How to Select the Right Conveyor Belt - JM Industrial

A conveyor belt is one important parts of the conveyor system which contributes to the progress of the industrial sector. It is widely used for distribution, transportation, and handling of materials in warehouse, assembly lines and many other places such as airports. Conveying various types of materials including sand, coal, and grains have become easy because of this efficient device. The conveyor belt is used in various industries such as manufacturing and packaging industries, food producing industries, power plants, textiles industries, and more.

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The conveyor system won’t function well if your conveyor belt is weak or stiff. To keep your system running effortlessly, you need to choose an appropriate conveyor belt. With so many choices out there, how you are going to select the right belt for your system? Here are some important tips that will help you to make an easy decision.

Factors to Consider While Selecting a Conveyor Belt

Various things come into consideration while choosing a conveyor belt for a project or system. The first key point to consider is the type of material used to construct the belt. The conveyor belt is made from various materials such as rubber, polyester, leather, nylon and more. Several key considerations are:

• Dimensions: There’s a lot that goes into selecting an appropriate conveyor belt for your system, but some of the most important considerations are the length and width of the belt. Taking care of the accurate dimensions for your belt is imperative to the best belt selection. The process of gathering dimensions enables your belting representative to rule out some belt constructions.
• Product Specifications: Listing the type of products being conveyed on the conveyor belt is a critical step in selecting the best belting option for your application. Significant details include the weight, size, and type of the products being conveyed.
• Weight: The weight of the product is one of the important considerations while selecting an appropriate belt because heavy materials can bend or wrap the belt. To keep the system running properly you will need to determine the weight of your product.
• Size: The size of the product should be the next consideration when you purchase a belt. Your product should fit comfortably on the belt surface. If not, it can get entangled in the conveying machine.
• Type: The type of conveyor belt you choose should be as per the product you need to transport. For example, if you are planning to transport metal products then you need something that withstands with sharp edges and filings.
• Decline or Incline Requirements: You need to consider the movement of the conveyor when you choose the best for your applications. If the belt moves in an upward or downward direction, there might be a chance that the product sitting on it would slip or shift. To avoid this, the belt should have a stopper that will keep your product in place.
• Environmental Conditions: Environmental conditions must be considered before you purchase a belt. It is important to understand the type of environment in which your conveyor will be placed. Some belts made of certain materials may not be able to withstand extreme hot or cold temperatures. Also, the material transported is important. For instance, if oil cans are transported, and by any chance, the oil spills onto the container, it may hamper the working.

There are various factors you should keep in mind when selecting a conveyor belt, here are some of the more essential ones:

• Material: Your conveyor belt should be constructed from materials suitable to its application. These materials have different properties such as durability, flexibility and resistance to chemicals, heat and abrasion.
• Dimension of Conveyor Belt Width and Length: For optimal results, conveyor belt size should match both its width and length as well as any products being transported on it.
• Load Capacity: For optimal operation, conveyor systems should have enough weight capacity to safely move all products being transported on them, including their weight and dimensions.
• Speed: Your conveyor belt should operate at an optimal speed for your application while simultaneously protecting both workers and products in transit.
• Maintainability: Conveyor belts should be easy to keep up and repair, with readily available parts and services for repairs or maintenance needs.

All the above-mentioned points are just some of the important considerations when selecting a conveyor belt for your application. Without the proper selection of conveyor belt, your products, systems and workers would be at risk of injury or damage. Read about BELT CONVEYOR MAINTENANCE TIPS EXPLAINED

How Incline and Decline Angles Affect Conveyor Belt Choice

Incline and decline angles play a critical role in determining the type of conveyor belt you need. When a conveyor moves materials upward or downward, the angle of movement can directly impact product stability and belt performance.

If the angle of incline is steep, there’s a risk of materials slipping, rolling, or shifting during transport. To address this, belts with cleats, rough top surfaces, or high-friction materials are often recommended to provide better grip and prevent product slippage. Similarly, decline conveyors may require braking systems or controlled feed mechanisms to maintain safe and consistent flow rates.

Choosing the right conveyor belt with appropriate surface features or traction elements ensures smooth operation and reduces product damage, downtime, and safety hazards—especially in fast-paced or automated environments.

If you have still confusion over how to select a conveyor belt or you need an expert opinion there are many reliable manufacturers and suppliers of conveyor belts who provide assistance in this regard. JM Industrial is a well-known reseller of used conveyors in USA. The company offers wide ranges of belt conveyors at competitive prices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the most common conveyor belt system?

The most common conveyor belt system used in industrial settings is the belt conveyor system. It consists of a continuous loop of material—often rubber or PVC—driven by pulleys and powered by motors. It is widely used across manufacturing, food processing, packaging, and mining industries for its versatility and simplicity.

Which motor is best for a conveyor belt?

The best motor depends on your application’s load, speed, and torque requirements. AC induction motors are widely used for standard conveyor operations due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness. For applications requiring speed control or frequent starts/stops, gear motors or DC motors with variable frequency drives (VFDs) are often preferred.

What materials are used to make conveyor belts?

Conveyor belts are typically made from rubber, PVC, nylon, polyester, or thermoplastic materials. The material selection depends on the type of product being conveyed, environmental conditions, and required belt strength.

How do I choose the right conveyor belt for my application?

To choose the right conveyor belt, consider factors such as material type, product weight and size, incline/decline requirements, operating environment, belt speed, and load capacity. Choosing the wrong belt can lead to system inefficiencies or product damage.

Can I use used conveyor belts for industrial applications?

Yes, used conveyor belts can be a cost-effective and efficient choice if sourced from a reliable supplier. JM Industrial offers thoroughly inspected used conveyor belts suitable for various industrial applications, helping businesses reduce costs without compromising on performance.

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