Conveyor belts: types and differences of surface materials

As the core equipment of logistics transmission, the performance and stability of conveyor belts directly affect production efficiency. As an important part of conveyor belts, the type and selection of belt surface materials are related to the smooth operation of the entire production line. Today, let’s discuss the types and differences of conveyor belt surface materials to help you make more choices.

1. Rubber material: wear-resistant and oil-resistant, widely used

Rubber is one of the most common surface materials for conveyor belts. Its advantages are wear resistance, oil resistance, good elasticity, and can well adapt to the impact and friction of various materials during the conveying process. In addition, rubber belts also have good weather resistance and anti-aging properties, and can operate stably for a long time in harsh environments. However, rubber also has its shortcomings, such as limited tolerance to high temperatures, and easy deformation or aging at high temperatures.

2. PVC material: light, high strength, green and environmentally friendly

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a kind of conveyor belt surface material that has emerged in recent years. Compared with rubber, PVC has lighter weight, higher strength and better corrosion resistance. At the same time, PVC does not release harmful substances during the production process, which meets the requirements of green environmental protection. PVC belts are widely used in industries with high hygiene requirements such as food and medicine. However, PVC has poor tolerance to ultraviolet rays and is prone to aging when used outdoors for a long time.

3. PU material: soft, wear-resistant and excellent elasticity

PU (polyurethane) material is a soft, wear-resistant and extremely elastic conveyor belt surface material. Its unique molecular structure makes PU material have excellent wear resistance and tear resistance, and can maintain stable performance under harsh working conditions such as heavy load and high speed. In addition, PU material also has good chemical properties such as oil resistance, water resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and can adapt to various complex conveying environments. However, the price of PU material is relatively high, and its tolerance to high temperature is limited.

4. Nylon material: high strength, wear resistance

Nylon is favored for its high strength, wear resistance and excellent high temperature resistance. Nylon belts can withstand large tensile and impact forces, and are suitable for material transportation under harsh working conditions such as heavy loads and high speeds. In addition, nylon also has good corrosion resistance and aging resistance, and can be used for a long time in harsh environments. However, nylon is expensive, and process parameters such as temperature and humidity need to be strictly controlled during the production process.

5. Polyester material: light, high strength, wear-resistant

Polyester is a lightweight, high-strength, wear-resistant conveyor belt surface material. Its advantages are high strength and wear resistance, and it can maintain stable performance under heavy loads and high speeds. At the same time, polyester also has good chemical properties such as oil resistance and water resistance, and can adapt to various complex conveying environments. In addition, the price of polyester is relatively low, with a high cost-effectiveness. However, polyester has limited tolerance to high temperatures and is prone to deformation or aging at high temperatures.

6. How to choose the appropriate conveyor belt surface material?

When choosing the surface material of the conveyor belt, we need to consider the following factors:

  • Material properties: The weight, shape, friction coefficient and other factors of the material will affect the wear and service life of the belt. Therefore, the material properties need to be considered when selecting the belt surface material.
  • Working environment: Temperature, humidity, corrosiveness and other factors in the working environment will also affect the performance and service life of the belt. Therefore, the characteristics of the working environment need to be considered when selecting the surface material of the belt.
  • Conveying distance and speed: Conveying distance and speed will affect the belt’s carrying capacity and wear. When selecting the belt surface material, the conveying distance and speed requirements need to be considered.
  • Economy: Belts made of different materials have different prices. We need to choose the appropriate material based on actual needs and economy.

Choosing the right conveyor belt surface material requires consideration of many factors. Only by comprehensively considering factors such as material properties, working environment, conveying distance and speed, and economy can the most suitable belt material be selected to ensure smooth and long-term stable operation of the production line.