Belt conveyors are a major productivity tool in manufacturing. But what is a belt conveyor used for? In this article, we'll be going over what belt conveyors are used for, and what settings they're used in.

We are conveyor belt specialists as part of our major material handling, steel construction materials, shipbuilding, and port machinery, we are the experts to provide an answer to this question.

Here's the quick answer, then we'll get into more details...

A belt conveyor (or conveyor belt) is a heavy-duty machine for large-volume material handling over long distances, quickly, cheaply, and efficiently. Continuous moving belts carry various materials and are used widely across industries such as construction, manufacturing, mining, and raw materials.

That's a brief overview of what is a belt conveyor used for. But there is more to a conveyor belt than you might think, and so many advantages a business can gain from using this equipment.

Before we get on to the advantages, let's dive further into the topic, starting with what a conveyor belt is used for...

What is a belt conveyor used for?

A belt conveyor is used in a variety of settings, including manufacturing, distribution centers, and industrial plants.

It's also used in construction sites and transportation systems. Belt conveyors are used for moving materials from one location to another quickly and efficiently.

Parts that make up a belt conveyor

In general, a belt conveyor manufacturer typically provides the components necessary for the system to run.

This includes the conveyor belt, the conveyor idler roller, and other components like motors, drives, and control switches.

Let’s take a look at some of the main components in a belt conveyor...

Conveyor belt

The conveyor belt is a major component of the system. It's usually made of rubber or polyurethane with steel cords running through it for reinforcement.

The belt runs along two or more pulleys that are powered by an electric motor. The conveyor belt is responsible for moving materials from one location to another.

Conveyor idler roller

The conveyor idler roller is an essential component of the system.

It's typically made of steel or plastic and helps guide the belt along its path while preventing it from slipping off the pulleys.

These rollers come in different sizes and can be customized according to the specific needs of the application.

Control switches

Finally, control switches are also used to activate and deactivate the conveyor belt as needed, allowing for safe and efficient operation.

These switches can be operated manually or automatically, depending on the model and type of conveyor system being used.

What industries use a belt conveyor?

Belt conveyors are widely used across numerous industries, including construction, food processing, manufacturing, and mining. They’re reliable and efficient solutions for moving large objects or transporting material over long distances.

The types of materials that can be moved using belt conveyors include grain, coal, ore, and more. This makes them an ideal choice for many different applications and industries.

Who installs belt conveyors?

When it comes to selecting the right belt conveyor system for your business needs, a belt conveyor manufacturer like RPIC can help you install the perfect solution.

We have numerous case studies in which we've implemented belt conveyor systems. So an experienced installer like us will have proven experience backed by real-world projects.

The advantages of using belt conveyors

Let's go over some of the advantages of using belt conveyor systems in your business.

An economical method of moving material over long distances

With the help of belt conveyors, you can transport a greater quantity of materials over long distances without much effort.

Ability to carry material with different shapes and sizes

Belt conveyor systems are able to accommodate a variety of material shapes and sizes. This makes them extremely versatile when it comes to conveying goods from one place to another.

Can be adapted to change direction

One of the most useful features of belt conveyors is that they can be easily configured and adapted to turn corners or move material in different directions.

This makes them ideal for applications where materials need to be moved around within a facility.

Your business can use this type of conveyor for both horizontal and vertical transportation, allowing you to move heavy loads in any direction you need.

Increased safety

The use of belt conveyors decreases the chance of accidents in the workplace. Instead of workers having to manually transport material, they can be safely and efficiently transported using conveyor belts.

This also reduces the potential for worker fatigue which can lead to a reduction in worker productivity.

Cost-effective

Belt conveyors are one of the most cost-effective methods of transporting goods from one place to another. Unlike other forms of conveyors, belt conveyors are relatively easy to install and maintain.

They also require minimal energy consumption which can help save on operational costs. Studies have shown that adopting a belt conveyor system can offer thousands in potential cost savings, depending on the size and scope of the operation. 

Additionally, as proven belt conveyor experts, we provide guidance in selecting the most suitable conveyor for your needs – whether it be an open or closed system, flat or inclined, or powered or gravity-driven conveyor.

Durability and reliability

Belt conveyors are designed to be strong, durable, and reliable - ensuring that goods of all sizes can be safely transported from start to finish. This is thanks to the use of components like idler rollers which provide stability for the belt as it moves.

Minimal degradation from product handling

Unlike other moving methods such as forklift trucks or pallet jacks, belt conveyors causes minimal degradation to goods being transported due to the smooth and consistent nature of the conveyor belt.

The conveyor can include changes in elevation

Another benefit of belt conveyors is that they can move goods over different inclines, making them perfect for transporting goods across large distances or to various levels.

They can also be used to transport goods at variable speeds depending on your needs.

Material visibility while being conveyed

The material can often be viewed while it's traveling, this enables inspection of progress and material types along the way as well as adding additional materials to the belt where needed.

Loaded in multiple places along the belt

As well as being reliable and having a long lifespan, belt conveyors can be customized to meet your exact specifications. This makes them ideal for businesses that require an efficient transport system.

Easy to maintain

Belt conveyors are extremely easy to maintain due to their simple construction and replaceable components like the conveyor idler roller.

This makes them much more cost-effective than other types of conveying systems over time.

What is a belt conveyor used for? Next steps

Hopefully, this has provided you with an answer to the question; what is a belt conveyor used for?

As far as how to begin the process of installing a belt conveyor, the first step would be to contact us to discuss your requirements.

We can help you assess, and choose the right conveyor system for your specific needs and provide guidance on installation, maintenance, and more.

As experienced conveyor belt specialists, we offer a wide range of conveyor belt products for numerous needs and specifications — enabling you to get the most out of your belt conveyor.

From belt conveyor systems to conveyor idler rollers and more, we can provide you with the right solutions for your project.

Contact us today to get started on finding the perfect belt conveyor system for you. We are happy to help!