Conveyor Belt

A continuous flexible loop that transports bulk materials or unit loads over horizontal, inclined, or declined paths by running over a system of drums, idlers, and supporting structure. Two major categories: (1) Heavy-duty rubber belts with textile (EP, NN) or steel cord reinforcement for mining, quarrying, cement, and bulk handling — strengths 160-10,000 N/mm, widths 400-2,200 mm. (2) Light-duty belts with PVC, PU, silicone, or PE covers on polyester/cotton fabric for food processing, packaging, airports, and logistics — typically 1-4 plies. The belt is the single most expensive component of a conveyor system (30-50% of total cost). Selection based on: material type and tonnage, conveyor length and lift, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements. Key standards: ISO 14890 (heavy-duty covers), ISO 15236 (steel cord), DIN 22102 (textile), CEMA 7th Edition (design). Major global manufacturers: Continental, Bridgestone, Yokohama, Fenner Dunlop, Sempertrans, Bando.

What you need to know

A continuous flexible loop that transports bulk materials or unit loads over horizontal, inclined, or declined paths by running over a system of drums, idlers, and supporting structure.

Two major categories: (1) Heavy-duty rubber belts with textile (EP, NN) or steel cord reinforcement for mining, quarrying, cement, and bulk handling — strengths 160-10,000 N/mm, widths 400-2,200 mm.

(2) Light-duty belts with PVC, PU, silicone, or PE covers on polyester/cotton fabric for food processing, packaging, airports, and logistics — typically 1-4 plies.

The belt is the single most expensive component of a conveyor system (30-50% of total cost).

Selection based on: material type and tonnage, conveyor length and lift, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements.

Full definition

Conveyor belts are essential components in material handling systems, designed to transport bulk materials or unit loads efficiently across varying orientations, including horizontal, inclined, or declined paths. They consist of a continuous flexible loop that operates over a framework of drums, idlers, and supporting structures. The selection of a conveyor belt is critical as it influences the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the system. There are two main categories of conveyor belts: heavy-duty and light-duty. Heavy-duty belts are typically reinforced with materials such as textile (e.g., EP, NN) or steel cords, making them suitable for rugged applications in mining, quarrying, cement, and bulk handling. These belts can have tensile strengths ranging from 160 to 10,000 N/mm and are available in widths from 400 mm to 2,200 mm, accommodating substantial loads and harsh operational conditions.

On the other hand, light-duty conveyor belts are designed for applications such as food processing, packaging, airports, and logistics. These belts usually feature covers made from PVC, PU, silicone, or PE over a substrate of polyester or cotton fabric, typically comprising 1-4 plies. Light-duty belts prioritize hygiene and flexibility for diverse applications but do not possess the same load-bearing capacity as their heavy-duty counterparts. The choice of the belt directly impacts the total system cost, with belts representing approximately 30-50% of the total conveyor system cost. Key factors influencing the selection process include the type of materials being handled, conveyor length, lift height, environmental conditions, and compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.

Standards play a significant role in the design and manufacturing of conveyor belts. For heavy-duty belts, ISO 14890 specifies the requirements for rubber covers, while ISO 15236 outlines standards for steel cord belts. Additionally, DIN 22102 covers the specifications for textile conveyor belts, and CEMA’s 7th Edition provides guidelines for design considerations. Major global manufacturers of conveyor belts include Continental, Bridgestone, Yokohama, Fenner Dunlop, Sempertrans, and Bando.

What you need to know

Conveyor belts transport materials over horizontal, inclined, or declined paths.

Heavy-duty belts can have strengths from 160 to 10,000 N/mm and widths of 400-2,200 mm.

Light-duty belts typically feature 1-4 plies and use materials like PVC or PU for diverse applications.

Belt costs account for 30-50% of the total conveyor system expenditure.

Key standards include ISO 14890, ISO 15236, DIN 22102, and CEMA 7th Edition.

Industrial applications

1Mining and quarrying for transporting raw materials and aggregates.

2Cement manufacturing to handle bulk materials during production.

3Food processing and packaging for efficient product flow and hygiene.

4Airports for moving luggage and cargo through terminals.

5Logistics and warehousing for efficient sorting and distribution of goods.

Common mistakes

✕Selecting a belt without adequate consideration of tensile strength and load requirements.

✕Ignoring environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity that affect belt performance.

✕Failing to align the conveyor system correctly, leading to uneven wear and premature belt failure.

✕Neglecting regular maintenance and inspection, which can result in unexpected downtime.

Conveyor Belt

What you need to know

Full definition

What you need to know

Industrial applications

Common mistakes

Pro tip

Technical standards

Suppliers of conveyor belts in Mexico

Applicable standards