AEC In The News

Belt Conveyor System Transporting Cartons for Food and Beverage Industry

What Are the Different Types of Belt Conveyors?

Belt conveyors are indispensable in many modern material handling operations offering a reliable way to move products from one point to another. Designed to adapt, their materials and configurations align seamlessly with specific applications. The right choice of belt conveyor isn’t just an option – it’s the key to meeting your goals, optimizing your operations, and handling your products with maximum efficiency.

Here, we’ll explore four fundamental types of belt conveyors: flat belt, modular belt, incline/decline, and cleated belt conveyors.

 

  1. Flat Belt Conveyors

Flat belt conveyors are the most widely used type of conveyor. They feature a single, continuous belt that runs over rollers or a flat slider bed. These conveyors can move many different items and are highly adaptable for a variety of industries.

  • Common Applications: Flat belt conveyors are frequently found in manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and warehouses. They are perfect for transporting uniform items like components between workstations.
  • Advantages: Flat belt conveyors can be cost-effective, and their simplicity makes them versatile. They can handle light to moderately heavy loads with ease. They also work well in environments where gentle handling of products is required.
  • Customization Options: Belts can be made from various materials, including rubber, fabric, or synthetic composites, depending on the application. Anti-static properties, temperature resistance, and food-grade options are available to suit specific requirements.

 

  1. Modular Belt Conveyors

Modular belt conveyors stand out because their belts are made up of interlocking plastic modules instead of a single, continuous material. This design makes them highly versatile and durable.

  • Common Applications: Modular conveyors are often used in food processing, beverage production, and packaging operations. Their ability to make tight turns and accommodate inclines or declines makes them particularly useful when flexibility is needed in the layout.
  • Advantages: The interlocking design provides excellent durability and reduces the risk of belt tears, making these conveyors ideal for handling sharp or heavy items. Modular belts are also easy to repair. If a section of the belt is damaged, it can be replaced without replacing the entire belt.
  • Sanitary Benefits: In industries like food and pharmaceuticals, modular belts excel because they are easy to clean and maintain. Many modular belts are FDA-approved and can withstand regular washdowns, ensuring hygiene standards are met.

 

  1. Incline/Decline Belt Conveyors

Incline and decline belt conveyors are designed to move products between different elevations. These conveyors are particularly useful when products must transition seamlessly between different levels, such as from ground-level storage to mezzanines or loading docks.

  • Common Applications: These conveyors are commonly used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers to transport goods between floors or to loading docks. They’re also frequently employed in bulk material handling, such as moving grain or raw materials.
  • Advantages: Incline conveyors often feature textured belts or cleats to prevent items from sliding backward. This makes them suitable for steep angles where friction is required.
  • Customization Options: These conveyors can be equipped with side rails to prevent spillage and can handle a wide range of product sizes and weights. Additionally, the angle of incline is completely customizable to suit the specific requirements of the operation.

 

  1. Cleated Belt Conveyors

Cleated belt conveyors take the incline/decline concept a step further with the addition of vertical cleats or barriers on the belt surface. These cleats keep items securely in place, even on steep inclines.

  • Common Applications: Cleated conveyors are ideal for moving loose or small items such as grains, powders, or small components. They’re commonly used in agriculture, food processing, and automotive manufacturing.
  • Advantages: The cleats help maintain consistent product spacing and prevent items from shifting during transport. This ensures smooth and efficient movement, especially when dealing with delicate or irregularly shaped items.
  • Types of Cleats: Cleats come in various shapes, including straight, V-shaped, and scoop styles. The choice depends on the product being conveyed and the desired level of control. They can also be made of different materials such as plastic, metal, or wood, depending on the type of items that are being conveyed.

 

Which Belt Conveyor Is Right for You?

Picking the perfect conveyor isn’t simply a choice – it’s a strategy. From material type to product weight, speed to environmental factors, every detail matters when finding the right fit.

At Advanced Equipment Company, we’ve spent decades mastering the art of material handling. Whether it’s a no-fuss flat belt or a complex modular or cleated system, we create custom solutions that power up efficiency and align perfectly with your goals. Ready to transform your workflow? Let’s make it happen.

Contact a professional conveyor expert today to learn how the right belt conveyor can enhance your efficiency, reduce costs, and keep your operation running smoothly.

 


Written by AEC Sales Coordinator, Josh Hamrick.

Request Consultation

Since 1960, Advanced Equipment Company has been providing our services to the Carolinas and throughout the United States.

We look forward to hearing from you and how we can help you with productivity-boosting innovations in automation, material handling, and storage applications.

Tell us about your project. We’ll get back to you within 24 business hours.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.