Conveyor belts are machine parts that facilitate the handling of loose materials, aggregates, agricultural, bakery, construction and industrial products. Their application is quite diverse, which is why many technologically different types have been created. Direct contact of the tape with the product means that they also have to be adapted to the characteristics of the material.
Division due to the construction of machines
Different types of machines require different tapes. They are necessary in asphalt milling machines, bitumen pavers, straw and hay balers and briquette production lines. Belts must be resistant to contact with the transported materials due to sharp edges or abrasive properties. In terms of the method of connection, the following are distinguished:
- welded tapes,
- glued tapes,
- mechanically bonded tapes,
- endless tapes.
Their selection depends on the conveyors. Some belts work by using guide rollers, and others by using profiled troughs or tables. In addition, they also adapt to speed and load.
Division due to the specificity of the workplace
Profiled belts are used to transport products that need special guidance. For the vulcanization of profiles, specific rubber compounds are used, which, depending on the purpose, have wear-resistant, oil-resistant, temperature-resistant properties, etc. They are often equipped with additional elements such as thresholds, collectors, guides or side valances. Threshold tapes are used before moving products on their own over a difference in levels of more than 22 degrees . In terms of the arrangement and shape of the thresholds, there are two basic groups:
- chevron type tapes – the sill pattern resembles the letter “Y” with a double lower extension with a small gap. Due to the desired width, type of load and angle of inclination, belts of this type are available in various modifications.
- Herringbone tapes – their pattern resembles the letter “V”. Depending on the specificity of the load, they are produced with different opening angles. They are usually between 15 and 45 degrees. Additionally, they can be equipped with longitudinal thresholds.
Some workplaces require belts to meet additional requirements. That is why it stands out:
- high temperature resistant tapes,
- oil-resistant tapes (used e.g. in metallurgical plants),
- wear-resistant belts (for transporting coke or phosphate rock),
- flame retardant tapes (used e.g. in heating plants or waste incineration plants),
- tapes for working in a humid environment,
- tapes intended for contact with food,
- tapes for working with harmful chemicals.
As you can see, there can be many divisions. Although there are general standards, manufacturers adapt their products to specific customer requirements, and these can vary greatly.