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.
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)