Knowledge about the construction of a conveyor belt gives you a better understanding of the properties of a conveyor belt. The properties of a conveyor belt determine which type of conveyor belt is best suited for an application. In this series of blogs, you'll find information about conveyor belt construction.
Conveyor belts consist of different layers. The fabric-reinforced plastic conveyor belts in BTE's assortment are made up of different fabric and plastic layers. The fabric largely determines the properties of a conveyor belt, including not only its stretch, rigidity and strength, but also many other properties. Examples include antistatic properties, the degree to which the belt is stretch- and shrinkage-resistant, the tear resistance, the noise behaviour, the adhesion activity and the coefficient of friction.
The properties of the fabric, and therefore the conveyor belt, are determined by the composition of the yarns used in combination with the weaving pattern.
This blog is a continuation of Fabric largely determines properties of conveyor belt 1 in which you will find information about the weave pattern and Fabric largely determines properties conveyor belt 2 in which you will find information about the yarns, among other things. In this blog, more about the number of layers of fabric and the finishing of the fabric layers in the conveyor belt.
One or more layers of fabric in a conveyor belt
Properties of a conveyor belt are largely determined by its fabric layers. In addition to the yarn and weave pattern used, the number of fabric layers also determines properties such as the belt's strength and stretch. Adding more layers of fabric to a belt makes it stronger, but the number of layers also affects the flexibility of the belt. The more layers of fabric, the stiffer the belt, both in width- and length-wised. The flexibility of a belt determines the diameter of the idler. When the diameter of the idler is smaller, the belt must be more flexible to be able to wrap around the idler effectively.
Underside of the conveyor belt
The underside of the conveyor belt has different finishes. For example, it can be supplied as bare or impregnated fabric, which gives the lowest friction on a bearing surface. Low friction makes the installation quieter and is less stressful for the belt drive. The impregnation prevents the fabric from becoming contaminated with moisture or sand, which can prevent shrinkage, for example. The underside can also be coated with a layer of plastic with or without a profile. This coating is usually carried out in a diamond structure. The structure can offer a grip effect, or actually prevent soiling and slightly reduce friction on the bearing surface. This is often used in wet conditions.
Cover, profiles and accessories
After finishing, in many cases the fabric is given a plastic coating on the top, made of thermoplastic material, such as PVC, PU, PE, Hytrel® or silicone coating. These coatings are available in different colours, with different chemical compositions and degrees of hardness.
Various profiles, for example a diamond, studs, or a herringbone, with specific properties can then be applied to the coatings. For example, a fine diamond offers better unloading properties for sticky dough and studs are particularly suitable for inclined transport because they offer a good grip on soft products. Click here for an overview of the advantages of the various profiles.
In addition, accessories can be mounted on the belt, such as carriers, fingers, corrugated edges or steering strips. These accessories can be fitted in the workshop but can also be supplied separately. Click here for an overview of the various accessories.
Closed sides
In applications where hygiene during the production process is of great importance, moisture and microbes must be prevented from getting into the fabric inside the belt. By sealing the side of the conveyor belt, the fabric inside the belt is completely closed off. This ensures a longer service life of the conveyor belt and contributes to a better, consistent quality and hygiene of your product. For sealing the sides of the conveyor belt, we use Fabseal®. A thermoplastic material such as PVC, PU or PE is applied to the side of the conveyor belt for this, using a special technique that seals the tissue layers.
What properties or conveyor belt will suit you?
To ensure that your conveyor belt meets the right properties, the choice of the right conveyor belt fabric is very important. What properties of your application are important in the choice of your conveyor belt? And which conveyor belt is most suitable for that? Bandtransport Europe can give you excellent advice. We like to help you! Please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@bandtransporteurope.nl or phone: +31 (0)251 319 119.
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