Full definition
EP (Polyester-Nylon) is a type of textile reinforcement fabric predominantly used in modern conveyor belts. The designation 'EP' indicates that the woven fabric consists of polyester (PET) yarns in the warp direction, providing low elongation and high modulus, while nylon (polyamide 6 or 6.6) yarns are used in the weft direction, contributing to high impact absorption and superior tear resistance. This combination leads to a belt that exhibits excellent dimensional stability and flexibility, outperforming all-nylon (NN) belts in stretch control and all-polyester (PP) belts in toughness. As a result, EP fabrics have become the standard in the conveyor belt industry, replacing older materials like cotton and NN in new belt manufacturing processes globally.
The performance characteristics of EP belts are quantified by their strength ratings, which are specified per ply. The ratings include EP100, EP125, EP160, EP200, EP250, EP315, EP400, and EP500, measured in N/mm per ply. For instance, a belt designated as EP400/3 consists of three plies of EP400 fabric, yielding a total breaking strength of 1,200 N/mm. These specifications are crucial for engineers and procurement managers when selecting belts for specific applications, ensuring they choose a product that meets the operational demands of their systems.
EP fabric is typically rubber-skimmed (calendered) before being integrated into the belt carcass, which enhances inter-ply adhesion. This process is essential for achieving the durability and reliability expected from conveyor systems, especially in industries where heavy loads and harsh operating conditions are commonplace. The use of EP materials complies with global standards such as ISO 14890 and DIN 22102, ensuring that the belts not only meet performance expectations but also adhere to recognized quality benchmarks.