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The Care and Choosing of Conveyor Belts

The care and choosing of conveyor belts depends on multiple factors.The purpose of the belt is most important.Each type of belt carries with it specific care instructions.To review, a conveyor belt is a system used to more easily move materials.A conveyor belt consists of two pulleys with one piece of looping material around them.Conveyor belts are used in a variety of industries. Elevator belts are used to transport materials up a steep incline.Moving sidewalks or escalators are conveyor belts designed to move people from one place to another.Conveyor belts are used on industrial assembly lines, as well as at the grocery store.The care and choosing of a conveyor belt for a ski lift is obviously going to have some differences when compared to the care and choosing of a conveyor belt meant to move produce.

First you must select the conveyor belt that can best meet the specifications of the system you are operating.Second, you must implement a maintenance program that continually assesses the productivity and condition of your conveyor belt.Third, the conveyor belt must be installed correctly if it is to work correctly.Failing to make well thought out decisions in any of the afore mentioned areas will result in future problems.Remember that inferior equipment produces an inferior product.

Five Things to Keep in Mind When Caring for and Choosing Conveyor Belts

1. Tension - Perhaps the most important thing that you need to know when caring for and choosing conveyor belts is what kind of belt tension or force your mechanisms will need. There are three main reasons why tension is important.First the tighter the tension is, the thinner the belt will be come.A thinner belt means that the force of friction can cause more damage.Second, belt tension needs to be such that it can bare the weight of the load that is going to be placed on it.Third, you need to know what kind of tension you will need to transport materials at various inclines.
2. Load Bearing Capabilities - In belt tension you need to make sure that the tension of the belt is able to withstand the weight of the product.Likewise if the belt itself is not made of a durable material the product will not be moved properly.For example, the belt used on the moving countertop at the grocery store would not hold an industrial machine part manufactured in a warehouse.Material load bearing capabilities can also change with temperature.A conveyor belt that is being utilized all day long is going to get hot.Hot belts can thin or warp, certainly two factors to avoid.
3. Flexibility - Sure a thick, hard strip is usually stronger than a thin flimsy one.But lighter weight and less width make for a more easily manipulated belt.Remember that the very definition of a conveyor belt is "two pulleys with one piece of looping material around them."You must have the flexibility if you want any kind of movement.
4. Regularly Inspect - Regularly assess the condition of old belts.As was previously alluded to, old and frequently used belts thin and break over time.Sometimes this problem is only solved by replacement.If, however, the belts are cared for regularly, additional strips of reinforcement material can be added to an old belt.Also, alterations can be made to the overall system to prolong the life of your conveyor belts.Sharper inclines and higher speeds tend to wear on a belt faster than less aggressive use.See if any small changes can be made to prolong the life of your equipment.
5. Belt Covers - The belts available to you will most likely consist of several layers.In most belts there is a top layer and a bottom layer.The top layer needs only to be protected from the materials placed on top of it.The bottom layer takes a lot more abuse from the pulley system due to friction.Consider the requirements that you will need.Keep in mid the purpose or application of the belt, the material make-up of the belt and the specific arrangement of the belt.

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