3 Things To Consider When Investing In A Conveyor Belt
Posted on: 7 April 2020
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Conveyor belts are used in many industries to help transport product components through an assembly line. If you are thinking of having a conveyor belt system fabricated for your company, there are some important considerations that must be made before fabrication can begin.
Give thought to each of these factors so that your conveyor belt can provide maximum assistance for your company in the future.
1. Product Characteristics
The first thing you will need to consider when investing in a new conveyor belt system is the type of product that your company will be manufacturing on an assembly line. The materials used to create the conveyor belt will vary based on the unique properties of your products.
If your products will feature metal stamping, a hard urethane conveyor belt will help prevent gouges. If you plan to transport dough on your conveyor belt, then you will need a belt with a surface that has good dough release capabilities.
By understanding the unique characteristics of your product, you can easily identify the conveyor belt material that will be best suited to transport your products down an assembly line.
2. Pulley System Design
Another important consideration when investing in a conveyor belt system is the design of your pulley system. Many conveyor belts are fabricated with a minimum bend radius. This can affect the performance of the belt when it is attached to your pulley system.
You want a belt with a bend radius small enough to accommodate the smallest pulley in your assembly line. The design of your conveyor belt should also be based on the route it will take through the pulley system.
A belt that takes a circuitous route with many backbends will need to be more durable than a belt taking a more straightforward route within your pulley system.
3. Potential for Contamination
Contamination is an issue that must be addressed when investing in a conveyor belt system.
Oil, dirt, grease, and other contaminants can easily cause tracking issues with your conveyor belt. You will need to identify any potential contamination that might occur within your facility so that you can design a conveyor belt system capable of tracking properly at all times.
Some materials are more capable of withstanding contamination, while others may need to be replaced often if contamination is a threat. Work closely with your fabrication specialist to determine which conveyor belt system will integrate well into your facility.
To learn more, contact a company like Transco Northwest Inc.