How Conveyor Belt Systems Work and the Uses of this Belt System

Conveyor systems are designed to transport materials while utilizing assemblies or mechanical devices. You can read more about this system on this page here.

The transport takes minimal effort, and there are different kinds of systems available in many industries. Generally, the main types are frames supported by wheels, rollers, or belts that move one material from one place to another. This is commonly powered by gravity or a motor, and other people do the transfer manually.

Each system will require different modules to do specific tasks or do their functions properly. The various functions can depend on the speed, weight, and rate of the creation of a product. Overall, the system can consist of two or more pulleys with endless loops of the carrying medium. One pulley will be powered, and the belt will move forward along the system.

​

Important Specifications of Conveyor Belt System to Know

Maximum Capacity of the Load

The flow rate matters, and the maximum load capacity is associated with unit length. Values can be fixed lengths for conveyors that are purpose-built.

Unit Length Load Capacity

This is an attribute often offered by manufacturers where the conveyors are usually specified into custom lengths. The users are permitted to determine loading margins in the process.

Throughput

Throughput is the measurement of the conveyor’s capacity to handle bulk products or powdered materials. This is often measured in volumes per unit time. An example is a cubic foot per minute. Some of the attributes that apply to these are screw, vibrating, vacuum, and bucket.

Rate Speed

The systems are typically rated in terms of how they can transport a material easily. This is measured in ft/min, while the rollers may be described in linear velocities that describe milk cartons, packages, and more.

​

Important Functions of the Conveyor Belt System

Many people may want to know about the uses of a typical conveyor belt. The primary function of conveyor belts is to move an object from Point A to Point B. The goal is to move several products at a time without needing a lot of effort.

These systems are often used in many industries, and companies make sure that they are purchasing from highly rated suppliers for more durable materials.

In industries like food, the system will bring a product through a packaging or manufacturing line, and they will be back out in no time. The two categories where the belts can fall are heavyweight and lightweight.

In terms of lightweight belting, manufacturers are designed to handle materials in different industries. Generally, the system has a work tension of less than 160 lbs./in of width. There are four main types of light-duty conveyor systems, and they are as follows.

• Non-woven
• Solid Plastic
• Lightweight rubber
• Thermoplastic covered

There are a lot of industries that use lightweight types, including pharmaceuticals, food, unit package handling, and paper goods.

For tougher and heavier products, a heavyweight conveyor belting with at least 160 lbs. per inch or more is used. The system is used for various applications, including the transport of heavy and bulky materials.

The suppliers for these types of belts will often advise the users to coat the system with PTFE to be more durable and able to withstand higher temperatures.

Most industries that use heavyweight belting include manufacturing, mining, high-temperature food processing, recycling of waste, etc.

​

Applications and Uses of Conveyor Belt System

• Reliably transport a large number of materials like milk cartons and beverages in a short period of time
• Materials are stacked at the end of the belt or the transportation lines
• There’s a process of streamlining from Point A to Point B
• Products can move horizontally and vertically, and a higher degree of flexibility often exists

​

Some of the advantages are

• The labor, productivity, and time are greatly enhanced while the products are produced massively
• Workers won’t be injured easily or experience back pain because of heavyweights and carrying a load
• Products are easily transferred from one place to another
• Simple maintenance for the conveyor systems and the materials often last for a long time

​

Applications of the Conveyor Belt System

You can see the conveyor systems in almost a lot of industries, including mining, pharmaceuticals, air travel, and food processing. Learn more about food processing in this link here.

In airports, the belt is the way for the passengers to get their luggage, and they can always expect them to come back if they have missed one. In the pharmaceuticals industry, the system is used to transport medical supplies or cardboard boxes of medicine for distribution and packaging.

In mining, many materials need to be transported through narrow caves and tunnels along steep slopes.

Most of the edible products go through their manufacturing cycle through a conveyor system in the food processing industry. These items are generally rolled, spread, sliced, fried, glazed, and powdered while they are rolling on the belt.

Many business owners became more efficient because they could save hours of manpower and time in the process. The goods and food move seamlessly from start to finish, and they do it in large quantities.

The quality is often more uniformed than doing each step manually, and there’s always quality control to check the products.

Know that there are many requirements and specifications if you need to get a conveyor system for your business. The broad range of industries that this equipment can cover are endless.

You may have a bakery, ice cream plant, shipyard, or power plants that want to have a more efficient process. If this is the case, your go-to are the suppliers that can get you all that you need.

If you are in the market for new belts or you’re looking for maintenance services, there are companies that you can search online to help you out. Some are offering customized belt fabrication, and you can consult with them about your needs.

Others have installation and repair services. The experts will share their knowledge and expertise so you can keep moving with your business. If you need suppliers, there are many options to choose from, so be sure to do research.