What Are Tariffs?

A tariff is a tax or duty levied by a government on goods imported from another country. Essentially, it functions as a fee imposed on products as they enter a nation’s borders. Unlike other forms of taxation, such as sales or income tax, tariffs are specifically designed to target imported goods.

The US Tariff Impact & Wire-Mesh Products

The current tariff environment presents both significant challenges and unique opportunities for our business. We understand that with the changes happening, current clients and potential customers are curious about the US tariff impact and how it affects Wire Mesh Products specifically. Below, we’ve broken down the details of the impact of tariffs on our products and customer base.

The Impact of Tariffs on Our Products

A large portion of our wire products are directly impacted by the Section 232 tariff. The belt components we procure – wire, chain, flat products, etc – are all subject to different tariff layers. These added costs are unfortunately necessitating an increase in our belt prices.

The unpredictable nature of these tariffs—with rates and durations subject to sudden and unannounced changes, such as the recent increase from 25% to 50% for steel imports (and their derivatives) imported from all countries except the UK—creates considerable uncertainty for our planning and purchasing. We continually evaluate the amount of inventory to secure and the optimal price level to mitigate these conditions.

The Impact of Tariffs on Our Customer Base

Beyond the direct impact on our product costs, these tariffs are also reshaping our customer base. We’re observing a growing trend among US-based customers to “reshore” their supply chains, and this shift is leading to an increased market share for Wire Mesh Products.

In response, we are actively scaling our operations to meet this surge in business. While we work diligently to ramp up our production capabilities, we are prioritizing our existing customers to ensure their needs are met during this transition.

It’s essential to recognize that while the Section 232 tariffs have a significant impact on us, reciprocal tariffs from other countries also play a substantial role. The fluidity of these tariff amounts and their potential to change without warning underscores the highly unpredictable nature of the current trade landscape.

The upcoming August 1st deadline for reciprocal tariffs is a key milestone, but we anticipate continued market volatility. Despite these complexities, our business is expanding as more companies choose to bring their supply chains back to the United States. While prices are indeed increasing due to these tariffs, we are committed to minimizing the impact on our customers both in terms of pricing and ensuring a consistent supply and production.

Have questions? We’ve got you covered! For more information regarding the impact of tariffs on Wire-Mesh Products, send us a message or give us a call at 717-848-3620.

The post The Impact of Tariffs: Navigating the Shifting Landscape for Our Products and Customers appeared first on Wire-Mesh Products.

Belt Type

Measuring conveyor belt widths and lengths will vary depending on many factors. That’s why identifying the type of belt you’re using is crucial when it comes to navigating conveyor belt sizes. In the following sections, we’ll cover the most common types of wire mesh belts and their unique characteristics.

Spiral Woven Mesh Belts

As one of the most popular and versatile belt types, spiral woven belts suit various industries. There are many types of spiral woven belts, all with unique advantages, including but not limited to:

• Balanced Weave. Popular in a variety of industries, balanced weave belts are a series of left and right-hand wire mesh spirals joined by a connecting rod or crimped rod.
• Compound Balanced Weave. Typically used in the heat treatment industry and food industry, compound balanced weave belts consist of left and right-hand spirals compounded together to form a tight conveying surface.
• Double Balanced Weave Belts. Made up of a series of left and right-hand wire mesh spirals that have two interwoven left-hand spirals and two interwoven right-hand spirals, these belts offer a stronger edge compared to balanced weave belts. Double balanced weave belts are often used for airflow or where clearance is needed for cleaning purposes.

Flat Wire Belts

Known for their great airflow and drainage capabilities, flat wire belts are open-style flat strip belts connected with a straight rod. Their design makes them easy to clean and highly durable. Flat wire belts are available in standard and heavy-duty versions with either clinched or welded selvage. Additionally, they come in a variety of materials with positive drive sprockets.

Flat Flex Belts

Offering the lightest weight and thinnest positive drive in the conveyor belt industry, flat flex belts also have an open-area design. These belts are not only economical, but also known for being easy to clean and USDA-acceptable, making them especially popular in the food industry.

Chain Belts

Chain belts are often positively driven by sprockets mounted on shafts. The primary advantage of this chain-driven approach is its ability to maintain straight tracking, particularly within ovens or furnaces. This makes them common in the food processing and heat treatment industries.

Belt Material

Before we dive into how to determine conveyor belt sizes, it’s essential to determine the proper belt material you’re currently using. Conveyor belt materials can be categorized by the temperatures they can withstand. Typically, these are broken down into low, medium, and high temperatures.

Understanding what materials can and cannot withstand the requirements of your industry helps you choose a conveyor belt best suited for your environment. Furthermore, getting help from experienced professionals can go a long way in ensuring you don’t run into belt problems in the future.

Interested in learning more? Download our belt materials chart or contact a belt specialist today. 

Low Temperature

The first category of belt materials covers processes that range from 600℉ and under. These are known as low-temperature materials and include:

• Carbon Steel
• 430 Stainless Steel
• Galvanized Steel

Medium Temperature

Materials that can withstand temperatures ranging from 600 ℉ to 1250 ℉ are considered medium-temperature. These are often types of stainless steel, including:

• 304 Stainless Steel
• 316 and 316Ti Stainless Steel

High Temperature

Conveyor belt materials in high temperatures vary more than those in the low or medium categories. Withstanding temperatures ranging from 1250 ℉ and higher, these include:

• 314 Stainless Steel
• 3519 CB (NB)
• Inconel 600 and 601
• Inconel 601 GC

Conveyor Belt Size Guide

Conveyor belts can generally be any size, but standard conveyor belt sizes range from 5 to 500 feet long and 2 to 180+ inches wide. If you need a custom belt size, we recommend talking to specialists who can help you determine the exact measurements of your repair or replacement.

Below, we have broken down how to measure your belt by type, with links to our measuring resources and some of the products we offer.

Spiral Woven Conveyor Belt Sizes

To properly identify and measure spiral woven conveyor belts, follow these steps:

1. Measure the loops across the conveyor belt width in 12” increments.
2. Measure the spirals down the conveyor belt length in 12” increments.
3.  Measure the connecting rod wire diameter.
4.  Measure the spiral wire diameter.

We offer a variety of balanced weave options including:

• B-18-15-12
• B-24-15-10
• B-30-10-6/8
• B-40-10-8/10
• B-42-24-12
• B-48-48-18
• B-60-60-18
• B-72-60-16
• B-110-36-18

Need help to measure your balanced weave belt? Download our step-by-step guide or contact a belt specialist today. 

We offer a variety of compound balanced weave options including:

• CB-3-28-72-14
• CB-3-30-56-12/14
• CB-5-28-90.5-16
• CB-3-56-126-18
• CB-5-27-84-14-16x18F
• CB-3-42-72-14/16F
• CB-3-96-186-21/23

Need help to measure your compound balanced weave belt? Download our step-by-step guide or contact a belt specialist today. 

We offer a variety of double balanced weave options including:

• DB-18-7-6/8
• DB-30-10-8/10
• DB-24-24-10
• DB-60-32-18

Need help to measure your double balanced weave belt? Download our step-by-step guide or contact a belt specialist today. 

Flat Wire Conveyor Belt Sizes

To properly identify and measure a flat wire conveyor belt, follow these steps:

1. Measure the overall conveyor belt width, including the rods.
2. Count the number of openings across the width of the belt. This will always be an odd number.
3. Measure the width of the second opening from the belt edge. Be sure to measure at the middle of the opening.
4. Measure the width of the second opening from the belt edge
5. Measure the longitudinal pitch of the belt.

As we mentioned before, the belt gauge for flat wire belts will either be standard or heavy-duty. There are 2 ways to determine this:

Determine the height of the strip by placing the belt flat on a table and measuring from the table to the top of the belt. A standard belt will measure ⅜” and a heavy-duty belt will measure ½”.

Determine the diameter of the connecting rod. Standard-duty rods can be 0.105” or 0.120” and heavy-duty rods are 0.192”.

We offer a variety of flat wire belt options including:

• 1.2 x 1 SD
• 1 x 1 SD
• 1 x 1 HD

Need help to measure your flat wire belt? Download our step-by-step guide or contact a belt specialist today. 

Flat Flex Conveyor Belt Sizes

To properly identify and measure a flat flex conveyor belt, follow these steps:

1. Measure the overall conveyor belt width to the nearest 1/16”, from outside edge to outside edge.
2. Determine the mesh size (this is the strands per foot (SPF) multiplied by the wire diameter).
3. Count the number of rectangular openings (or spaces) across the width of the belt.
4. Check to see if you are using a C-Cure Edge, single loop edge, or double loop edge.

We offer a variety of flat flex belt options including:

• FF 42 x .062
• FF 24 x .072

Need help to measure your flat flex belt? Download our step-by-step guide or contact a belt specialist today. 

Chain Belt Conveyor Belt Sizes

To properly identify and measure a chain belt, follow these steps:

1. Measure the overall width from the outside of the chain.
2. Measure the width from the chain center to the chain center.
3. Measure the width from the outsides of the mesh.
4. Measure the chain pitch by measuring the distance from link to link.

Note: We can determine what chain you are using based on the pitch. However, some chains have the specific chain number engraved into the side of the chain.

1. Measure the rod pitch from one rod to the next across the width of the belt.
2. Measure the rod diameter.

Chain Belt Options:

• Roller chain belt
• Larger roller chain belt
• Pintle/drag chain
• Roller chain with CB belt
• ¾” U link belt

Need help measuring your chain belt? Contact a belt specialist today.

At Wire-Mesh, we’re dedicated to helping you choose the right conveyor belt size and type for your needs — no matter how specific. Our team will help you navigate your options and find the perfect fit.

Looking for belt repair or replacement services? See how we can help today.

The post One-Size Doesn’t Fit All: Navigating Conveyor Belt Sizes appeared first on Wire-Mesh Products.

At A Glance: Quick Conveyor Belt Facts

• The question of who invented the conveyor belt is still largely debated today, but most attribute Thomas Robbins as the inventor.
• The earliest conveyor belts were made of leather and wood and predominantly used for flour mills.
• In 1804, the British Navy made steam-powered belts popular when they used them in their kitchens to streamline baking.
• Robbins invented the heavy-duty belt, what many consider the modern conveyor belt, in 1892.
• The Swedish engineering company Sandvik AB invented steel conveyor belts in 1901 which were more efficient for industrial uses.
• In 1913, Henry Ford made conveyor belts even more popular when he introduced them into his continuous assembly line to speed up the car manufacturing process.

Who Invented The Conveyor Belt?

When talking about conveyor belt history, it’s not surprising the first question asked is who invented the conveyor belt? However, the answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as people may think.

Historians continue to debate who invented the conveyor belt as well as when it was invented. There’s some proof to show that conveyor systems were used in ancient times by the Egyptians, however, the majority credit Thomas Robbins as the inventor. In 1892, Robbins introduced the first heavy-duty belt which is considered the modern conveyor belt.

It’s important to remember that while Robbins invented the series of designs that became the heavy-duty belt, many inventions before 1892 contributed to the technology used in conveyor systems. We’ll dive deeper into the significant milestones of conveyor belt history in the following sections.

Breaking Down Conveyor Belt History

Since they first came on the scene,  conveyor belts have continued to improve efficiency for various industries. When breaking down conveyor belt history, it becomes obvious that each design over the years has increased productivity.

Continue reading to see how these innovations came to light and have allowed more industries to take advantage of their many benefits.

Early Conveyor Belts

Historians claim the first conveyor belts, predominately made of wood and leather, had to be operated manually with hand cranks. While it’s unclear who and when they first appeared, the earliest documentation of conveyor belts was in 1790 when Oliver Evans included them in his patented design for the automated mill.

In addition to flour milling, these belts were also used by farmers to transport grain over short distances and at shipping ports to convey agricultural products onto ships.

As we mentioned before, these systems were simple, consisting of a belt running over a flat wooden bed. However, Evans’ invention also used bucket elevators which were modified by Archimedean screw conveyors. This new technology allowed the flour mill to run continuously without the need for human labor.

Steam-Powered Conveyor Belts

The next chapter in the history of conveyors took place in 1804, years after Evans’ patented design. In 1804, the use of the first steam-powered conveyor belt was recorded. The British Navy used these in their kitchens to streamline baking, creating an easier and more efficient way to feed the many enlisted sailors.

After the Navy found success in steam-operated conveyor belts, other industries followed suit in adopting these new technologies. With steam’s introduction, belt conveyors no longer needed hand cranks or human labor to keep moving which made them popular in bakeries and slaughterhouses.

Heavy-Duty Conveyor Belts

The invention of vulcanized rubber in 1844 by Charles Goodyear was the next milestone in conveyor belt history. While some early conveyor belts used rubber, they were sensitive to temperature changes, like melting in high temperatures and becoming rigid or brittle in cold environments. With vulcanized rubber, belts became more heat-resistant, durable, and flexible.

Steam remained the primary power source for conveyor belts until Thomas Robbins came into the picture in 1892. As we mentioned before, Robbins invented what’s considered the modern conveyor belt. The series of his inventions began in 1891 when he set out to develop a more efficient way to carry coal and ore.

The first heavy-duty conveyor belt was used in Thomas Edison’s company, the Edison Ore-Milling Company, in Odesburg, NJ. These belts could convey heavier and more abrasive materials like coal, ore, and iron.

Soon after, the Robbins Conveyor Belt Company was formed and eventually patented the three-roll idler design in 1896. Over the years, the company has changed but still exists today as ThyssenKrupp Robbins.

There are many reasons Robbins is credited as the inventor of the conveyor belt. Not only did his heavy-duty design win the grand prize at the 1900 Paris Exposition but also first prizes at the 1904 Saint Louis World Fair and American Exposition. After his success, many industries began implementing heavy-duty conveyor belts into their operation processes.

Steel Conveyor Belts

Another key moment in the history of conveyors occurred in 1901 when the Swedish engineering company Sandvik AB invented steel conveyor belts. These belts offered increased durability, allowing systems to withstand the stressful demands of industrial use. As a result, steel belts became the ideal choice for coal and aggregate mining operations.

However, within a few years, the food production industry adopted Sandvik’s steel conveyor belts as well for their flexibility and durability. Since then, many companies have contributed to improving the steel conveyor belt’s initial design by experimenting with different belt materials, shapes, and sizes.

Conveyor Belt Assembly Line History

While not the true inventor, Henry Ford played a significant role in conveyor belt history. Ford is often associated with the invention of conveyor belts because, in 1913, he became the first car manufacturer to introduce them into his operation.

This was a momentous milestone in the history of conveyors because it opened the door for an entirely new industry to use the invention. Ford wanted to speed up the car manufacturing process and decided to include a conveyor belt in the continuous assembly line. Once he saw how the conveyor belts improved performance, Ford went on to implement these innovations in every one of his factories.

It took Ford 5 years to change his factories at the Ford Motor Company to incorporate conveyor belts into the assembly line. In 1914, Ford introduced a new mechanized belt that moved as fast as 6 feet per minute, and by 1919, conveyor belts were the industry standard for the automobile manufacturing industry. After Ford, various types of conveyor belts became more widespread throughout the 1920s.

Learn more about our history and what sets us apart from the competition today.

The post A Brief Breakdown of Conveyor Belt History appeared first on Wire-Mesh Products.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how wire mesh furnace curtains offer a practical and effective solution by creating a protective barrier to safeguard workers, optimize energy consumption, and enhance overall productivity.

Furnace Curtains For Heat Treat, Pipe, and Steel Industries

Many industries use ovens and furnaces and therefore require curtains that keep heat in and protect workers during production. These curtains minimize heat loss (saving energy consumption) and contain glare and spark for employee safety.

Many industries use ovens and furnaces and therefore require curtains that keep heat in during the production process and offer protection for workers. These curtains minimize heat loss, saving on energy consumption, as well as containing glare and sparks for employee safety.

Most notably, heat treat processes, pipe manufacturing, and the steel industry depend on heat curtains for safety, efficiency, and productivity. Below, we’ve broken down how furnaces and heat curtains are used in high-temperature industrial environments.

Heat Treat Processes

Heat treatment involves heating and cooling metals to change their crystalline structure and achieve specific properties. Techniques used in heat treat processes include annealing, case hardening, precipitation, strengthening, tempering, carburizing, normalizing, and quenching.

Furnace curtains provide many advantages for heat treat processes. Not only do they help contain heat within the furnace, but they also can work to define heating zones that offer workers precise control of the heat treat process. Additionally, these curtains protect workers and equipment from sparks, debris, and other hazards.

Pipe Manufacturing

Pipe fabrication is the process of cutting, beveling, and welding piping components like metallic pipes, tees, elbows, flanges, reducers, and more. Heat curtains can be used in various stages of pipe manufacturing.

For example, during welding operations, curtains help direct fumes toward extraction areas, offering improved air quality for workers. In forging and casting, heat curtains shield workers and equipment from radiant heat emitted by furnaces and forges.

Steel Industry

Furnace curtains are commonly used in the steelmaking processes as well. Rolling mills, a type of metal-forming machinery that processes various metals through one or more sets of rolls, use heat curtains to protect workers and equipment from radiant heat emitted by hot metal.

Electric arc furnaces (EAF), as its name suggests, use an electric arc to melt metals and ores at high temperatures. During this process, heat curtains contain fumes and dust generated during the steelmaking process and protect workers from intense heat.

Continuous casting, also known as strand casting, is a process where molten metal is solidified into a “semi-finished” billet, bloom, or slab. Heat curtains shield radiant heat from the molten steel and prevent workers from making accidental contact.

Wire-Mesh Products manufactures flexible, dense, herringbone weave metal furnace curtains for the steel, pipe, and heat treat industries. Talk to one of our experts about your needs today. 

3 Benefits of Wire Mesh Curtains

Due to their design and material makeup, wire mesh heat curtains play a crucial role in providing a safe work environment, as well as improving efficiency and productivity in all industries. Continue reading to discover three unique benefits wire mesh curtains offer for workers, equipment, and processes.

1. Heat Resistance and Confinement

Proper heat retention is imperative for processes using ovens and furnaces. By minimizing heat loss, furnace curtains help maintain optimal temperatures within the furnace. This also increases energy efficiency and reduces operating costs.

Since they can be manufactured out of many grades of alloy wire, mesh curtains in particular can withstand extremely high temperatures and harsh furnace environments. The construction and design of wire mesh curtains ensure long-lasting performance even under constant exposure to heat and mechanical stress.

The tight weave of wire mesh minimizes the passage of heat, sparks, and fumes in furnace areas, while the metallic surface reflects radiant heat into the furnace. Both these elements help reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Furthermore, it leads to a safer and more productive working environment.

Finally, mesh curtains can also create defined heating zones within the furnace, allowing workers to have precise control over the heat treat process and improve the overall quality of the final product.

2. Safety and Worker Protection

Wire mesh curtains require minimal maintenance to begin with, but when they do need to be cleaned, inspected, or repaired, they’re known for being easy to install and remove.

The use of ovens and furnaces comes with a unique set of safety risks other industries don’t have to worry about. Furnace curtains provide physical barriers between workers and hazardous areas by shielding them from intense heat, noise, and harmful fumes.

Designed to contain heat and radiant energy within the furnace area, wire mesh curtains minimize the risk of burns and other heat-related injuries to workers. In addition to heat containment, the fine mesh used in these curtains prevents sparks, debris, and molten metal from escaping the furnace. As a result, the risks of fires and other property damages are significantly decreased.

3. Flexibility and Adaptability

Wire mesh can be easily cut and shaped to fit various furnace openings and configurations. With the ability to conform to different furnace shapes and sizes, mesh curtains also provide a tight seal to prevent heat loss.

We understand that our customers require different needs and specifications for their operations. Wire mesh furnace curtains can be mounted on the charge or discharge end of a furnace as well as mounted in the furnace to separate zones. Our furnace curtains are available in any width, and various weights, all of which are effective with materials up to 2200 °F. With decades of experience, we have the ability to create custom solutions for heat curtains, regardless of project complexity or size.

Investing in high-quality wire mesh furnace curtains offers a versatile solution for prioritizing safety, increasing efficiency, and enhancing productivity in various industrial and manufacturing settings.

Ready to talk about your mesh curtain specifications? Get in touch with one of our experts to see how we can help today. 

See how mesh can hang and move up and down easily by watching the video below.

The post Bringing the Heat: 3 Benefits of Using Wire-Mesh For Furnace Curtains appeared first on Wire-Mesh Products.

Benefits Of Using Wire Mesh As A Conveyor Belt Material

Because of their unique design and material makeup, wire mesh belts offer advantages for several industries from high-temperature industrial to food packaging and handling. Some of these benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Airflow and drainage. The surface openings in wire mesh belts allow for improved air circulation and fluid drainage, something solid plastic and rubber belts are unable to offer.
• Durability and handling. Wire mesh conveyor belts are engineered to withstand heavy loads.
• Versatility. Depending on your needs, some wire mesh belts and their components can be customized to meet the specific requirements of an industry or business.
• Temperature resistance. Able to withstand extreme temperatures, both high and low, wire mesh belts work for a variety of applications and environments.
• Cleanliness. Designed to be easy to clean and maintain, wire mesh belts can help you minimize downtime, keep productivity high, and with the right care can last longer than other belts.

Wire mesh belts can be made with a variety of materials from carbon steels to chromium-nickel stainless steels. Below, we’ll dive deeper into select alloys and materials we use to design our wire mesh belts.

Conveyor Belt Material Selection

As we mentioned above, wire mesh belts offer many benefits, but to reap these benefits, you have to choose the material best suited for your environment. Understanding specific conveyor belt material properties will help you decide which material can and cannot withstand the requirements of your industry.

It’s important to note that when it comes to conveyor belt material and alloy selection, having guidance from experienced professionals can go a long way in ensuring you don’t run into belt problems in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns, talk to one of our material specialists to ensure you get a belt that can meet your unique needs. 

We’ve broken down the most common conveyor belt materials used in low to high temperatures environments.

Low Temperatures

The following are select alloys and materials to consider for processes 600 ℉ and under.

Carbon Steel

With varying carbon contents, Carbon steel alloys provide good strength and abrasion resistance at temperatures up to 600 ℉. While steel can withstand higher temperatures in some applications, it is generally not recommended to exceed approximately 600 ℉ as the strength of carbon steel dramatically falls above this temperature.

Carbon steel is commonly used in food processing, heat treatment, and general conveyors. However, since it will oxidize, this alloy should not be used where rust would pose a problem.

430 Stainless Steel

The next conveyor belt material for low temperatures is 430 stainless. As its name suggests, this material has stainless steel properties due to its chromium content, and since it is a magnetic alloy, it can be used with a magnetic drive to aid in belt tracking.

430 magnetic stainless is popular in the food industry. It falls in the ferritic stainless category where elevated temperatures aren’t a factor.  For budget-conscious customers, this alloy provides good rust and corrosive resistance.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel wire comes either electro-plated or hot-dipped with zinc. Unless otherwise specified, we recommend electro-plated galvanized steel because it offers better quality and a long-lasting coating.

Medium Temperatures

Ranging from 600 ℉ to 1250 ℉, medium-temperature conveyor belt materials commonly include these types of stainless steel.

304 Stainless Steel

This austenitic steel is commonly used in the food industry and high-temperature environments up to 1250 ℉. It has good oxidation resistance with a chemical composition of approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

316 and 316Ti Stainless Steel

Since this material includes molybdenum, 316 stainless steel provides increased resistance to corrosion from soaps, detergents, and salt. It can generally withstand temperatures up to 1250 ℉ making it a common selection in the aluminum brazing processes for condensers and cooling radiators.

At Wire-Mesh Products, we also offer 316 titanium which is a version of the 316 that has even higher protection against corrosion and improved strength.

High Temperatures

Your conveyor belt material and alloy selection for high-temperature environments will vary more than those in the low or medium categories. These belts can withstand temperatures ranging from 1250 ℉ and higher.

314 Stainless Steel

314 stainless steel performs very well in temperatures ranging from 1700 ℉ to 2300 ℉. This material is a very cost-effective solution in this temperature range. It offers excellent heat and oxidation resistance which is why it’s popular in the powder metal industry.

3519 CB (NB)

Known as the best alloy for fluctuating temperatures, 3519 CB (NB) can be used in temperatures from 1250 ℉ to 1750 ℉. It handles both carbide precipitation and carburization well, making it ideal for the heat treat industry.

Inconel 600 and 601

If you need to select alloys for environments at 1800 ℉ or higher, Inconel 600 and 601 are good materials to consider. Inco 601 works very well in high-temperature oxidizing environments while Inco 600 works well in high-temperature carburizing atmospheres.

Inconel 601 GC

This material is the grain-controlled version of Inconel 601. Inconel 601 GC is best used for extreme temperatures of about 2100 ℉ or higher and is an ideal choice for industries where cleanliness is important such as technology processing.

We have experience working with Inconel 600 and 601. For more information regarding these materials, give us a call to discuss your options today.

80-20 CB / NIVCB 

The last conveyor belt material for high-temperature environments is 80-20 CB / NIVCB This alloy is typically used in the electronic and high-tech industries. 80-20 CB / NIVCB / is a very clean alloy, which essentially means it has almost no iron in it.

At Wire-Mesh, we can create a “zebra belt,” which is a combination of several alloys, to test what works best for your application. Then based on the results we find, we can mix alloys to meet your unique requirements.

Need help finding the right conveyor belt material for your operation? Talk to one of our specialists to see what we can do for you. 

The post High, Low, & Everything In Between: Conveyor Belt Materials For Every Temperature appeared first on Wire-Mesh Products.

Continue reading to see how conveyor belt efficiency can streamline workflow, reduce labor costs, and improve overall productivity.

Understanding Conveyor Belt Use and Performance

While Henry Ford is often thought of as the individual responsible for the popularization of production and assembly lines, the exact name and date of the original invention remains unknown.

It’s believed that these systems have been leveraged to streamline processes since as early as 1795 when they were used in ports to move agricultural products from shore to ship. Over centuries, individuals have experimented with conveyor belt production to try and perfect a system that minimizes downtime, reduces waste, and improves overall quality control.

After learning about their benefits, countless industries now depend on conveyor systems to keep their day-to-day operations moving smoothly, for example:

• Manufacturing– assembly lines, material handling, and packaging.
• Logistics- warehouses, distribution centers, shipping and receiving.
• Food and beverage– processing, packaging, sorting, and transportation.
• Mining- material handling and transportation.

Whether you want to learn how to increase productivity in manufacturing or reduce waste in a food processing plant, understanding what influences a conveyor belt’s performance is essential to achieving conveyor belt efficiency. Some of the main factors that impact performance include:

• Belt material
• Belt width
• Belt speed
• Incline or decline
• Drive system and pulley design
• Load support and idlers
• Accessories and modifications
• System layout

Benefits Of Conveyor Belt Efficiency

As we mentioned before, conveyor belts are used in a variety of industries from high-temperature industrial to food packaging and material handling. With the ability to automate material handling processes, these systems can significantly increase productivity. Below, we’ve outlined how conveyor belt efficiency can improve your business operations.

1. Worker Safety

Fostering a culture of safety for workers is beneficial for countless reasons, one of which is enhancing efficiency and productivity. Conveyor belts reduce the risk of workplace injuries caused by heavy lifting or manual transportation.

Many conveyor solutions have built-in safety features such as emergency stop buttons and sensors to prevent accidents. Fewer accidents mean fewer distractions and fewer distractions allow for workers to focus fully on the task at hand.

2. Increased Throughput

Conveyor throughput is a measure of how much conveyor solutions can move in a given time. The goal is to have the maximum amount of product moving through the system while maintaining high quality and safety standards.

Conveyor belts provide a constant flow of materials, eliminating downtime caused by manual handling. Additionally, they can handle larger volumes of products in a shorter amount of time, increasing production rates at lower costs.

3. Reduced Labor Costs

Since conveyor belts automate repetitive tasks, they reduce the need for manual labor. This means fewer workers are needed to move materials, therefore leading to lower labor costs.

4. Improved Accuracy and Consistency

Reliable consistency is essential to ensuring product quality and operational efficiency. Conveyor belts move materials with precision and accuracy, reducing errors and waste. Some systems can also be designed to handle products gently, reducing damage during transportation.

By improving the pace and security of product movement, high accuracy can be maintained throughout the entire process. This consistent flow of controlled movement of materials minimizes the risk of product damage and improves quality control.

How To Increase Conveyor Belt Productivity

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of conveyor belt use and efficiency, it’s time to share some helpful tips to increase the productivity of your processes.

Pre-Production

First and foremost, choosing the right belt for your operation is crucial. Every business is different, and as a result, conveyor belt efficiency often depends on whether the belt you pick meets your unique specifications.

If you’re not sure where to begin, conveyor belt production experts can help you navigate the choices. Before operations begin, think about the following factors:

Determine material and product load. The size, weight, dimensions, and other characteristics of the load your belt will be transporting can help you determine what material, motor, drive, and custom conveyor belt products or accessories are right for you.

Set your belt to pull rather than push. Your conveyor belt can lose up to 50-70% of its load capacity when it’s pushing rather than pulling. This is why we recommend setting your drive systems to pull rather than push, except in high-temperature applications (1200F+) as the tension on the belt is reduced when the drive is located at the front.

Calculate the flow rate. How fast and how precise you need materials to move on your belt may require additional conveyor products and equipment such as fasteners, splicing equipment, segmented transfer plates, or maintenance tools.

Consider the industry requirements. Specific industries will have stricter requirements, for example, meeting sanitation and hygienic regulations is paramount for food and beverage or pharmaceutical plants. The belt material you choose can significantly influence these standards.

During Production

Next, you’ll want to consider a few key factors during day-to-day operations. The following elements can help increase conveyor belt production and efficiency not only in the short term but also in the long run.

Create a maintenance routine. Maintenance is essential for achieving conveyor belt efficiency. Ensure your team is following the manufacturer’s recommendations for daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly inspections.

Implementing a maintenance plan for your team to follow can also be helpful, we suggest also recording each inspection and any preventative actions that need to be taken.

Stay on top of cleaning. Similar to maintenance, following a regular cleaning schedule can help increase productivity. Keeping belts clean and properly lubricated is not only necessary for safety reasons but it also ensures operations continue to run smoothly since you reduce the risk of spillage, buildup, and other issues.

Prioritize replacements and repairs. No matter how vigilant you are in keeping up with best practices to extend the life of your conveyor belt, there will come a time when repairs or replacements are inevitable.

The best way to ensure conveyor belt efficiency is to make note of any damaged or deteriorating conveyor parts and address the problems immediately. Conveyor belt replacement experts can help you discover exactly what you need to keep your operations up and running.

Looking for reliable conveyor belt replacement services? Contact us to see how we can help you increase your productivity today.

The post Rev Up Your Operations: 4 Ways Conveyor Belt Efficiency Increases Productivity appeared first on Wire-Mesh Products.

Conveyor Belt Tracking Tips

Mistracking is one of the most common problems for any business using a conveyor belt. A variety of factors can negatively affect conveyor belt tracking, some of these include:

• Structure and pulley misalignment
• Incorrect splicing procedure
• Poorly manufactured belt
• Overtensioning of the belt

Pinpointing the root cause of mistracking is essential if you want to learn how to adjust a conveyor belt to run straight and extend the life of your belt.

Below, we’ve provided some helpful tips to look out for if you suspect a belt tracking problem.

1. Make Sure The Conveyor Frame Is Level & Square

Sometimes with tracking issues, the belt itself isn’t the problem. If a conveyor bed isn’t properly level or square, it will cause the belt to move to one side or the other. Fortunately, checking both these is fairly simple and can be done using a standard-level tool. Examine the frame and pulleys to ensure the structure is “true” (relative to the center line) and level (side to side).

2. Confirm The End Pulleys Are Square

All pulleys, snub rollers, carrying idlers, and return idlers must be square with the frame (perpendicular to the belt center line) and parallel to each other. You can check this by measuring the diagonals. Check the dimensions from one corner to the opposite corner on each side of the conveyor. The final measurements should equal one another.

3. Check For Any Debris In Your System

Cleanliness is key when it comes to proper belt tracking. It’s fairly common to find foreign matter or common debris building up at one or both of the end pulleys. When this happens, it’s essential to clear the buildup otherwise it may create a crown or raised portion on the pulley which results in belt mistracking. Knowing how to properly clean and maintain your conveyor belt will help ensure debris buildup doesn’t become a problem.

4. Ensure Your Conveyor Belt Is Cut Straight

If a conveyor belt is manufactured, slit, and spliced properly, it will move where it’s directed. However, if there are flaws in belt manufacturing or the belts aren’t cut or spliced correctly belt tracking issues can occur. If you suspect your belt wasn’t cut properly, you can remove it from the frame and lay it out on the floor to ensure it’s straight.

5. Check The Belt Tension

Overly loose or tight belts can cause an assortment of problems, mistracking being one of the most common. Follow the guidelines from your belt supplier to find the proper amount of tension to apply.

How To Track A Conveyor Belt

Conveyor belts are influenced by gravity and friction. It’s essential to understand these forces and how pulleys work, in order to control the belt’s path. The key to conveyor belt tracking is to keep everything level, use the pulleys effectively, and ensure proper alignment.

1. Understanding How the Belt Moves

The first thing to consider when tracking a conveyor belt is gravity and how it influences the belt’s movements. A conveyor belt naturally wants to follow the lowest point. If any part of the conveyor isn’t perfectly level, the belt will pull towards that lower side. This is why it’s important to keep everything as flat as possible.

2. Controlling the Belt

The second factor to consider for conveyor belt tracking is friction. We use friction to control where the belt goes. This is where the pulleys on the conveyor play a key role. The more the belt touches a pulley (more wrap), and the bigger the pulley, the more control it has over the belt.

Essentially, this means the belt tries to go straight out from the pulley. To keep the belt centered, it’s usually best to adjust only one or two pulleys while keeping the others fixed. However, on long conveyors, you might need to adjust more.

It’s also important to keep in mind that there are limits to control when making belt adjustments. You can only steer a belt as much as it can bend. This means that belts with more lateral stiffness will resist direction changes more than those that are flexible. If you try to force the limits of a belt, it can start to move in the opposite direction, resulting in deformation of the belt and making it uncontrollable.

3. Aligning Equipment

Proper alignment and roller maintenance are crucial for a smoothly running conveyor system. Even small alignment errors can cause big problems on a conveyor. A few rollers slightly out of line can create more issues than one roller that’s very out of line.

It’s important to check and adjust roller positions often. Taking shortcuts by just measuring from one roller to the next can lead to even bigger problems later on. Broken or stuck rollers can also cause major issues. These are often hard to see, especially the ones at the back of the conveyor. Remember, always check for damaged rollers before installing a new belt.

Conveyor Belt Adjustment Rules & Procedures

After learning how conveyor belt tracking works, it’s important to know a few basic rules to follow when making adjustments. These will ensure no further damage is done to the belt and the process is completed successfully.

• Focus on the return run first, adjusting it towards the tail pulley. Once that’s done, work on the top run in the direction the belt moves. Begin with an empty belt. After checking the alignment, fully load the belt and check the alignment again.
• Always adjust the belt’s tracking while the conveyor is running. Make these adjustments along a section of the conveyor before the problem area.
• Let the belt run for several minutes, or at least three complete rotations after adjusting an idler to see if further adjustments need to be made. If you’ve overcorrected, simply readjust the same idler back to its original position instead of changing other idlers or rollers.

When designing a procedure for conveyor belt tracking, we recommend considering the following:

• Avoid turning constants into variables. When everything is known to be square and level, index the rollers. Sometimes simple, well-thought-out marks on the equipment can prevent hours of frustration.
• Guide the belt with the tracking rollers and leave the others alone. The tracking provisions were designed to control a stable system. If they are unable to control the belt, the system isn’t stable and something is broken.
• Avoid excessive adjustments by establishing a disciplined belt tracking procedure based on observations at fixed intervals and try not to make gross adjustments if possible.
• Limit the number of personnel associated with tracking a specific belt and/or keep a log to prevent erroneous adjustments.

Remember, every belt is different, so while these guidelines are helpful to keep in mind when making conveyor belt tracking adjustments, the best thing to do if you have questions or concerns is to contact a repair or replacement specialist who can help you navigate the situation.

Do you have questions about a belt repair or replacement? Talk to us today to see how we can help.

The post Conveyor Belt Tracking Guide appeared first on Wire-Mesh Products.

In this blog, we will provide a conveyor belt troubleshooting guide that discusses common belt issues and steps you can take to try and fix them.

6 Conveyor Belt Problems and Solutions

Learning how to fix a conveyor belt is complicated and if done incorrectly could cost you more time and money in the end.

Before diving into our conveyor belt problems and solutions guide, know that the best course of action to take when you’re experiencing a major problem is to contact an expert.

Specialists who have experience with conveyor belt repair and replacement are more equipped to help and provide recommendations. However, knowing what kind of conveyor belt problems and solutions to look out for is crucial to preventing issues in the future and extending the life of your conveyor belt.

1. Tracking

Conveyor belt tracking problems occur when the belt drifts from one side or the other, becoming misaligned with its center or original path. Many factors can lead to conveyor belt tracking issues. Some of these include:

Uneven loading. When material isn’t loaded evenly onto the belt, it can cause the belt to pull to one side or the other causing mistracking.

Worn or damaged rollers. As rollers begin to wear down or get damaged, they can become misaligned and, as a result, cause tracking issues.

Misaligned conveyor frame. Similar to the rollers, if the conveyor frame itself is not level or square, it can result in the belt tracking off-center.

Improper belt tension. To work properly, a belt needs a precise balance of tension. A belt that isn’t tight enough can drift to one side or the other, in the same respect, if it’s too tight it will put too much stress on other belt components and eventually cause mistracking.

Poorly spliced belt. Splicing a belt properly requires precision and skill. If it is not spliced correctly, the belt can become uneven and lead to tracking problems.

Material buildup on pulleys or the belt. If excess material begins to accumulate on the belt or pulleys, the belt will be more prone to tracking off-center.

Mistracking is one of the most common issues for conveyor belts and if ignored, conveyor belt tracking issues can lead to additional problems, including increased maintenance needs, unexpected breakdowns, reduced production efficiency, and increased energy consumption.

Solutions

If you are experiencing conveyor belt tracking issues, here are some solutions we recommend:

• Check and adjust snub rollers, training idlers, and tracking trough.
• Keep up with regular belt maintenance and inspections.
• Inspect and replace worn or damaged skirting.
• Use the correct belt type for the given application.

2. Slippage

The next conveyor belt problem and solution we will cover is belt slippage, which occurs when the belt loses traction on the drive pulley. Some of the most common factors that cause a belt to slip include:

Improper belt tension. If the belt tension is too loose it won’t have enough grip on the pulley to move the load, allowing the belt to slip but if it’s too tight, it can cause excessive wear and tear on the belt and pulley, again, leading to slippage.

Worn or damaged pulleys. Pulleys need a strong grip on the belt to keep it moving on the right path, when pulleys begin to deteriorate, their grip will loosen and cause the belt to slip.

Material buildup on pulleys. If material builds up on pulleys, it can create a slick or slippery surface. This may reduce the traction between the belt and the pulley, resulting in slippage.

Cold temperatures. When a belt is exposed to colder temperatures or environments, it can become less flexible, reducing traction and making the belt more prone to slipping.

Overloading. If a conveyor belt is overloaded (carrying more weight or material than originally designed to hold) it’s forced to work harder and may begin to slip.

Similar to the other items found in this conveyor belt problems and solutions guide, slippage can have many consequences such as reduced production efficiency, increased wear and tear on the belt and pulley, material damage, motor failure, and potential safety hazards.

Solutions

Learning how to fix a conveyor belt can be complicated. If you’re experiencing belt slippage, we recommend starting with these solutions:

• Inspect the tensioner and adjust if needed.
• Inspect and replace worn pulleys.
• Clean and deglaze pulleys.
• Install or upgrade scraper blades.
• Apply lagging for increased traction.
• Keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance.

3. Blockages

Belt blockages occur when the material gets stuck or lodged in the conveyor system. Factors that may cause belt blockages include:

Overloading. Feeding too much material on the belt at once, increased product size, or wet and sticky materials clumping together can all result in belt blockages.

Material buildup. Certain materials, like powders, can leave residue on the belt over time. This build-up can create ridges or clumps that snag on other objects and cause blockages.

Sharp edges or transitions. Sharp edges on the conveyor frame, chute transitions, or debris build-up can snag materials and cause them to accumulate leading to a blockage.

Foreign objects. Sometimes, foreign objects like tools or scraps, are accidentally placed on the belt and lodged in the system resulting in a blockage.

Damaged scraper blades. Scraper blades remove excess material from the belt to prevent carryback. If these blades are worn or damaged they won’t be able to clean the belt, which can lead to blockages effectively.

Misaligned belts or transfers. If the belt isn’t aligned properly with the transfer chutes or other conveyor sections, the materials being moved can get caught at the transitions and cause blockages.

Blockages are very common in any operation using a conveyor belt. If these blockages aren’t addressed they can lead to many problems such as downtime and lost productivity, increased maintenance needs, safety hazards, product quality, and environmental concerns.

Solutions

There are many steps you can take to prevent blockages from happening, as well as solutions to address the problem if it occurs, some of these include:

• Use breaker bars or install a backstopping system.
• Install or upgrade scraper blades.
• Evaluate and optimize chute angles and transitions.
• Invest in more advanced cleaning systems.
• Keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning.

4. Carryback

Another common conveyor belt problem occurs when material is left on the belt after unloading. This is known as carryback and can be caused by a variety of factors including:

Material properties. Materials that are sticky, wet, or fine are more likely to cling to the belt and cause carryback.

Ineffective belt cleaning. Worn blades, improper scraper placement, or using the wrong type of belt cleaner can all inhibit the belt from effectively removing debris and lead to carryback.

Belt speed and tension. As we mentioned above, belt speed and tension need to be exact. If the belt is too slow or if it is not tensioned properly, it’ll be more prone to carry back material.

Improper loading and discharge chutes. If chutes are not designed to properly transfer material onto and off the belt, the material being moved can become lodged and carried back.

When carryback occurs, it can cause many issues to the belt and the production process. These include increased housekeeping costs, belt mistracking, premature wear and tear, safety hazards, and environmental concerns.

Solutions

Many conveyor belt problems and solutions involve similar practices. To avoid and address carryback problems we recommend considering the following:

• Install or upgrade scraper blades.
• Adjust scraper tension and positioning.
• Evaluate and optimize chute and skirting design.
• Use anti-stick belt coatings.
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule.

5. Material Spillage

When the material being conveyed falls off the belt, it is known as spillage. Material spillage is a conveyor belt problem that can be the result of many factors including:

Overloading. Similar to what we mentioned before, exceeding the maximum capacity of the belt can cause materials to fall or spill off the sides.

Improper belt alignment. A belt that isn’t properly aligned won’t be able to contain materials throughout transitions.

Worn or damaged belt. Damaged conveyor belts often cannot effectively keep materials from falling off the sides, leading to material spillage.

Ineffective skirting. The material that seals the sides of the belt to prevent spillage, is known as skirting. If this is worn, damaged, or improperly adjusted it won’t be able to contain the material being moved.

Material properties. Materials that are fine, dusty, or irregularly shaped are more prone to falling off the sides of the conveyor belt, leading to spillage.

While it may not seem as dangerous as other items listed in this conveyor belt problems and solutions guide, material spillage can have serious consequences including lost product, downtime and cleanup, equipment damage, safety hazards, and environmental impact.

Solutions

If your operation is experiencing material spillage, there are many ways to fix the issue. We recommend the following steps when looking for conveyor belt spillage solutions:

• Evaluate and install support rollers.
• Install impact beds at loading points.
• Evaluate and optimize skirt board design and tension.
• Upgrade belt edges.
• Use anti-spill edges and implement dust control measures.
• Install belt cleaners or self-cleaning pulleys.

6. Seized Rollers

The final conveyor belt problem and solution we’ll discuss in this guide is seized rollers which cause the belt to stall.

Lack of lubrication. Rollers require regular lubrication to run smoothly, without this, they are more prone to seizing due to friction.

Overloading. If the belt’s weight capacity is exceeded, it puts unnecessary stress on the rollers and causes premature wear and tear, eventually causing them to seize.

Water damage. Rollers that are continuously exposed to water or wet environments can begin to rust and lead to seizing.

Contamination. Dirt, debris, sticky materials, or other types of contamination can build up on rollers and cause them to seize.

Improper roller selection. Using the wrong type of roller for the application being moved can also cause premature wear or damage to rollers, for example, using light-duty rollers to move heavy-duty products may lead to seizing.

Misaligned rollers. If rollers become misaligned, it can cause them to wear unevenly and add unnecessary stress to the bearings which result in rollers seizing.

Worn or damaged seals. When seals on the belt begin to break down or become damaged, it allows contaminants to accumulate on the rollers and cause seizing.

When a conveyor belt stalls because of seized rollers it can lead to various issues including downtime and production delays, belt damage, increased wear on other components, and safety hazards.

Solutions

There are many solutions to this common conveyor belt problem. If your operation is being slowed down by seized rollers, consider these solutions:

• Inspect and upgrade worn or damaged rollers.
• Practice regular lubrication or install self-lubricating rollers.
• Monitor roller temperatures.
• Install heavy-duty rollers.
• Keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning.

Even with the help of this conveyor belt problem and solution guide, you may find your system isn’t running smoothly. If this is the case, reach out to a specialist who can help you identify the problem and provide you with a knowledgeable solution.

Is it time for you to upgrade your belt? Contact one of our experts to see how we can help.

The post Conveyor Belt Problems and Solutions: An Easy-To-Follow Troubleshooting Guide appeared first on Wire-Mesh Products.

Rather than let our customers stress about finding the right information, we’ve put together a conveyor belt guide to answer your questions and make your life easier.

How To Clean A Conveyor Belt

Belt cleanliness is essential for maintaining the standard level of hygiene and product safety throughout any operation.

In certain industries, like food and beverage processing, learning how to clean a conveyor belt is imperative to help reduce the risk of contamination; however, regular cleaning ensures any belt, no matter what it’s used for, remains in good condition. Proper cleaning can also contribute to fewer replacements and repairs over time.

While the terms cleaning, disinfection, and sanitation are often used interchangeably, they don’t mean the same thing. Each plays an important role in upholding safety and hygiene standards.

• Cleaning- removing unwanted substances, such as dirt, soil, infectious agents, or other impurities.
• Disinfection- killing harmful bacteria and other pathological agents to obtain a microbe-free environment.
• Sanitation- using sanitizer (a chemical agent) to reduce the number of microbes to a safe level.

Belt sanitation can happen either off-line or on-line. If it is being cleaned off the line, the belt must be disassembled from the conveyor, conversely, when the belt is cleaned on the line, it remains on the conveyor system. On-line sanitation can occur when the conveyor belt is operating.

When learning how to clean a conveyor belt, you need to be familiar with the different cleaning types or processes. There are three main ways to clean a conveyor belt: manually, semi-automated, and fully automated. What you choose will depend on the size of your conveyor belt system, industry, and other factors.

We recommend implementing regular cleaning practices to ensure your belts remain up to safety standards. After cleaning your belt, you may find that it is time for a replacement, in which case Wire-Mesh Products can help.

Manual Cleaning

While it is the most affordable method, manual cleaning is labor-intensive and consumes a lot of time and energy. It can be effective for smaller food processing operations, but for larger companies, manually cleaning belts may delay and reduce productivity.

It’s important to remember that when manually cleaning, it’s often difficult to reach every part of the belt, as a result, the belt and equipment will need to be fully dismantled, this would be an example of off-line cleaning. When manually cleaning a conveyor belt, the following methods are often used:

• Sweeping and brushing out the debris and carrybacks
• Scrapping sticky substances, foods, and food fragments
• Scrubbing stains along the belt
• Rinsing
• Wiping and vacuuming to dry and remove residue

Manual cleaning will also require specific tools, including but not limited to:

• Water brush
• Brush cleaner
• Roller
• Wash box

Semi-Automated Cleaning

In this cleaning process, some phases are done manually while others are automated. The automated parts often include dry vacuuming, spraying, and rinsing, while the manual parts are typically brushing and scraping.

This type of cleaning is much faster than manual cleaning, but can still take up a lot of time and labor. Since part of this cleaning process is done manually, some tools will still be required including:

• Cleaning brushes
• Wash box

Fully Automated

The ideal cleaning choice for large productions and material handling and food processes is fully automated. This reduces downtime and is the most effective when reaching safety and hygiene standards. In fully automated cleaning processes, the belt will go through a clean-in-place (CIP) system while it is operating.

This system is designed for both wet and dry cleaning processes. In dry cleaning stations, the CIP will often use rotating motorized brushes and scrapers whereas in wet cleaning stations, they will use spray jets or steam nozzles.

How To Connect A Conveyor Belt (Splicing)

This part of our conveyor belt guide will explain how to connect a conveyor belt, a process commonly known as splicing.

Sometimes, during belt replacement or repair, two trimmed ends of a conveyor belt are joined together to create a continuous loop. This process is called splicing and is often used to increase belt performance or longevity.

There are many ways you can learn how to connect a conveyor belt, but the two most common types of splicing are mechanical and vulcanization. Deciding how to connect a conveyor belt will depend on the belt’s material type and size.

The process of splicing a conveyor belt involves both chemical and mechanical procedures, therefore, it should not be attempted without the proper tools and equipment. Some of these include:

• Belt cutters- used for cutting wire or other durable belt materials.
• Belt clamps- used to hold the two ends of the belt together while splicing.

It’s important to also remember that learning how to connect a conveyor belt or splicing, is a complex process and should only be performed by professionals. If you need assistance, our team has the experience and resources to help.

How To Install A Conveyor Belt

The final part of our conveyor belt guide covers how to install a conveyor belt as well as essential belt conveyor alignment procedures.

Belt Installation

The first thing to address before learning how to install a conveyor belt is whether you are replacing an existing belt, or installing a new one on an empty system. In belt replacements, the old belt is typically used to pull the new one into place.

If the system doesn’t have an existing belt to help guide the new one into place, the recommended method is to run a cable along the intended belt path. The belt is then pulled into position using the proper tools, such as a sized winder.

During installation, it’s essential that the fastening method between the new belt and the old belt, or the new belt and the cable, is strong enough to overcome three main obstacles:

• Frictional forces of the belt against idlers and pulleys.
• Gravitational forces of any elevation changes.
• Inertia forces that are involved in the start of the pull.

It is recommended that before any installations begin, a line-pull calculation is done to ensure that the equipment being used is suitable for the process.

Methods of pulling the belt will also vary depending on its weight and length. The most common methods are to either use a winder or a winch. Once installation begins, the winder or winch will reel the cable or old belt, feeding the belt onto the conveyor system at a controlled speed.

Belt Tracking

Belt conveyor alignment procedures are necessary to guarantee your new belt continues to run smoothly. A poorly tracking belt can cause a variety of short and long-term problems for an operation. This is why proper tracking is the best way to ensure it runs efficiently and for a long time.

First, survey the equipment for proper alignment and establish reference points and benchmarks. Doing this makes it easier for you to spot-check in the future.

Next, replace the return rollers with indexed adjustable rollers (located towards the drive end). These additional tracking rollers help keep the belt straight on the return rollers, allowing for finer adjustment of the tracking system.

We recommend establishing a formal tracking procedure that assigns the responsibility for a specific belt to a single individual. This ensures that fewer mistakes are made and communication is efficient.

With the information in this blog, you should be able to find answers to some of the common questions people have when it comes to conveyor belts. But, keep in mind, that this conveyor belt guide only covers the basics – there’s a lot more to learn. Fortunately, we’re experts in complex conveyor belt problems and solutions.

Ready to upgrade your belting? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

The post A How-To Conveyor Belt Guide: Cleaning, Cutting, Connecting, & More appeared first on Wire-Mesh Products.

Conveyors can be complex, and so can the terminology that comes with them. In this blog, we will provide you with conveyor belt terminology and definitions to help navigate the industry.

Conveyor Glossary

We have broken our conveyor glossary into 5 parts of basic conveyor belt terminology, including industries, types of conveyor belts, types of pulleys, types of idlers, and types of drives.

#1 Common Industry Types

The first part of our conveyor glossary covers specific types of conveyor belts used in a variety of industries.

High-Temperature Industrial

Conveyor belts play a major role in industrial manufacturing processes and therefore need to be able to function in high-temperature conditions. High-temperature industrial belts have characteristics that allow them to withstand temperatures ranging from 1,000 ℉ to 2,300 ℉. Learn how to choose the right belt for high-temperature industrial manufacturing environments.

Food Processing 

The food processing industry also uses conveyor belts for a variety of purposes. These belts are made from a variety of materials depending on the application. Choose the best food processing belt for your application.

Packaging/Material Handling

A packaging and material handling conveyor belt is designed to assist with product packaging such as placing finished products in containers, adding labels, or preparing products for shipping. They provide a safe method of moving materials without the need for employees to carry the items. If you need help choosing the right belt for the packaging/material handling industry, Wire-Mesh experts are here for you.

#2 Belt Types

This section of our conveyor glossary covers specific belt types based on weave and components.

Balanced Weave 

This weave is one of the most common and versatile types featuring a series of left and right-hand wire mesh spirals joined by a connecting or crimped rod. Check out our guide if you need help knowing how to measure a balanced weave belt.

Compounded Balanced Weave

A balanced weave comprised of left and right-handed spirals compounded together. Check out our guide if you need help knowing how to measure a compound balanced weave belt.

Double Balanced Weave

A weave with left and right-hand wire mesh spirals that have two interwoven left-hand spirals and two interwoven right-hand spirals. Check out our guide if you need help knowing how to measure a double-balanced weave belt.

Rod Reinforced 

This type of weave resembles a chain link fence featuring a series of interwoven spirals.

Flat Flex

This type of weave offers a lightweight, open area, with the thinnest positive drive wire. Check out our guide if you need help identifying a flat flex belt.

Flat Wire

In this type of weave, conveyor belting is made from carbon or stainless steel strips that are driven by cast or mechanical sprockets.

#3 Rollers

The next section of conveyor belt terminology covers different rollers and roller systems. A roller is an external component that controls the belt’s movement.

Typically, a conveyor system will have at least two rollers, one operating under power and the other idle. However, more complex conveyor systems may have multiple rollers along the frame.

Drive or Head Roller

Coupled with the actuator and electric motor, this component drives the conveyor acting as the pulling force. It can be loaded at the front or rear of the conveyor.  The drive pulley is typically the largest in diameter.

Tension Pulley

This is a return pulley used to create tension on the conveyor belt, increasing the force placed on the pulley.

Snub Pulley

These pulleys work with the drive pulley by increasing friction to enlarge the touching areas between the belt and the drive pulley.

Crowned Head Pulley

A pulley that features cylindrical middle and tapered ends to assist the conveyor belt to be driven without wobbling.

Flat Face Pulley

This is a type of pulley on which the face is a straight cylindrical drum.

#4 Idlers

This section of the conveyor glossary talks about idlers, which are non-powered rollers that work to support the belt.

Idler Roller

Employed along the length of the belt to support the belt and the load, these rollers help prevent sagging, align the belt, and clean up any carryback.

Rubber Disk Idler

This idler features rubber disks placed at set distances along the axis of the roller to help break off connected carryback/leftover material as well as reduce material buildup at the bottom of the belt.

Screw Idler Roller

An idler that features helical-like disks (similar to a screw) on the roller and is often used in place of a scrapper to remove carryback.

Trainer Idler

Made to keep the belt running straight, this idler works against mistracking by using a central pivot that swerves the roller back to the center when the belt drifts to one side. These also include two guide rollers which act as guides for the belt.

#5 Types of Drive Units

The final part of our conveyor belt terminology guide covers types of drive units. These are the necessary structural, mechanical, and electrical parts that provide the motive power for a conveyor.

Usually consisting of a motor/reducer, chain, sprockets, guards, mounting base, and hardware. This allows the belt to shift into reverse and handle repeated changes in direction that some conveyor belts require.

Internal Drive

The drive pulley and motor are one assembly (the motor is housed within the pulley).

Center Drive

The drive assembly is located along the center of the conveyor frame. Generally speaking, this drive can be placed anywhere along the conveyor frame, what makes it a center drive is that the motor doesn’t engage either of the end pulleys or rollers.

End Drive

The drive assembly is located at one of the conveyor’s ends. Typically, the drive will be located at the discharge end of the conveyor so that it is pulling the belt or chain over the pulley. Other times the drive is placed at the infeed, where it will be pushing the belt or chain over the drive pulley rather than pulling it.

Remember, this conveyor belt terminology guide is only the beginning. There are many more terms in the industry, but using this will help anyone who is looking to have the necessary conveyor belt information they need before repairing or replacing a belt of their own.

Interested in conveyor belt replacement or repair? Contact one of our belt specialists to learn more today.

The post A Complete Guide to Common Conveyor Belt Terminology appeared first on Wire-Mesh Products.