Conveyor Belt Material vs. Application: How to Choose the Right One
Selecting the right conveyor belt material is crucial for efficiency, safety, and long-term cost savings in industrial processes. Each material has unique strengths that suit specific environments — from food-grade hygiene to extreme heat or heavy loads. For example, belts used in portable belt conveyors often need to be lightweight yet strong for quick setup and frequent relocation.
This guide compares popular conveyor belt materials and their best-fit applications, so you can make informed decisions based on your operating conditions, product type, and regulatory requirements.
Conveyor Belt Material vs. Application
| Belt Material | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber (Natural, SBR, NBR) | Strong grip, abrasion & impact resistant, oil-resistant (NBR), heat-tolerant (HR) | Mining, coal, stone crushing, cement, bulk material transport |
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Lightweight, FDA-approved (dry food), chemical/moisture resistant | Food packaging, dry food processing, logistics, warehouse automation |
| PU (Polyurethane) | Abrasion resistant, flexible, hygienic, cut-resistant | Dairy, meat, bakery, pharmaceuticals, hygienic processing lines |
| Teflon (PTFE Fiberglass) | High temp (up to 260°C), chemical and non-stick resistant | Heat sealing, baking tunnels, industrial drying, microwave belt lines |
| Silicone | Heat resistance, anti-stick, safe for sticky or soft items | Chocolate coating, pastries, hot baked items |
| Modular Plastic (PP, PE, POM) | Washable, modular design, corrosion-resistant | Bottling plants, meat/poultry washdown areas, clean environments |
| Steel Cord Rubber Belt | Exceptional tensile strength, long-distance, heavy-duty | Cement plants, ports, overland conveyors, mining operations |
| Fabric Ply Rubber (NN, EP) | Flexible, durable, affordable | Quarrying, agriculture, sand, fertilizer handling |
| Wire Mesh (Stainless Steel) | Open structure, rigid, withstands high temperatures | Metal part drying, glass production, baking |
| Chevron Belt | Patterned surface prevents rollback on inclines | Fertilizer plants, mobile crushers, grain elevation systems |
| Sidewall Belt | Corrugated edges allow vertical conveying without spillage | Bulk powder lifting, cement clinker, granulated material at steep inclines |
Application-Based Belt Material Selection
| Industry / Application | Recommended Belt Material |
|---|---|
| Cement / Mining / Aggregates | HR Rubber, SBR, Steel Cord Rubber |
| Packaged / Dry Food | PVC (FDA), PU, Modular Plastic |
| Sticky or Hot Food | PU, Silicone, Teflon-coated belts |
| Cleanroom / Pharma | PU, PVC (FDA) |
| Heat Processing / Drying | Teflon (PTFE), Silicone, Wire Mesh |
| Inclined Transport | Chevron Belt, Sidewall Belt |
| Long Distance / Heavy-Duty Load | Steel Cord Belts |
| Washdown or Wet Environments | Modular Plastic (PP/PE), PU |
Key Conveyor Belt Selection Factors
When evaluating belt material, consider:
- Operating Temperature (e.g., Silicone for hot bakery items)
- Load Capacity & Product Weight (e.g., Steel Cord for heavy mining loads)
- Abrasiveness / Stickiness of Product (e.g., PU for sticky items)
- Incline Angle & Conveying Distance (e.g., Chevron for steep incline)
- Industry Regulations (e.g., FDA, HACCP, ATEX compliance)