What are the different types of metal conveyor belts?

What are the different types of metal conveyor belts?

Metal conveyor belts are classified based on the types of metals used in their construction. These metals contribute to the belts' strength, capacity, and overall durability. Additionally, the design of metal conveyor belts varies significantly, encompassing different belt types and the mechanisms that power them.

Metal Slat Conveyor Belts

Metal slat conveyor belts are made from metal slats, typically ranging in depth from 4 inches to 6 inches (10.2 cm to 15.2 cm) and thickness from 1 inch to 2 inches (2.5 cm to 5 cm). The width of these slats varies according to the conveyor bed width, with options from 28 inches to 50 inches (71 cm to 127 cm). These conveyors are known for their high capacity and are well-suited for handling challenging loads, including hot components, oily parts, or items with sharp edges. The slats move along a low friction roller chain that supports them as they travel.

Metal slat conveyor belts feature slats secured between chains with bolts, creating a robust and level surface. This design ensures a stable, flat platform ideal for moving assemblies during production and assembly tasks. Metal slat conveyors offer exceptional strength and deliver reliable performance even under heavy load conditions.

Metal slat conveyors, despite having smooth, flat surfaces, are capable of handling incline and curve conveying tasks. This functionality is due to the friction between the slats and their loads, combined with the weight of the loads themselves. A motor powers a chain that moves the slats, creating a cycle akin to that of conventional conveyor belts.

Metal slat conveyors come in various types to suit different needs. Standard slat conveyors are ideal for handling small to medium loads and provide orientation control without accumulation. For heavy-duty applications, especially in the automotive industry, heavy-duty slat conveyors are commonly used. They efficiently transport large, cumbersome, and irregular materials at slower speeds for production processes.

An apron conveyor, utilized prominently in the mining sector, features a distinctive design with interlocking metal plates and sealed edges. This creates a continuous, leak-proof trough that is driven by a chain mechanism. Often referred to as pan conveyors, apron conveyors are ideal for managing feed discharge without any spillage.

Wire Mesh Metal Conveyor Belt

A wire mesh conveyor belt refers to various styles of mesh belts, each with unique weaves, patterns, and designs. Due to their versatile construction, these belts can be tailored for different applications. From tightly woven to loosely woven configurations, each type is engineered to meet specific operational needs or requirements.

Compound Balanced Conveyor Belts – Compound balanced conveyor belts have left and right-hand spirals that are compounded together to make a tightly woven flat conveying surface. The tight weave prevents materials from falling through the openings in the weave. As with many of the various types of mesh conveyor belts, compound balanced weave conveyor belts are produced with a wide variety of weaves with each type following a basic pattern or structure.

The manufacture of compound balanced conveyor belts involves a set of precision steps that ensure the quality of the belt and the structure of its weave. Flipping the sections of the belt during production enhances the structure of the belt and ensures that it will track properly. If a compound balanced conveyor belt is properly assembled, it should have variations in color between each of its sections, a factor that guarantees the quality of the weave and the belt.

Compound Balanced Weave Conveyor Belt

Balanced Metal Weave Conveyor Belt – Balanced metal weave conveyor belts have right and left-hand spirals that are joined by a crimped connector for each spiral row. The edges of the belt are welded and are available in a limitless number of mesh choices, which are dependent on the application for which the belt will be used. Although balanced metal weave conveyor belts may seem similar to compound balanced weave conveyor belts, the weave of balanced metal weave conveyor belts is less dense, a factor that will allow small pieces to fall through the belt.

The choices of types of balanced metal weave conveyor belts includes the number of spirals per foot, the gauge of connector wires, spiral wire gauge, and second connectors per foot. To further meet the specific needs of an application, spiral pitch and various belt widths are available with pitches ranging from 12 up to 144 and widths of pitches ranging from 3 in up to 0.25 in. Gauges of wire for balanced metal weave conveyor belts range from 1 up to 144 with custom connectors and spirals available on demand.

Gratex Metal Conveyor Belt – Gratex metal conveyor belts have very closely wound spirals connected with a straight metal rod. They have a semi closed mesh, which makes them capable of transporting very small parts. Gratex metal conveyor belts are a compromise between compound metal conveyor belts and balanced metal conveyor belts in that they are woven like balanced conveyor belts but not as loose and more like compound balanced conveyor belts.

The metal rod connector of gratex metal conveyor belts provides stronger connection between the weaves of the mesh, which produces the semi closed structure. It is this factor that makes gratex metal conveyor belts capable of carrying smaller parts and heavier loads.

Chain Link Metal Conveyor Belt - Chain link metal conveyor belts have a simple design that features spiral coils interwoven to create a wire mesh that has knuckle or welded edges. The successive interwoven spiral wires have the appearance of a chain linked fence. The design of chain link metal conveyor belts makes them economical and ideal for lightweight conveying applications.

The three types of chain link metal conveyor belts are standard, reinforced, and double reinforced. Standard chain link conveyor belts have large open areas that allow for easy air flow for heating, cooling, and drying applications. Reinforced chain link metal conveyor belts are sturdier, have less open space, and are built for more rugged applications. Of the three types, double reinforced chain link metal conveyor belts have extremely small openings for superior strength and durability.

Ladder Belt

Ladder conveyor belts, also referred to as rod conveyor belts, are constructed with cross rods linked together by S-shaped hooks, chain links, and U-shaped links. To enhance the belt's strength, a ring is welded to each cross rod. Visually, a ladder belt resembles a series of small ladders interconnected to form a flat, open surface. These metal conveyor belts are powered by a sprocket drive that engages with the edges of the links.

Primarily used in bakeries, ladder belts are made from materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or galvanized steel, which can endure temperatures up to 300°C (572°F). The diameter of the wires in ladder belts ranges from 0.9 mm to 2.35 mm, with a pitch spanning from 4.24 mm to 20.32 mm. They come in various widths to accommodate different applications.

Eyelink Metal Conveyor Belt

An eyelink metal conveyor belt is made up of eyelink components, which are wire segments featuring eye-shaped ends. To assemble these belts, the eye-shaped ends of the wires are connected to rods that pass through the center of each eye. The belt also includes plate links, which are small, flat, rounded plates with holes near the rounded edges. These holes accommodate rods, allowing the plates to evenly distribute the load across the conveyor belt and support the entire structure.

Eyelink conveyor belts, like other metal conveyor belts, vary in structure and manufacturing methods. They can be classified into several types: welded, pressed, full, spring-wrapped rod, and those featuring bushings and washers between the eyelinks. Additionally, side finishings may include welded edges, chain edges, guide plate edges, plastic block edges, or edge plates.

Honeycomb Metal Conveyor Belt

Honeycomb metal conveyor belts, also referred to as flat wire belts, feature flat metal strips with crimped edges connected by rods welded at the borders. These crimped strips create a lattice structure, through which straight round rods are inserted. The defining characteristic of honeycomb metal conveyor belts is their flat surface, which allows for easy cleaning and straightforward replacement of damaged sections.

Honeycomb metal conveyor belts are perfect for processes like washing, cooling, drying, and cooking due to their open design. These belts are not only lightweight but also strong and durable, and they operate efficiently with a sprocket drive system.

Flexible Rod Metal Conveyor Belts

Flexible rod metal conveyor belts feature alternating spiral patterns linked together with rods and chain links on either side. These belts are secured by button heads. Designed for versatility, flexible rod metal conveyor belts can handle spirals, curves, circles, and straight runs. Their side flexibility allows for installation around obstacles and structural elements within a building.

Flexible rod metal conveyor belts are built for exceptional strength and durability, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. They are engineered to navigate around obstacles effortlessly. Additionally, their flexibility can be customized to meet specific application requirements or manufacturing processes by adjusting the belt’s turning radii.

Biscuit Baking Conveyor Belt

Biscuit baking conveyor belts, also referred to as rolled baking bands or Z belts due to their Z-shaped spiral design, are constructed from lightweight and thin metal spirals. These belts feature low thermal inertia and exceptional durability, ensuring optimal airflow for efficient baking.

Biscuit baking conveyor belts are manufactured by compressing spiral woven mesh through rollers, similar to roll forming techniques. This compression results in a smooth, flat surface with a thin, lightweight construction. The final product is both strong and low in mass. These conveyor belts are driven by friction from a large drum positioned at the end of the conveyor system.

Biscuit baking conveyor belts are designed to transport dough through the baking cycle and can endure temperatures as high as 275°C (527°F). These belts are engineered to deliver consistent heat distribution across both their width and length. The different types of biscuit baking conveyor belts are classified by their Z specifications, which include variations in wire gauge, mesh size, and belt weight.

Flat Metal Conveyor Belts

Flat metal conveyor belts are crafted from metal sheets formed into a continuous belt. Although they resemble conveyor belts made from fabric, plastic, or other materials, these belts consist of interconnected metal sheets, often stainless steel. They offer a flat, smooth surface that ensures the conveyed products maintain their finish. Unlike mesh metal conveyor belts, flat metal versions do not feature gaps or openings.

Initially, conveyor belts were designed as flat belts, suited for a wide range of uses. Flat metal conveyor belts, distinct from wire mesh types, are specialized for tasks needing a robust, even surface. These belts are ideal for applications requiring a smooth, durable material that protects the transported items from damage.

Flat Metal Conveyor Belt

There are numerous metal conveyor belt options available from manufacturers, and the ones mentioned here represent just a fraction of what is offered. Often, clients work closely with manufacturers to create custom conveyor belts tailored to specific applications or processes. The appeal of metal conveyor belts lies in their strength, durability, flexibility, and extended lifespan. They are designed to last for many years with minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective choice for handling and moving products.