Material-Handling Equipment: Choosing an Ideal Conveyor Belt
The term 'material handling equipment' is used to refer to diverse mechanical machinery used in manufacturing, processing and distribution industries. The equipment can be designed and fabricated to facilitate the movement, quality control and storage of goods. One of the important machines in this category is the belt conveyor system. This is a bulk material handling mechanical machine which can move goods conveniently. They are important in diverse operations, particularly during packaging, sorting and distribution tasks. Here are the main elements that you should evaluate before selecting an ideal conveyor belt.
Fabrication Design
The conveyor belts are fabricated in different ways to facilitate efficient movement of goods along the surface. The ideal choice for your operation depends on the type of goods to be handled. You can choose flat and smooth conveyor belts, which are designed from plastic fabrics such as nylon, polyester, neoprene and polyvinyl chloride. These are non-porous and uniform, and they can be used to handle general purpose tasks in sectors such as food production, pharmaceuticals and packaging.
Woven wire conveyor belts are also popular because they allow water and air to flow freely around the belts. They are also ideal for use when the environment experiences extreme temperatures. They are used in food production during washing, dewatering, baking and blanching. In the metal fabrication sector, the belts can be used in general conveyance, heat treatment as well as quenching. There are other belt designs including flat wire and hinged metal belts, so explore your options before making the final choice.
Load Capacity
You should consider the maximum weight rating for different conveyor belts before purchasing your ideal system. There are different factors to consider when evaluating this aspect in your operation. Generally, you will need to consider the production rate in your factory and the maximum number of load units that can fit on the potential conveyor belt at any one point. Ideally, you should choose a belt that exceeds your current production rate to limit the need to replace the system immediately as the operation grows. It is prudent to request for a professional load assessment for accuracy.
Cleanliness
It is important to think about the potential cleanliness of the conveyor belts, especially in the food production industry. You should choose a product which has practical features that enhance the cleaning aspects of the belt. For instance, you should consider purchasing a belt with an antimicrobial coating that discourages bacterial growth. Additionally, the surface should not have crevices and cracks that will harbour microorganisms and general dirt.
Share