Rubber conveyor belts are essential tools to carry goods, and they come in handy across several jobs and industries. Used in factories, food processing plants and even in the warehouse. Nonetheless, it is important to understand that not all conveyor belts made out of rubber are the same. There are various kinds of rubber conveyor belts, and each type has different designs, materials, and particular applications. This guide outline of the 3 ply rubber conveyor belts, which will help you determine which is best suited to your needs.
Flat belts — These types of conveyor belts are the most basic ones. They just move in a single direction continuously. A basic industrial application of flat belts is driving power-transport system in machines. They are also used in conveyor systems, mainly for the conveyance of lighter objects like a small box or a parcel. But they are not the most suitable option to transport heavy loads.
Modular belts: Modular belts are made up of many small pieces, either in plastic or rubber linked together. This gives you the capacity to swap out single pieces if necessary. They are widely used in food processing and packaging industries due to their cleanliness and safety of food. They can also be used in sorting and assembly lines to organize different items.
Cleated belts: Cleated belts feature a unique surface with raised bumps, known as cleats. They use these cleats to grip the materials and avoid slipping or sliding on the belt. Cleated belts can be very helpful for conveyor systems that transport items up or down an incline (think ramp). This makes them a good option for tasks where items need to be handled on slopes.
Type of Wire Mesh ConveyorBelts: Woven wire belts – these are manufactured by weaving strands of metal wire. That results in them being hardened and heat resistant. They are commonly found in roles that involve moving heavy material or where the heat can be extremely high. Still, they can be more difficult to clean and too rough for delicate materials.
When deciding which type of rubber conveyor belt to get, you have to be aware reasons why each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Flat belts, for example, are quite simple and affordable which is the reason they are widely used. Yet, they can not be used for heavy weights and also on inclines and slants. However, they can be pricey and may not accommodate every material, whereas cleated belts help grip better during slopes but also require appropriate attachment to the device for a good performance. Below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of various rubber conveyor belt types.
To conclude, there are numerous varieties of rubber conveyor belts available for assorted applications. Flat belts are easy and cheap only, not appropriate for heavy objects or steep slopes. While they are ideal for food processing and packaging applications, modular belts typically have a lower weight capacity when compared to other types of conveyor belting. On the other hand, cleated belts tend to have better grip and handling on inclines but may be more expensive. Even though woven wire belts are durable and suitable for high-temperature environments, they can suffer potential damage from fragile materials.
