Belt Conveyor Systems

Dec 15
08:47

2009

Rupert Smith

Rupert Smith

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

This article briefly covers three points about belt conveyor systems in modern industry: how they save money, how many uses they have, and that they’re easily maintained.

mediaimage

Throughout the world,Belt Conveyor Systems Articles industries large and small need a way to move products, parts, and other materials across rooms and buildings and in and out of buildings and trucks. While the solution to these problems used to be extra workers, today the answer lies in belt conveyor systems. These sometimes complicated networks of motorized conveyor belts help with an assortment of industries. Often made of rubber, plastic, or other materials, conveyor belts have a number of applications and are suited to many jobs. From handling rocks and cement to food and parts, conveyor belts have several desirable features.

Save Money

Belt conveyor systems can save industries a lot of money on labor. The assembly line method of production began in the early 1900s, especially with the automotive industries moving into mass production. Workers being able to do their job and then send the part or product to the next stop on the line without leaving their post means more finished products by the end of the day. Conveyor belts can be customized as to speed and spacing for the ideal setup.

Flexible

As already mentioned, belt conveyor systems find a host of applications in modern industry. Some are networks for production lines, others are used to catch scrap and haul it away nice and neatly. Belt conveyors can be used for heavy loads, such as in aggregate industries. Aggregate belt conveyor impact beds absorb the force of the loads to protect the belt and keep it running smoothly for years. Smaller, lighter items such as plastic parts can also be sent down conveyors. Specialized belts with side guards can help keep such products on the line. There are magnetized belts that keep scrap from flying off the belt, steel belts that can carry hot and oily parts, cleated food grade belts for sanitary food processing and distribution. Belts can run in a straight line or curve, as conditions demand. Even if the space is tight, low profile conveyor belts are a specialty that are specifically designed to fit in tight quarters. Belts can even be spliced and joined together, such as in vulcanizing coal conveyor belts.

Maintaining

Belt conveyor systems should be checked regularly for wear and tear. They can crack and split, interrupting production and costing a company lots of money in the process. Depending on how they're used, this could lead to damaged parts, equipment, or especially people. Properly maintaining belts will prevent accidents on the job. If a belt is cracked, it may not have to be replaced entirely. Clamps can be used to hold a belt together if it cracks. Having a complete set of belt tools, including a splicing kit, on hand is essential. That way repairs can be made as needed without an entire belt replacement.

There seems to be no end to the uses of conveyor belts. An ingenious invention, they now keep many industries afloat and help companies produce en masse without all the labor costs. Belt conveyor systems help industries save money, they are flexible and adaptable to different environments and industries, and they are relatively easy to maintain.