A Look at the Materials of Conveyor Belts

Due to their speed, efficiency and ease-of-use, conveyor belts  have revolutionized the production of materials across all industries.

 

What Are Conveyor Belts Made of?

 

Steel Cord Conveyor Belt



 

A conveyor belt consists of two necessary parts - two motorized pulleys and a thick, durable conveyor material. All conveyor belts are created to serve similar purposes. However, the design and makeup of each belt determine what product, weight, speed and industry the belt is best suited for.

 

There are five categories of material that make up most conveyor belts in use today. Those materials are:

 

ㆍThermoplastics

ㆍMetal

ㆍRubber

ㆍFabric

ㆍLeather

 

Each type of conveyor belt material comes with its own set of applications and benefits.

 

Conveyor Belt Materials

 

Although there are countless ways to combine belt materials into custom hybrids to suit specific industry needs, there are five basic materials that make up most of today's conveyor belts.

 

1. Thermoplastics

 

Thermoplastic conveyor belts are made with a thermoplastic polymer. Because thermoplastic conveyor belts are flexible and constructed with hygiene in mind, they are ideal for several industries, including food handling, textile production and heavy-duty metal transfers. Thermoplastic belts are also lightweight. According to The National Industrial Belting Association, to be defined as a lightweight conveyor belt, it must have a working tension of fewer than 160 pounds per inch of width.

 

The two most common types of thermoplastic conveyor belts are polyurethane (PU) belts and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) belts.

 

ㆍPU conveyor belts: PU conveyor belts are constructed using FDA-approved materials, making them ideal for food production. They can withstand both extremely low and extremely high temperatures without melting or warping. PU conveyor belts are also easy to clean.

ㆍPVC conveyor belts: These conveyor belts are typically flame-resistant and can withstand similar temperatures as PU conveyor belts. PVC belts can handle contact with chemicals. They are known for being durable. PVC belts are often corrugated for maximum grip.

 

2. Metal

 

Metal conveyor belts are strong and very durable, making them ideal for almost every industry - especially industries that deal with raw products, like food service or unpackaged goods. In addition to their durability, these belts are flat and easy to work on. They are also rigid, meaning you do not have to worry about the belt changing shape over time. However, for this same reason, they are not as easy to shape or bend, so possible conveyor paths are limited.

 

Metal conveyor belts are usually made from either aluminum or shaped stainless or carbon steel.

 

3. Rubber

 

Heat Resistant Rubber Conveyor Belt



 

If you have spent much time in an airport, you have probably seen rubber conveyor belts in action. They are popular in settings like this, as well as in mining. Rubber conveyor belt material is praised for its flexibility as well as its smooth and seamless design. They are also among the most affordable conveyor belt options.

 

However, their tolerance to heat and wear-and-tear are much lower than other conveyor belt materials. They are also more challenging to keep clean.

 

4. Fabric

 

Fabric conveyor belts are usually medium-impact and cost-effective. They are often used to transport gravel, sand or other bulk materials. Most grocery stores use fabric-based conveyor belts in their check-out lines.

 

ㆍNylon: Nylon is highly durable, resistant to high heat, and can withstand heavy impact. It also adheres well to rubber in the case of a hybrid conveyor belt. It is also less prone to mildew than other fabrics.

ㆍPolyester: Polyester is another synthetic material used for conveyor belts. It has many of the same benefits as nylon, but is typically less expensive and quieter during operation.

ㆍKevlar: Kevlar is the superstar of heavy-duty conveying. It's made to withstand flame and substantial impact. It is bulky and made from thicker fibers than most other fabric belts. Some reports say that kevlar belts also run faster and longer than their counterparts.

ㆍNatural fabrics: Natural fabrics are woven to be breathable and include cotton and wool.

 

5. Leather

 

Many early models of conveyor belts were made of leather due to its durability and accessibility. Leather is also shock-resistant and has a good grip. Today, leather is often used as one part of a hybrid or customized conveyor belt.

 

Contact us today to request a quote or learn more about what HENGTUO can do for your business.

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