What is a Conveyor Belt?
It is a material handling system that transfers supplies, materials, and components easily and in a less expensive, time-consuming, and energy-intensive way. The conveyor material loops over two motorized pulleys that are part of the conveyor belt design. It begins to move when the pulleys start moving at the same speed and in the same direction.
How do Conveyor Belts work?
Many industrial operations depend on conveyor belts to function correctly. A conveyor belt is a sizable belt that looks like a giant rubber band and is connected to rollers in the shape of a loop by motor-driven rotors. The material used in the designer circular conveyor belt is solid and durable.
The belt’s construction offers support and traction for the movement of materials and commodities.
Motor
The motor on the conveyer belt turns the rotors. The strap can adhere to the rotor because there is enough friction between them. One side of the belt moves in one direction due to the rotors’ turning motion, while the other moves in the opposite direction. The conveyor belt moves as a result of the various actions.
Pulleys
There are pulleys at either end of the conveyor belt or close to the driving motor. The driving pulley, which has outer bearings and power by a motor and reducer, moves the conveyor belt. Pulleys can be flat-faced, crowned, or have lagged edges to prevent belt slippage.
At the end of the conveyor bed are return or tail pulleys, which have internal bearings and direct the conveyor belt back to the drive pulley. The tail pulleys’ job is to maintain the conveyor belt’s tension.
Rollers
Rollers support conveyor belt materials as they travel along the belt and aid the belt’s return. A roller’s center shaft contains a spring-retained axle used to install and remove the roller. The positioning and arrangement of the rollers allow the conveyor belt to move with less force.
Uses for Conveyor Belts
Any industry that transfers goods or materials from one location in a facility to another uses conveyor belts. Since one can take parts and components using hand trucks, a more complex conveying system may be optional in small production operations where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are key. Larger, more complicated facilities need an automated system for productivity, efficiency, and time savings.
Conveyor belts come in a wide range of sizes and applications, from tiny conveyors used to transport jewelry and precious stones to enormous conveyors that remove boulders, coal, and rocks. A belt conveying system will likely be adopted when quick and affordable material moving is required.
Bulk Materials
Bulk conveyor belts move both big lumps of material and minimal, granular materials: belt conveyors transport and load gravel, sand, and cement. Belt conveyors of different lengths collect waste and minerals from the processes.
Ship Loading and Unloading
The ability to move about is essential for loading and unloading ships. A belt conveying system used for loading unloads vehicles and transports cargo into a ship’s hold. The process reversed for unloading, and items are transferred from the ship and delivered to cars. Belt conveyors for loading and unloading can adjust telescopically to the vessel’s height. It is due to the peculiarities of shipping and the many types of boats.
Line Automated Assembly
Conveyor systems used in assembly activities function to match the various technological advancements and operational requirements as more and more assembly operations use robotics and automated processes.
Chain, slider, hinged, plastic belt, and pallet conveyors are among the belt conveyors used in automated assembly lines. The growing need for quick and effective material transfer has mandated the development of novel and distinctive belt conveyor configurations.
Luggage Transport
All airport operations require belt conveyors to transfer parcels, freight, and luggage quickly and effectively. A belt conveying system must be able to accommodate the requirements of all other handling and inspection systems to be successfully integrated into airport material handling.
Airport belt conveyor systems must meet requirements for dependability, quiet operation, attractive appearance, safety, and ease of maintenance. Every belt conveyor system at an airport is custom-made and created to meet the unique needs of the airport’s layout, including requirements for angles, flow rate, and one- or two-way operation.
How to make Conveyor Belts?
Any conveyor belt, regardless of the material used to make it, is intended to transport goods, supplies, materials, and other items quickly and easily from one location to another.
Conveyor belts come in a wide range of materials, but they all fall into one of five groups: metal, plastic, rubber, fabric, and leather. Within each category, some variants and subgroups result in numerous types.
Plastic Conveyor Belt
Plastic conveyor belts are thin, temperature-resistant belts made of thermoplastic materials like silicone, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, and polyester. Plastic conveyor belts include interlocking segments that enable them to move in any direction and bend, curve, slope, or decline. Plastic conveyor belts with interlocks are an alternative to cloth and metal belts.
Metal Conveyor Belt
Conveyor belts made of woven metal or plates are incredibly flat, rigid, sturdy, and long-lasting. Over time, they do not deform, stretch, or alter their shape. Metal conveyor belts don’t have any bends, turns, or variances in their path; they move in a straight line. They are highly durable and constructed of carbon steel, aluminum, or stainless steel.
Rubber Conveyor Belt
Due to its abrasion resistance, rubber has long been used as a conveyor belt material and is one of the more durable options. Conveyor belts are of neoprene, nitrile, or styrene butadiene rubber, all of which include fabric reinforcement.
Rubber’s resilience makes it perfect for use in challenging environments where abrasion resistance and impact absorption are required. Rubber cannot stretch or deform due to the cloth reinforcement.
Fabric Conveyor Belt
For short conveying systems with a lesser capacity, fabric conveyor belts are a cost-effective option. The belt comprises many layers of synthetic textiles with polyester threads running longitudinally and polyamide threads running crosswise that have undergone specific elongation prevention treatment. The two thread patterns combined offer a remarkable tensile strength-to-weight ratio, flexibility, and chemical and impact resistance.
Several grades of rubber are used as cover materials to satisfy the requirements of various conveying applications. Fabric conveyor belts come with rubber cover grades, making them resistant to wear, heat, and fire.
The following are the different varieties of fabric conveyor belts: • intense Nylon heat and impact resistant, and won’t mildew.
- Polyester – has all the qualities of nylon but is more affordable and quieter to use.
- Kevlar – runs faster and longer than conventional materials, is impact-resistant flame retardant, and is constructed of dense fibers.
- Natural – made of cotton and wool weaved together.
