The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Nylon Conveyor Belt

When selecting a conveyor belt, it’s essential to consider the nature of the products being conveyed, as well as the conditions of use.

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Specifications of transported products:

• Weight: Product weight is one of the major aspects to consider when choosing a suitable belt, as excessively heavy products can lead to deformation or even failure of the conveyor.
• Size: The dimensions of your product must fit the surface of the belt because a product that is too large can get stuck in the conveyor. That’s why it’s essential to carefully check the length and width of the belt and compare them with those of your product before making a decision.
• Type: The type of belt you choose must be appropriate for the product transported. For example, if you plan to transport items with sharp edges, corrosive products, powders, or chemicals, you’ll need a belt adapted to these types of products to ensure belt durability. In the food industry, in particular, it’s essential to choose belts that comply with strict hygiene standards.
• Temperature: Products at extremely high or low temperatures can damage your belt if it is not adapted.

Conditions of use: The conditions under which the conveyor belt will be used must be taken into account in your choice:

• Incline: The movement of the conveyor belt is important. If the belt moves up or down, the product placed on it may shift, slip, or even fall off. To avoid this, the belt should be fitted with cleats to hold your product in place.
• Environmental conditions: The type of environment in which your conveyor belt will be placed must be taken into account before purchasing. Some belts made from certain materials may not withstand extremely high or low temperatures. Similarly, if your business requires your product to be baked in an oven, you need to choose a belt adapted to these particular conditions.

The conveyor belt material you choose is crucial to ensure optimum performance and durability in a given environment. Your choice will depend on your specific application, working environment, the nature of the materials transported, and economic constraints. The materials used for conveyor belts vary widely, and each offers distinct advantages and limitations.

Rubber is one of the most commonly used materials for conveyor belts, thanks to its versatility and durability. It resists abrasions, cuts, and tears, making it ideal for transporting heavy or sharp materials. Rubber can also be formulated to withstand extreme temperatures, chemicals, and oils, making it suitable for industries such as mining, construction, and waste treatment.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is another material frequently used for conveyor belts, particularly in the food industry, where hygiene is a major concern. PVC belts are easy to clean and resistant to chemicals and moisture. They are also less expensive than other materials, making them an economical choice for many applications.

Polyurethane (PU) is preferred for applications where durability and flexibility are required. It is particularly resistant to wear, cuts, oil and grease. PU belts are often used in the food and pharmaceutical industries and in the processing of bulk materials where contamination must be avoided.

Fabrics such as nylon, polyester, and cotton are also used to manufacture conveyor belts. These materials offer good tensile strength and are suitable for transporting light to medium loads. Fabric belts are often used in the paper, printing, and textile industries.

Metals, such as steel or stainless steel, are used in applications requiring high resistance to heat or corrosion. They are often used in foundries, industrial bakeries, or for transporting hot materials.

Composite materials such as glass- or Kevlar-reinforced belts, are used in applications requiring exceptional tensile strength and low elongation. These lightweight belts can withstand very heavy loads, making them ideal for the aerospace industry.

Conveyor belts come in a variety of shapes and specifications to suit the transport of particular products.

Herringbone belts: Designed for conveying products up or downhill.

Trough conveyor belts: These are rubber belts supported by curved rollers that give them a hollow shape. This type of belt is used for conveying bulk products such as grain, cereals, fertilizers, etc. These belts are often used in the agricultural and food-processing industries and in the processing of bulk materials. Troughed belts with cleats are also available.

Plastic modular belts are another special shape that offer great flexibility and ease of maintenance. These belts are made up of interconnected plastic modules that can be easily replaced in the event of damage or wear. This modularity is particularly advantageous in industries where hygiene is a priority, such as food processing, as they can be dismantled and cleaned with great ease.

Capacity: Expressed in tonnes/hour, this is calculated by taking into account the material to be conveyed, belt width and speed, and conveyor inclination.

Pulley diameter: Be sure to measure the diameter of the pulley around which the belt runs.

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Tensile strength: Calculating the tensile strength takes into account transport length, speed, possible inclinations, etc.

Belt rigidity: The belt should not be too rigid because the center might not touch the center roller and be impossible to guide. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be too flexible either, as it could get damaged in the troughs between the rollers.

Conveyors have become essential equipment for streamlining operations on the factory floor in many different types of environments. But contrary to what you may think, conveyors are not one-size-fits-all components. In other words, you must select the right conveyor – and the right conveyor belt – for your operation. Failure to do so could hamper efficiency, lead to breakdowns and unplanned downtime, and may present a safety hazard on the shop floor.

In this post, we’ll cover more about what you need to know about selecting the right conveyor belt for your application. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Conveyor Belt

Before you select the conveyor belt for your equipment, weighing various factors that should influence your decision-making is important. These include:

Material Type

This is one of the most significant factors to weigh when choosing the right conveyor belt type.  Consider whether they are heavy loads, abrasive, or sticky. The belt width is also crucial, especially in terms of fitting the bulk material you’re handling. Materials like rubber are ideal for abrasive products, while PVC belts are better for light-duty operations. Metal belts work well in high-temperature environments due to their resistance to abrasion.

Durability and Strength

Conveyor belt durability, or strength, ratings indicate the maximum pulling force it can withstand. Strength is usually measured in PIW or pounds per inch of width. This metric is crucial for assessing belt construction and overall durability. The higher the strength rating, the more tension it can withstand before it breaks – and vice versa.

Additionally, they are often categorized by grades, which helps signify what type of environment they’re ideal for. For instance, you might see an “M,” which signifies a mining environment. Or, you might see an “H” for high temperature. “N” means normal conditions.

Environmental Considerations

We already discussed temperature as a consideration for the type of conveyor belt you choose, but it’s also worth mentioning other environmental factors. Conditions like humidity, oil resistance, chemical exposure, and more should all be weighed to determine the type of belt you choose.

Cost vs. Longevity

While selecting the right belt based on application and environment is important, so is finding a high-quality model. Even if it comes with a higher upfront price, the right belt is only going to pay dividends for your operation in the long run. High-quality belts are reliable and tend to be crafted adhering to stricter quality and manufacturing standards. Low-cost belts, conversely, often have a higher rate of failure, which can lead to unplanned downtime, maintenance costs, reductions in efficiency and, ultimately, lost profits.

Types of Conveyor Belts and Their Applications

There are many conveyor belt types to choose from – here’s a look at some of the most popular ones to select from and some of the applications they’re ideal for supporting:

• Rubber: Rubber belts are resistant to cuts and tears, which makes them ideal for transporting sharp or heavy materials. Rubber that’s specially formulated can also resist extreme temperatures and chemicals. Rubber conveyor belts tend to be ideal in mining, construction, and other heavy-duty environments.
• PVC: PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a common conveyor belt in the food and beverage industry, largely due to how easy it is to clean to meet hygiene standards. PVC belts are also very affordable.
• Metal: Metal belts are known for their resistance to corrosion and temperature, and durability. For this reason, they tend to be used in industrial environments and even in bakeries.
• Fabric: Fabric belts made of cotton, nylon, and polyester are best for transporting light loads. They’re often used in the printing and textile industries.

Maintenance and Lifespan of Conveyor Belts

Like most things, you get out of conveyor belts what you put into them. That said, if you want your conveyor belts to last for a significant period before replacement is necessary, selecting the right type is just part of the deal – you also have to maintain it. Here’s a look at some conveyor belt maintenance best practices:

• Clean it regularly to remove debris, dust, and other buildup.
• Visually inspect it for obvious signs of wear and tear. Replace worn or damaged parts as necessary.
• Make sure the belt is properly tensioned regularly. This prevents excessive wear and tear.
• Use lubrication when appropriate to ensure bearings and other moving parts are operating smoothly.

To ensure you stay on track with conveyor belt maintenance, it’s best practice to create a maintenance schedule and stick to it. This can help reduce unplanned downtime and premature belt failure.

Expert Advice and Industry Standards

Conveyor belt safety standards are governed by various entities, including OSHA, ISO, and CEMA (Conveyor Equipment Manufacturer’s Association). OSHA, for instance, governs guarding regulations, maintenance, and emergency stopping. CEMA sets standards for load safety and construction standards. ISO standards specify wear resistance and quality.

How to Select the Right Conveyor Belt for Your Needs

Are you ready to select the right conveyor belt for your needs? Carefully weigh the material you’re transporting as well as any operational requirements and environmental conditions. From there, you can narrow down your selection and make the best decision.

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