Conveyor belts Manufacturers online

Conveyor belts are mechanical systems that are used to transport goods or materials over a certain distance.

They are an important component in many industrial and logistical processes and enable the efficient, continuous movement of materials, both in production and transportation.

Below you will find how conveyor belts work, their structure, types and areas of application, as well as their advantages:

How conveyor belts work and how they are constructed:

A conveyor belt consists of a moving belt or strap that runs on idlers or pulleys and is driven by a motor. The motor ensures that the belt runs continuously, allowing goods to be transported from one point to another.

Belt material: The belt of a conveyor belt is made of different materials, depending on the area of application. This can be rubber, PVC, metal, textile or even wire mesh.

Rollers and pulleys: At the beginning and end of the belt, there are usually drive rollers and idlers that drive the belt and keep it moving.
Idlers support the belt along the track so that it does not sag and the weight of the transported materials is evenly distributed.

Motor and drive: The motor (usually an electric motor) drives the drive roller that moves the belt. The speed and direction of the belt can be changed as required.

Speed control: Modern conveyor belts can be equipped with frequency converters to vary the belt speed according to process requirements.

Types of conveyor belts:

Flat belt conveyor: A simple, flat belt that moves material on a flat surface. Universal application, often for packages, boxes or flat objects in logistics or production.

Inclined conveyors (inclined conveyors): These belts are inclined to transport materials upwards or downwards. Typically used in applications where material needs to be transported to different levels, such as in quarries or production lines.

Mesh or wire belt conveyors: These belts are made of metal mesh or wire and are particularly resistant to heat. In high-temperature environments, such as in ovens for food processing or in metal processing.

Areas of application for conveyor belts:

1. Industrial production:
In manufacturing processes, conveyor belts are used to move products or materials from one production stage to the next.
They facilitate mass production and enable a continuous supply of material to assembly lines.

2. Mining and bulk material processing:
In mines or quarries, conveyor belts transport large quantities of bulk materials such as coal, ore or gravel.
Robust rubber belts, often with cleats, are used here to move heavy material over long distances and often in rough terrain.

3. Logistics and warehousing:
In warehouses and distribution centers, conveyor belts are used to move packages, boxes or pallets. They play a key role in conveyor systems and sorting systems.
Examples: Automated conveyor lines in large logistics centers.

4. Food industry:
In food processing, special conveyor belts made of hygienic materials are used to transport food products such as fruit, vegetables, meat or packaged food.
These belts are often made of easy-to-clean materials such as stainless steel mesh or plastic in order to meet the high hygiene requirements.

5. Airports:
Conveyor belts transport baggage from check-in counters to airplanes and back to passengers after landing.
Passenger conveyor belts are also used to transport travelers over long distances, e.g. at airports or train stations.

6. Agriculture:
Conveyor belts are used in agricultural operations to process and transport products such as grain, fruit or potatoes from the field or warehouse.

Advantages of conveyor belts:

• Conveyor belts enable a continuous flow of materials without human intervention, which significantly increases the efficiency of production or logistics processes.
• Materials can be moved over long distances and at high speed.
• They reduce the need for manual labor and thus lower labor costs.
• Automated conveyor belts contribute to occupational safety by handling the lifting and transportation of heavy or hazardous materials.
• There are a variety of conveyor belt systems that can be adapted to specific industry or production requirements.

Conveyor belts are an integral part of modern industrial production and logistics. They enable the efficient movement of materials and products over short or long distances and make a significant contribution to automation. There are a variety of conveyor belt systems that have been specially developed for different applications, from food production to mining. For belt conveyor systems in particular, the safety regulations and EMC requirements can be found in EN 620:2002 and in the type C standard in accordance with EN 1070:1998.

Here are the most important criteria to look out for when buying conveyor belts:

When purchasing a conveyor belt, several factors should be considered to ensure that the system meets the requirements of your application:

• The belt material is determined by the intended use:
• Rubber or PVC are ideal for general industrial applications.
• Metal is suitable for high temperature applications or heavy loads.
• Food-safe materials such as plastic or stainless steel mesh are used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
• The conveyor belt must be designed for the weight and type of material being transported. Select the belt thickness according to the required load capacity.
• The size of the belt should suit the space available and the products to be transported. The width and length must support the material flow in the production line.
• The drive unit (motor) must provide the necessary power and speed. Pay attention to variable speed controls if different speeds are required.
• Consider whether the belt should run horizontally, inclined or vertically. Inclined conveyors require special structures or belts with cleats.
• Temperature, humidity, dust and chemicals in the environment can affect belt life. Choose materials that are corrosion resistant or heat resistant if necessary.
• An easily accessible and low-maintenance system can maximize uptime and reduce maintenance costs. Look for easily replaceable parts.
• Conveyor belts should have safety features such as emergency stop switches, protective covers and automatic shut-off mechanisms to prevent accidents.
• Calculate the total cost of ownership in relation to the longevity and maintenance costs of the system. A high quality belt can be more cost effective in the long run.

By considering these aspects, a conveyor belt can be selected that meets the requirements of the specific application and ensures efficient operation.

Conveyor belts can be sourced from a variety of suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Conveyor belts from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.