All conveyor belts eventually require replacement. The frequency of belt replacement needed in your operation depends on your industry and belt application; the more use your belt endures, the more frequently it needs to be replaced. Many industrial companies keep new belts on hand so they can be replaced as needed with minimal downtime.
In this article, we’ll cover best practices for storing and sourcing conveyor belts to keep your manufacturing or material handling equipment running smoothly.
Conveyor Belt Storage Best Practices
Our team performs hundreds of site visits to our customers every year, and there are a few common mistakes we see with conveyor belt storage.
First, it’s critical to store conveyor belts upright. Manufacturers usually ship belts on an insert to help them hold shape during shipment. When possible, it’s best to leave this insert intact. Conveyor belts should always be hung on a pipe or rod during storage.
Next, it’s best to store conveyor belts covered and indoors to protect them from the elements. Moisture and sunlight are the enemy when it comes to belt storage. If you must store them outside, be sure they are covered to protect them from sunlight and rain.
Storing belts laid flat, sunlight exposure, and moisture can all cause a new conveyor belt to develop a camber, which is a slight convexity, arching, or curvature in the belt’s shape. Once a belt develops camber, nothing can be done to correct it. Camber will prevent the belt from riding straight along its pulleys and idlers, which will cause it to wear prematurely and lead to carryback and other issues during operation.
Best Practices for Sourcing Conveyor Belts
Vulcanized Spliced vs. Mechanical Spliced Conveyor Belts
There are two main methods for joining the ends of conveyor belts: vulcanization and mechanical splicing. A mechanical splice uses clips, bolts, or other hardware to join the two belt ends together, while a vulcanized splice involves melting and fusing the layers of the two belt ends together, essentially creating one continuous piece.
Vulcanization creates a stronger and more durable splice for a few reasons. First, the layers of the belt (the top cover, center or belt carcass, and bottom cover) are interwoven before heat is applied to fuse them. This layering is why vulcanized splicing is also sometimes called a “finger splice” — if you interlace the fingers of your left and right hand together, you can visualize how a vulcanized splice fuses the layers of a conveyor belt.
Mechanical splices are more common (and less costly) than vulcanized, but the splice points can be weaker areas that are prone to premature wear and even failure. The holes drilled through the belt while splicing can cause damage to the belt carcass which can affect belt performance over time, especially for heavy-duty or demanding applications.
If your conveyor system is in constant use or you have a heavier application, it’s likely worthwhile to invest in a belt with vulcanized splicing.
Conveyor Belt Cover Grades and Ratings
Several different grades and ratings of conveyor belt covers are defined by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
In the U.S., the RMA classifies belting covers into two grades: Grade 1 (RMA-I) offers superior tensile strength and elongation, providing better cut and gouge resistance than Grade 2 (RMA-II). However, this grade doesn't directly measure abrasion resistance.
ISO uses the following categories under ISO 10247: Category H for severe cut and gouge service, Category D for severe abrasion service, and Category L for moderate service. Category H aligns with RMA Grade 1, while D and L are comparable to RMA Grade 2. Additionally, specialized belting types exist for specific environments, like heat resistance or chemical exposure, making it essential to match belting choices to application demands.
With so many factors to consider when selecting the right belt for your application, it’s helpful to consult a conveyor expert before purchasing. Our team is well-versed in conveyor belt ratings, grades, and manufacturers and can guide you in making the best selection for your operation.
Offshore vs. Domestically Manufactured Conveyor Belts
As a rule, domestically manufactured conveyor belts are typically better quality than those manufactured offshore, therefore coming with a higher price tag. However, there are some offshore suppliers that produce with quality standards (we’ve seen a few Indonesian suppliers that produce good products, for example), so, depending on the demands of your application, an offshore belt may do an adequate job of meeting your needs.
No matter where you source your belts or what your requirements are, however, buying the right quality belt up front will help you avoid premature failure and downtime in the future.
Your Conveying System Experts
Looking for advice on belt replacement or conveyor system repair? Our team has decades of experience helping manufacturers in a variety of industries keep their material handling operations running smoothly. Contact us today to get in touch with an expert who can help solve your challenges!
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