What You Should Know About Replacing A Conveyor Belt

Are you in the market for a new conveyor belt for your warehouse or factory but aren’t sure what to look for? Belts are indeed a significant part of your operation, and using the wrong type of belt could be disastrous. But if you know what questions to ask and what things to look for, it’s easy to find a conveyor belt you can rely on. To start with, it’s essential to understand what makes a conveyor belt different from other belts. 

Conveyor belts are designed specifically for conveying materials. They are designed with a pliable material that will not harden or stiffen over time while still providing strength and support. They also have mounting systems that allow them to be attached firmly to a surface while still moving smoothly, and they have supporting structures underneath them, so they don’t sag or buckle under the weight of heavy objects.

If your conveyor belt is no longer working, it can be a scary situation. You have to make sure you get a suitable replacement. You don’t want to get something that will break down again in a few months or even days. You need to know the essentials in conveyors belt replacement and how to implement it so it will last for years and years. 

Here are some things you should know about replacing your conveyor belt:

What type of conveyor belt do I need?

Your conveyor belt may vary depending on what you are transporting. If you are running an assembly line, there are different conveyor belts than transporting items from one place to another. When looking for a replacement, make sure you know what kind of work your belt does so you can get the best possible replacement.

Determine your weight limits

If you are replacing a conveyor belt, it is crucial to understand the weight capacity of the belt you are purchasing. The “working load limit” is the maximum weight that can be safely carried by the conveyor belt while still allowing adequate safety margins. In other words, if working load limits are exceeded, then there is a risk of injury to persons and damage to property through breakage or excessive wear of the conveyor belt itself.

The most common weight limit for a conveyor belt is either 10 to 20 lbs or 25 to 30 lbs per linear foot. So if you want a conveyor belt that can handle 10 lbs per linear foot, then the minimum width of the conveyor belt should be 6 feet. Get wider belts if you want them to handle more load than that. 

To determine your weight limits, look at the information on your current conveyor belt and compare it to that on the new one. Also, look for weight ratings in tables or charts in the technical literature on conveyor belts, such as catalogs from your supplier.

How long will It last?

To know how long your conveyor belt will last, there are a few factors you must first consider. The first thing is knowing how your particular conveyor belt was manufactured. Some types of belts can be found on the market that has been reinforced with Kevlar or fiberglass to increase efficiency and lifespan. Another factor in determining how much weight your particular conveyor belt has the capacity to hold. If it cannot handle the weight for which it was designed, then it will likely wear out faster than expected because it is being forced to work harder than what it was made for. This can also cause the belt’s motor to slow down due to the excess weight placed on it by the transported material.

Make sure that when you buy your new conveyor belt, it will last a long time. Look for belts that have been reinforced with fiberglass or Kevlar to ensure they are sturdy enough to withstand the weight of whatever it is that they are transporting. Some belts may be more flexible than others, so make sure you take this into account as well when selecting a new conveyor belt.

Consider how long it takes to replace a broken belt.

The efficiency of your conveyor belt determines how quickly you can replace it. You may have to wait for days or weeks for a new belt if you order one from your supplier during the busy season or on the weekend.

Procurement is not the only factor that affects the time required to replace your conveyor belt. The condition of your break machine also plays a role in this equation. If your break machine is not functioning correctly, then replacing the belt will take longer than expected. On average, replacing a broken conveyor belt requires about two weeks for delivery and another one week for installation.

The cost of belt replacement

It depends on your situation. The price of replacing your conveyor belt will be less than the cost of buying a new one. But it all depends on the condition of your conveyor belt.

According to Fluent Conveyors, the average price of a conveyor belt is $500 per linear foot of belt. Depending on the material used in its construction, this price can vary greatly. For example, polyurethane-reinforced belts cost around $700 per linear foot, while polyester-reinforced belts cost around $300-$400 (polypropylene belts cost even less). However, the main factor that affects your cost is the type of material used in the belt’s construction. Conveyor belts built with polyurethane are much more expensive than those made from polyester or polypropylene. This is because polyurethane is more rigid and more durable than other types of materials.

Takeaway

It is true that a conveyor belt is an asset in speeding up processes. However, one should also consider that this equipment has its limitations, especially if one intends to run the business for a long time without stopping and repairing the machine. The machine’s longevity will depend on there being no hiccups in its structure and that it’s appropriately maintained before proceeding with its use. In cases where the belt gets damaged, you can use a belt reducer or replacement.

About the Author Jeremy Axel

Jeremy Axel is the founder of Fluent Conveyors, they design and manufacture conveyors for Waste and recycling industries, Manufacturing, and Distribution centers across the United States. He is also known for building trusted relationships with conveyor dealers and reseller networks and developing advanced technological processes and tools that help them do their jobs more efficiently.