Conveyor belts are a necessity for many kinds of production businesses, from fruit packing to furniture production. Many businesses don't realize that using the wrong type of conveyor belt can lead to decreased productivity and slow down the manufacturing processing. There are five different types of conveyor belts, each of which is appropriate for a different kind of production. Use this guide to choose the most efficient conveyor belt for your purposes. Whichever belt you select, be sure to learn about the safety requirements and maintenance needed to keep your conveyor belts in good shape:

General purpose belts

General purpose conveyor belts are made from an inner, mechanical conveying system covered with a low-conductivity material such as rubber or polyurethane. The covering material makes these conveyor belts low friction and appropriate for a bulk handling of goods. The general purpose conveyor belt is a good choice if you produce and handle a range of products in your factory, as it is appropriate for transporting many types of goods. However, if you want to maximize efficiency and only make one type of product, choosing a more specifically tailored conveyor belt is a better choice. 

Flat wire belting

Flat wire belting is ideal for food handling. The gaps in between the wires allow steam to escape and stop condensation from forming, so even warm food can be transported using these belts. Other uses for these belts include sorting small parts and canning food. 

Woven wire belting

Woven wire conveyor belts are most efficient for use in very high or low-temperature environments. Commonly used in the electronics industry, they are capable of withstanding high heats for tasks such as glass sealing. Alternatively, the gaps between the wires make them a useful tool for dewatering food. 

Plastic belting 

Plastic conveyor belts include a covering usually made of a synthetic mat. They are lightweight, which means they can be less durable than other metal belts, but they are perfect for more delicate materials such as clothing or pharmaceutical products. Replacing the synthetic covering is a great way to upgrade your plastic belting if it is suffering from wear and tear. 

Hinged metal belting

Most often used in industrial machine production, hinged metal conveyor belts are ideal for heavyweight items. They can carry a large load and are very resistant to high heats which may occur in the manufacturing process. Scrap removal and die cast operations are the most popular uses of these conveyor belts. 

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