Top 10 Conveyor Belt Brand & Manufacturers

What is Conveyor Belt

A conveyor belt is a continuous loop of flexible material, usually made of rubber, plastic, or metal, which is designed to transport materials or products from one place to another in industrial settings such as factories, warehouses, and mines. It operates by moving along a series of rollers or pulleys that are powered by an electric motor or other drive mechanisms.

History of Conveyor Belt

The concept of the conveyor belt dates back to the late 18th century when simple conveyor systems were used in mining and shipping operations. However, the modern conveyor belt as we know it today was developed in the early 20th century. In 1901, the first conveyor belt made of rubber was patented by Swedish engineer Fredrik Ljungstr?m. Since then, conveyor belts have continuously evolved and improved in terms of materials, design, and functionality. They have become an essential part of modern industrial automation, enabling efficient and continuous material handling in various industries.

Purpose of Conveyor Belt

• Material Handling: The primary purpose of a conveyor belt is to transport materials and products from one location to another within a production or distribution facility. It can handle a wide variety of items, including raw materials, finished products, and packaged goods. This automated transportation system reduces the need for manual labor and increases the efficiency of the production process.


• Sorting and Distribution: Conveyor belts can be equipped with sorting mechanisms to separate and direct items to different destinations based on specific criteria such as size, weight, or destination. This is commonly used in warehouses and distribution centers to sort and route products to the correct shipping lanes or storage areas.


• Assembly Line Operations: In manufacturing plants, conveyor belts are often used as part of an assembly line. They move components and subassemblies from one workstation to another, allowing workers to perform specific tasks at each station. This enables a continuous and efficient production process, increasing productivity and reducing production time.


• Loading and Unloading: Conveyor belts can be used to load and unload materials from trucks, ships, and other transportation vehicles. They can be extended to the loading docks or directly into the cargo holds, facilitating the quick and efficient transfer of goods between different modes of transportation.

Principle of Conveyor Belt

Conveyor belts operate on the principle of frictional force. The motor-driven rollers or pulleys create a frictional force on the surface of the belt, causing it to move continuously in a loop. The materials or products placed on the belt are carried along with the movement of the belt due to the frictional force between the belt and the items. The speed and direction of the belt can be controlled by adjusting the motor speed and the orientation of the rollers or pulleys. Additionally, some conveyor belts use additional mechanisms such as cleats, sidewalls, or magnetic elements to enhance the grip and stability of the transported materials.

Features of Conveyor Belt

1. Flexibility: Conveyor belts are made of flexible materials, allowing them to be bent and curved to fit different layouts and transportation paths. This flexibility enables the conveyor system to be customized to meet the specific needs of the industrial facility, whether it's a straight line, a circular path, or a complex network of conveyors.
2. High Capacity: They can handle large volumes of materials and products at a relatively high speed. The load-carrying capacity of a conveyor belt depends on its width, thickness, and the strength of the material used. Some heavy-duty conveyor belts can transport tons of materials per hour, making them suitable for large-scale industrial operations.
3. Durability: Conveyor belts are designed to withstand the rigors of continuous use and heavy loads. The materials used, such as rubber, plastic, or metal, are selected for their durability and resistance to wear, tear, and abrasion. Regular maintenance and proper installation can further extend the lifespan of the conveyor belt.
4. Safety: Conveyor belts are equipped with various safety features to protect workers and prevent accidents. These include emergency stop buttons, safety guards, and sensors that detect the presence of objects or people on the belt. Some conveyor belts also have anti-slip surfaces and low-noise operation to reduce the risk of slips and falls and noise pollution in the workplace.
5. Customization: They can be customized in terms of width, length, speed, and the type of material used to meet the specific requirements of different industries and applications. Additionally, conveyor belts can be equipped with special features such as heat-resistant coatings, anti-static properties, or food-grade materials for specific uses in industries such as food processing and electronics manufacturing.[!--empirenews.page--]

Types of Conveyor Belt

• Flat Belt Conveyor: This is the most common type of conveyor belt, consisting of a flat, continuous belt that moves along a series of rollers. It is suitable for transporting a wide variety of flat and relatively light items, such as packaged goods, documents, and small parts. Flat belt conveyors can be easily customized in terms of width and length and can be used in both horizontal and inclined positions.


• Roller Conveyor: Roller conveyors use a series of rollers instead of a continuous belt to transport materials. The rollers are usually powered by a motor and rotate to move the items placed on them. Roller conveyors are ideal for transporting heavy and bulky items, such as pallets, crates, and large machinery components. They can also be used for sorting and accumulating items by controlling the rotation of the rollers.


• Bucket Conveyor: Bucket conveyors have a series of buckets attached to a chain or belt. The buckets are used to carry bulk materials such as grains, coal, and ores. The conveyor moves the buckets in a loop, lifting the materials from one location to another. Bucket conveyors are often used in mining, agriculture, and the food processing industry for transporting granular or powdered materials.


• Magnetic Conveyor Belt: Magnetic conveyor belts use magnetic force to transport ferromagnetic materials. The belt is embedded with magnets or has a magnetic surface that attracts and holds the magnetic items as the belt moves. Magnetic conveyor belts are commonly used in the recycling and metalworking industries to separate and transport metal parts and scrap.

Precautions for using Conveyor Belt

• Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the conveyor belt for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Check the belt surface for cracks, cuts, and abrasions, and the rollers and pulleys for proper alignment and rotation. Any damaged or worn parts should be replaced immediately to prevent further damage and ensure the safe operation of the conveyor system.


• Proper Loading: Ensure that the materials or products are properly loaded onto the conveyor belt to prevent overloading and uneven weight distribution. Overloading can cause the belt to sag, slip, or break, and uneven weight distribution can lead to misalignment and reduced efficiency. Follow the recommended load limits and loading procedures provided by the manufacturer.


• Cleaning and Maintenance: Keep the conveyor belt clean to prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, and other materials that could affect its performance and cause damage. Use appropriate cleaning methods and equipment to remove any foreign substances from the belt surface. Regularly lubricate the rollers and pulleys and check the tension of the belt to maintain its proper operation.


• Employee Training: Provide proper training to employees who operate and maintain the conveyor belt system. They should be familiar with the safety procedures, operating instructions, and emergency stop procedures. Employees should also be trained to recognize and report any signs of malfunction or potential hazards.


• Fire and Explosion Hazards: In some industries, such as the mining and chemical industries, conveyor belts may be exposed to flammable or explosive materials. Take appropriate safety measures to prevent fire and explosion hazards, such as using fire-resistant belts, installing explosion-proof motors and electrical equipment, and implementing proper ventilation systems.

Things to consider when purchasing Conveyor Belt

• Application Requirements: Determine the specific requirements of your application, such as the type of materials to be transported, the required load capacity, the speed and distance of transportation, and the layout of the conveyor system. This will help you select the appropriate type and size of conveyor belt and its components.


• Quality and Durability: Look for conveyor belts that are made of high-quality materials and have a good reputation for durability and performance. Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from other industry users to ensure that the belt will last for a long time and withstand the rigors of your operations. A higher-quality belt may have a higher initial cost but can save you money in the long run through reduced replacement and maintenance costs.


• Cost and Budget: Consider the cost of the conveyor belt, including the initial purchase price, as well as the long-term costs of maintenance, replacement, and any potential downtime costs. Compare prices from different suppliers and choose the most cost-effective option. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best in terms of quality and performance.


• Brand and Reputation:[!--empirenews.page--] Research different brands of conveyor belts and their reputations in the market. Look for companies with a good track record of producing reliable and high-quality conveyor belts. A well-known brand is more likely to offer good customer support and have a track record of successful installations and operations.


• After-sales Service and Support: Check the availability of after-sales service, including technical support, spare parts availability, and maintenance contracts. A reliable service network can be crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of the conveyor belt system and minimizing downtime in case of any issues.

Terms of Conveyor Belt

Some common terms related to conveyor belt include frictional force, flat belt conveyor, roller conveyor, bucket conveyor, magnetic conveyor belt, load capacity, and customization. Understanding these terms is important for effectively operating, maintaining, and purchasing conveyor belts.