Types of Conveyor Belts: Everything You Need to Know
Industries use conveyor belts to move items, materials, and products. It is used in food processing, distribution centers, and in bulk material handling. Every industry has different requirements, and there are different types of belt conveyors to suit these requirements. Moreover, every type of belt has its benefits and drawbacks considering factors like the length of the conveyor, how much load it can carry, its efficiency, and overall performance.
There are different types of conveyor belts, and in this section, we talk about the types of belts and their relevant features and characteristics.
1) Flat Belt Conveyors
Flat belt conveyors are the most common conveyor belt systems. They consist of a smooth belt that is supported on a roller or a flat conveyor frame.
These belts are great for use in assembly lines and for distribution centers. Small items can also be moved using these belts. They can be made of various materials including rubber, nylon, and polyester.
Gently hold and move objects both short and long distances.
2) Cleated Belt Conveyors
As the title suggests, cleated belt conveyors have vertically placed cleats or barriers on the belt which help move items without sliding off.
Best suited for steep incline or decline belt conveyors.
Widely used for bulk materials, food products, and heavy objects.
Aid in holding uneven or loose items in place to help maintain friction and stability during transport.
3) Modular Belt Conveyors
Modular belts are made of interlinking plastic units which are very strong and easy to wash, which is helpful in cleaning and maintenance.
Most frequently used for food processing and packing industries.
Can be used in wet environments and are prone to corrosion.
Can be custom made to curved belt conveyors for specific requirements.
4) Roller Bed Conveyor Belts
Using idler rolls to drive these belts makes it easy to transport heavy goods over long distances with low friction.
Best for distribution centers and large scale manufacturing plants.
Enhance effective operations for continuous flow of products.
Can be disconnected and connected to drive pulley, tail pulley, and head pulley systems for greater strength and durability.
5) Curved Belt Conveyors
These belts are designed to keep the product in the same position while moving it around corners.
Great for use in manufacturing and distribution locations that have space constraints.
Works on specific needs with high precision in an intricate conveyor system.
Can be configured with flat and modular belts depending on requirements.
6) Incline and Decline Belt Conveyors
These types of conveyors are used to lift and lower items within a conveyor system.
Usually for use in transporting bulk materials in mining and farming, as well as in the packaging industry.
Safely transport items with zero risk of roll back.
Applicable for a large variety of loads, including both small and large heavy items.
7) Slat Conveyors
Unlike regular belt conveyors, slat conveyors have slats placed in intervals instead of a continuous belt. This makes slat conveyors easy for transporting scorching, oily, or abrasive items.
These are common in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
These enable accurate movement of parts and components in relation to each other along a conveyor frame.
How to Select a Conveyor Belt
Here are some factors to choosing a conveyor belt:
Type of material (food items, bulk materials, or overweight loads).
Belt material, like rubber, plastic, modular, or fabric.
Belt length in relation to the available space.
Placement of the drive roller and idler rollers for optimum functions and efficient workflows.
Additional steep incline gapped geometry, gentle product handling, or stringent hygiene standards.
Wrapping Up
Effectively selecting the conveyor belt system for the operation allows the company to operate smoothly, minimize downtime, and increase productivity. Every industry is catered to, from flat belts for basic assembly lines and cleated belts for steep incline conveying, to modular belts for food processing needing stringent hygiene standards.
What Our Customers Say
Samarth Engineerings provided top-notch service and high-quality machinery. The team was professional, responsive, and delivered beyond expectations.
Excellent workmanship and reliable solutions. They understood our requirements clearly and provided cost-effective machines that work flawlessly.
Great after-sales support and timely delivery. I am very happy with their commitment to quality and precision in manufacturing.
Rakesh pateliya
Rakesh Pateliya is the Founder of Samarth Engineerings, a company known for manufacturing high-quality of machines. With years of industry expertise, he has built a reputation for delivering reliable, innovative, and cost-effective solutions that empower businesses to grow. His focus on precision, performance, and customer satisfaction continues to drive the company’s success.