belt roller at both the tail and head pulley that align the belt automatically. This design inherently removes complex belt tracking systems. The disadvantage to plastic chain belting is smooth transfer; all sections are square and ‘bump’ as he round the pulleys and belt clogging or buildup of material.
Flat belting is used in many applications fro the snack food industry, packaging machinery, paper manufacturing and electronics. The range is seemingly endless and option as far as you can see. Flat belts come in layers and are built up to improve strength and wear characteristics. The top surface can be made to grip or grab (rubber belt) materials and move them easily up hill. The downside is that replacing a conveyor belt you typically need an exact replacement, or a belting repair kit to splice a new section in. Some belting and applications allow for using a zipper for quicker repairs.
When choosing a conveyor design look carefully at how the belting system works and ask yourself – What will I do when the belt fails?
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