Choose the Right Belting for your Needs
The type of belting mounted on your conveyor can make a world of difference in how it performs for your needed tasks. Mini-Mover Conveyors recognizes the need to offer many options since our conveyors cover many applications.
Conveyor belting can be made of many types of materials, each having different performance characteristics. Typically, the belting choices for Mini-Mover conveyors are rubber or plastic compounds and lined with one or more layers of fabric. Our conveyor belts may be made such materials as urethane, nitrile or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or treated synthetic fabric.
Each type of belting material has different operating behaviors. When selecting a belt material, compare the working environment of your application with the belting in question. [ Mini-Mover Conveyors simplifies this with a matrix on its website: Select Belts and Cleats
Here are some primary consideration when selecting belting material:
- Temperature range: Is your operating environment or your conveyed product very hot or cold?
- Chemical Resistance: Will the belt material be routinely exposed to harsh chemicals?
- Surface behavior: Does your conveyed product need to slide along easily (e.g., accumulation, sortation), or does it need to have some adhesive properties to hold product still? (e.g. pick-and-place, label printing)
- Surface texture: Does the belt need to be thick and cushiony, reasonably thin or have a patterned surface for improved grip or protection of the product?
- Belt color: does the belt need to be dark to avoid stains or reflection (eg., ink-jet printing, vision systems) or light/transparent (e.g., backlit applications)?
- Electrical characteristics: Does the belting need special anti-static properties (e.g., for electrical products being conveyed)?
- Food handling: Will the belting convey raw or packaged foods on its surface? (FDA-approved belting needed)
- Cleanliness: Will the conveyor used used in a clean-room or lab environment? (Sealed belt edges needed to reduce particulates)
If you’re unsure or want more ideas, give Mini-Mover a call at 1-800-586-4585.
Many Belting Options with Mini-Mover Conveyors