Conveyors systems are an essential part of many industries. They are used everywhere, from transportation to handling materials, assembly, and distribution. With a belt conveyor, transferring items all over your warehouse is simple, safe, and easy. If your conveyor belt is weak or stiff, it can affect the functioning of the conveyor system. When selecting the right conveyor belt, here are some of the things you should factor in.
- The belting
Conveyor belting can be made from different materials such as rubber, leather, polyester, nylon, etc. the right choice of belting material can be made by looking at what belt characteristics would offer the most efficient handling solution. For example, will items be hot or cold? Will they have sharp or jagged edges? With metal stamping, a hardened urethane belt is ideal as it can resist cuts and gouges. Stainless steel is ideal for food handling, while steel wire mesh is great for high heat environments. - The size of the conveyor
Knowing the length and width of the conveyor belt you want is crucial if you are to make the right choice. This will be decided by what you are looking to carry across the belt. This can be boxed, bottles, packets, etc. Whatever it is, ensure that the conveyor belt is big enough for whatever will be on it, else it will get entangled in the conveyor. Through this process, you can rule out some conveyor construction and belt materials. - The conveyor function
Due to their popularity across many industries, there are various types of conveyors, each with its own unique capabilities and attachments. A conveyor that only moves products from one point to another is not the same as those used for positioning, accumulation, indexing, or other applications. They have different belting requirements and calibrations. Whatever conveyor you pick will depend on the functionality you need from your conveyor. - Conveyed Products
Knowing the material or products conveyed is crucial to selecting a belt conveyor that best suits your needs. You need to know the product dimensions, weight, temperature, and sensitivity. While a flat belt can suit most applications involving the simple conveyance of items, modular plastic belting might be required when moving larger or heavier objects because they are a more sturdy option. Different products require the conveyor belt to undergo different processes. For instance, food or pharmaceutical products need to be rigorously washed, meaning the conveyor must withstand regular exposure to water, oil, harsh chemicals, and varying temperatures. - Belt weight limits
Knowing the weight of what you plan to convey can help rule out some conveyor belt systems. Are you carrying something light or heavy? Some of the heavier items can bend or warp the belt and damage the system. This, in turn, results in costly repairs and downtime, so ensure that the items you are conveying are not too heavy for the conveyor you pick.
Other features such as the incline or decline level, speed, maximum operating tension, and pulley diameter also come into play when picking a belt conveyor. With these factors in mind, you can confidently select the right conveyor for your needs.