Conveyor belting components are some of the most important in all the industrial, manufacturing, and processing industries. The belts are tasked with transporting products and items and require several key characteristics including durability, strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. However, when it comes to choosing your own model, the question always remains—which ones are the best of the best? Read on to learn what the best general-purpose conveyor belt material is for your applications.
Rubber
One of the first noteworthy material contenders for ideal conveyor belt performance is rubber. This solid compound works great for general material handling purposes including assembly lines, luggage transport, and packing. Many decline and incline conveyor belts even make use of this substance because of its ability to grip items to carry them at sharp angles. However, it’s important to note that rubber belts can sustain significant abrasive damage when working with heavy processing materials like rock or metal.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a popular thermoplastic polymer that makes a great choice for your general-use conveyor belts. This material is particularly effective when working with food products as it has high physical resistance to oils and chemicals. It also holds up well in heated or moist environments and has high amounts of tensile strength to help prevent breakage.
Urethane
Urethane is useful because of its flexibility and sanitary properties. This polymer has a superior elastic memory, allowing it to continually stretch and return to form despite the stressors of the working environment. It also requires less cleaning to maintain, which is useful if it’s used in a sanitary environment where food is handled. All these characteristics give urethane belts the longest overall lifespans of any conveyor material.
So, ultimately, the best general-purpose conveyor belt material for you will depend on your circumstances. These components are at the focal point of a multitude of different industries, from food processing to metal handling. As such, all materials will have their own set of benefits and drawbacks based on the environment you expose them to. Taking your industry into account will be essential to picking between these resources and making an informed decision.
For more information about these materials, or others, reach out to Texas Belting and Supply. We carry conveyor belts from a variety of reputable vendors and cater to a diverse range of industries. As such, we’re confident that we can help you find the best all-around conveyor belt to meet your specific requirements.