Manufacturing necessitates the movement of products from one point to another as they undergo different processes. In most cases, the products are bulky and require to be moved quickly from one place to another. It is pretty tricky for this task to be undertaken by the workforce.
That is why there is a need to utilize machinery. One of the commonly used machinery in the handling of material is the conveyor belt. These are continuous strips that carry different materials from one place to another. They convey large quantities of materials used in a short time.
Conveyor belts for industrial applications are made up of two or more pulleys. The conveyor belt revolves around them continuously as a transport stream. For you to move the material and the belt for transportation, one or both of the pulleys must be power-driven.
You will note that most conveyor belts are constructed of rubber, nylon, PVC, urethane, leather, polyester, and nitrile, among other materials. The majority of the belts comprise two layers. The layer beneath is the Carcass, providing linear potency and shape. It is made up of cotton, nylon, and polyester.
So, what are these different types of belts? This piece will unpack the six commonly used conveyor belts for industrial applications.
Flatbed Conveyors
Flatbed conveyors are among the most versatile belts today. They have a continuous material loop supported by several pulleys or rollers. These are primarily belt conveyors used for internal conveyance, that is, the transportation of commodities within a facility. Goods are placed on the moving belt and moved from one end to another.
Since the belts of flatbed conveyors comprise different materials, they are very versatile. There are optional features, such as nose bars and center drives, depending on the requirements of a given application.
Flatbed conveyor belts are not ideal for transporting delicate or fragile items. Nonetheless, they offer various benefits to their users, including:
- Providing an easy way to set up and take down
- Offering versatility and hence can be used in various industries
- They are more affordable when compared to other systems
Modular Conveyor Belts
Modular conveyor belts are among the most popular systems for manufacturing and industrial applications. They are constructed with metal modules or modular plastic and joined to form a belt. The belt is durable and solid and can be customized easily to fit different needs.
Whether you want to move small parts or transport large parts, the modular conveyor belt might be what you require. Often, their applications are widely utilized in assembly lines and other production processes. This is because the belt conveyors can be configured easily to change the length or direction of the conveyor.
There are different types of modular conveyor belts in the present-day market. Some of them include:
- Powered roller conveyors – If you want a belt for heavy-duty applications, consider the powered roller conveyors. They are a system that uses electric motors to rotate the rollers, moving the belt and commodities forward.
- Gravity roller conveyors – These systems utilize gravity in the movement of materials. You will find them mainly in production processes and assembly lines where items must be moved efficiently and quickly.
- Chain conveyors – They are similar to conveyor belts but utilize chains instead of belts to move items. Heavy-duty applications such as carrying heavy objects are preferable for these conveyors.
V-Belt Conveyors
The shape of this belt ensures that materials stay on the belt while moving, thus preventing them from becoming entangled or falling off. It is the perfect conveyor for you if you are transporting loose items such as sand or gravel or delicate items like glass. They have different configurations and sizes to suit the requirements of various applications and come in multiple materials.
Some are made of PVC, aluminum, or steel and can be outfitted with features like stop switches or variable speed controls. In addition, they are easy to repair and maintain, making them a popular choice for many businesses.
Cleated Conveyor Belts
These belt conveyors feature vertical barriers or cleats in their design. The cleats keep loose items secure during declines and inclines. You will find cleats of different shapes, each with its applications. They include:
- Inverted “T”
- Forward leaning “L”
- Inverted “V”
- Lugs and pegs
Timing Belt Conveyors
Timing conveyor belts utilize timing belts instead of chains to move items. They offer durability and strength and are often applied in heavy-duty settings. You will also find them in production processes where things need to be moved efficiently and quickly, as well as in assembly lines.
The good thing with this type of conveyor belt is that it can be configured easily to alter the length and direction of the conveyor. They offer several advantages, such as strength, easy reconfiguration, and higher levels of efficiency.
Roller Bed Conveyor Belts
The roller bed belt conveyor has a surface made up of rollers selected to match your production needs. You can use a shorter conveyor belt with two rollers if your needs are not too much. But as the distance between the ends of the belt becomes more protracted, more will be required if the belt is to function appropriately.
Typically, this setup functions well when materials are loaded onto the bead with gravity. Manual loading might lead to mechanical shock that will damage the rollers.
These beds are an excellent option for moving goods long distances. They lower friction, and thus it is easier for products to move along the belt. You can use the belts in inspecting, sorting, and packing items besides transporting them. Some of their most common applications are airport luggage systems and postal sorting offices.
Closure
There isn’t a size fit answer on conveyor belts for your wants. The best system will depend on factors such as the type of item you need to move, the size and weight of the materials, and the environment in which you will be working. If you are searching for a belt, you must understand the different types there. The above types are the most common and cover most industrial applications. So, you can decide on one that suits you best.
