Full definition
A wear-resistant coating applied to the surface of conveyor drive drums and, in some cases, non-drive drums to increase the friction coefficient (traction), protect the drum shell from abrasion, and channel water and fines away from the contact zone. Types: (1) Smooth rubber — 6-12 mm, for dry, clean conditions, COF ~0.35. (2) Diamond-grooved rubber — the industry standard, diagonal grooves channel water/fines, COF ~0.40, suitable for most wet/dry conditions. (3) Chevron-grooved — V-pattern grooves for very wet conditions. (4) Ceramic tile — alumina tiles (92-95% Al₂O₃, 1,500+ HV) embedded in rubber, highest COF (0.40-0.45), longest life (3-10x rubber), for wet, abrasive, and high-tension applications. Installation: cold-bonded (adhesive, field-applied) or hot-vulcanized (factory or press-applied, strongest bond). Rubber hardness: 60-70 Shore A. Per CEMA and DIN 22101 recommendations. Brands: Rema Tip Top, Flexco, ASGCO, Elastotec. Bare steel drums (COF ~0.25) are inadequate for most applications and cause belt slip, wear, and overheating.