There are countless types of Conveyor Belts on the market today. From light-duty industrial conveyor belts to a heavy-duty flat belt conveyor, food grade to high temperature, PVC coated to rubber conveyor belts and steel made or metal conveyor belts, conveyor belts come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
Depending on their intended use and application, the number of conveyors available in the market can reach up to millions and counting.
The conveyor system has become increasingly popular for industrial production processes across multiple industries for efficient transportation of large objects or materials. Different combinations of material, length, and widths allow for different applications all requiring varying lengths of belts based on the size, weight, and speed requirements of each industry.
Keep on reading to learn more about belt conveyor systems, what belt conveyors are, and the types of conveyor belts available to businesses.
How Does a Belt Conveyor Work?
If you are asking how a belt conveyor work, you are not alone. So once and for all, let’s answer this question.
Belt conveyors are one of the most popular and widely used forms of conveying systems in operation today. They are ideal for transporting bulk items such as raw materials, boxes, and products from one point to another without any manual labor involved.
A belt conveyor consists of two or more pulleys with an endless loop of carrying material used to rotate them. A motor is used to drive the pulleys, which then move the belt and the material on it forward.
The speed of a conveyor belt can be controlled by increasing or decreasing the tension on the pulley system and varying it from slow speeds for fragile materials to high speeds for heavier items. This makes it an essential tool in warehouses and factories where transporting goods quickly and safely is key.
From this, you can now understand why conveyor belts are so important in the industrial sector. They are efficient and cost-effective, and they facilitate automation across a number of industries. Let’s move on to discuss the different types of conveyor belts available today.
7 Types of Conveyor Belts
There are eight basic types of conveyors. Every belt conveyor system in this list offers unique advantages and properties that make it ideal for different industries.
Flat Belt Conveyors
Among the most conventional conveyor belts used today, flat belt conveyors are ideal for transporting light and medium-weight items. Their flat surfaces make them perfect for conveying objects in an upright position, such as boxes, packages, and totes.
A continuous flat belt conveyor is a popular choice for automation processes, as the motor will rotate the pulleys and cause the belt to move in an infinite loop. They can be made from different kinds of materials which makes them incredibly versatile.
Modular Belt Conveyors
The modular belt conveyor is a popular type of conveyor belt due to their durability and flexibility. They feature a series of interconnected links that can be customized based on the user’s requirements, allowing them to go around corners or through tight spaces.
A modular conveyor belt is used for conveying items over longer distances, as its modular design allows for more control over the path that the item takes. They are also used in applications where gentle product handling is required, such as food processing and packaging.
Inclined Belt Conveyor
Unlike a flat conveyor belt, an inclined conveyor belt system has a certain incline or slope. This makes them ideal for transporting items up and down stairs, as well as over uneven or difficult terrain with ease.
They are designed to transport heavy objects at slow speeds, making them perfect for warehouses and factories where safety is a must. It also boosts gravity flow systems that operate on an inclined plane.
Curved Belt Conveyor
Curved belt conveyors are a type of belt conveyor system that follows the contours of a space or area. This allows them to move items around corners and tight spaces with ease, making them ideal for food processing, packaging, and agriculture applications.
They are also commonly used in airports and other transportation hubs where they provide an efficient way to transport people or goods.
A curved conveyor belt provides ease of use and flexibility in terms of design, making them an ideal choice for any industry. They can also be made using different materials which makes them adaptable to a number of different applications.
Cleated Belt Conveyors
Features vertical cleats or barriers that are built into the belt, cleated conveyor belts are designed for carrying loose, bulky materials. They help to keep the materials in place and prevent them from slipping or falling off of the conveyor system, which is particularly important when transporting fragile items over long distances.
They can also be used to separate different types of materials or products that are being transported on the same conveyor belt. This makes them a popular choice for food processing, manufacturing, and other related industries.
A cleated belt conveyor comes in different shapes and every one of them serves a different purpose.
Inverted Capital T
This type of belt conveyor is used when the load needs to be pushed or kicked off at certain points. Providing support and flexibility, this type of cleated conveyor is popular for handling delicate items and is suited for light-duty applications.
Forward-Leaning Capital L
This type of cleated conveyor belt is suitable for applications where the material needs to be propelled or pushed forward. Some of these cleats come with curved faces which enable them to scoop granules, pellets, and other small items.
Lugs and Pegs
A more specific type of cleated belt conveyor, lugs and pegs are used to transport washed fruits or vegetables. This is a cost-effective system in applications where support is not required, and also allows products to be released easily at the end of the belt.
Inverted V
Usually 2 inches or less in height, this type of cleated conveyor is used in applications where a gentle release is required. It’s suitable for handling heavy items that may not be able to travel up an incline.
Sanitary and Washdown Conveyors
Food handling, pharmaceutical, and other related industries often require conveyor systems that are easy to clean and maintain.
Sanitary and washdown conveyors are designed to meet the rigorous standards of these industries, as they can be cleaned quickly and efficiently without disassembly. They feature sealed frames and surfaces, making them suitable for wet or dry applications.
You can usually see this type of conveyor in donut shops, bakeries, and other food processing facilities. They are also used in pharmaceutical factories to transport medicines and other products in a sterile environment.
Sanitary conveyors come in different shapes and sizes, so you can easily find one that meets your specific needs.
Roller Bed Conveyor Belts
Roller bed conveyor belts are a type of conveyor system that uses rollers to move items along the belt. This makes them ideal for carrying heavy and bulky loads, as they provide extra support and stability while in transit. They also come with adjustable side guards which can be used to keep items from falling off the sides of the belt.
Roller bed conveyor belts are used in various applications such as airports and warehouses and can be adapted to fit almost any type of conveyor belt system. They are also cost-effective and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for many industries.
Different types of roller beds are available depending on the weight or size of the items being transported and can include flat, curved, spiral, or vertical configurations.
The Bottom Line
Depending on the type of material you are transporting, there is a wide range of conveyor belts to choose from. From cleated and sanitary washdown conveyors to roller bed systems, each one provides its own benefits for different applications.
When selecting a belt for your business, it’s important to consider your specific needs so that you find the most suitable solution for your industry.
In conclusion, there are many different types of conveyor belts that can be used in a variety of industries to transport goods and materials. Each one offers its own advantages, so it’s important to find the right type for your specific needs.
With the proper selection and implementation, you can ensure efficient product transportation and a successful business.
Additional Resource:
5 Conveyor Belt Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Conveyor System Running Smoothly
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