Cleated, ripstop, corrugated sidewall, integrally molded, slider bed, and other industrial belts can possess materials that enhance abrasion resistance:
- Steel cord belts take on heavy-duty applications demanding strength and superior resistance to abrasion.
- Fabric belts are made with multiple layers of synthetic fabric materials such as polyester or nylon. Industries such as mining, agriculture, and construction use fabric belts.
- Rubber belts are made from a combination of natural rubber and synthetic materials. They effectively transport materials such as minerals, sand, and gravel.
- PVC belts are made from polyvinyl chloride. Industries such as food processing, material, and packaging handling use PVC belts.
- PU (or polyurethane) belts are resistant to abrasion and also provide excellent resistance to chemicals and oils.
- Metal conveyor belts: most roller chain belts are made of steel. These go on roller chain conveyors and withstand abrasive and demanding environments such as recycling and scrap.
- D4 Caterpillar track: we can configure our extreme heavy-duty roller chain conveyor with a D4 Cat track in place of a belt. Automotive recyclers use this configuration–which we call our car infeed conveyor–to feed whole cars into a shredder or other processing equipment. Needless to say, Caterpillar track is very abrasion-resistant.
We carry abrasion-resistant replacement belts for a wide variety of industries and challenging applications.
Why choose an abrasion-resistant belt?
Conveyor belts that handle heavy and abrasive materials receive constant wear and tear. Belts that are not specially designed to handle coarse materials wear out quickly, increasing replacement costs and downtime.
An abrasion-resistant conveyor belt is designed to withstand friction and wear caused by continuous contact with abrasive materials, such as gravel, minerals, or industrial substances.
Prevent wear and tear
Abrasion-resistant belts prevent wear and tear and enhance productivity. By incorporating abrasion-resistant conveyor belt materials, they withstand the forces of friction and resist cuts, cracks, and surface damage. They provide a protective barrier, shielding the underlying layers of the belt from external factors that could compromise its structural integrity.
Extending service life
By reducing wear and tear, abrasion-resistant belts minimize belt replacement, saving businesses money. Moreover, the extended service life of these belts maintains production, reduces downtime, and increases overall productivity.
What causes belt damage?
Conveyor belts experience damage to varying degrees based on the following factors:
- Material properties. Materials with high abrasiveness, such as ores, aggregates, scrap metals, and sharp-edged bulk materials, can rapidly wear down the belt surface.
- Operational conditions. Load capacity, temperature, and the presence of contaminants such as dust or moisture can accelerate the rate of wear on the belt surface.
- Belt speed. The belt speed has a significant impact on the surface friction of the belt. This friction causes wear and increases the temperature of the belt, which can affect the belt’s performance.
- Belt tension. An overtightened belt can cause unnecessary friction and compromise the tensile strength of the belt over time. A loose belt might sag and rub against components that it normally shouldn’t, contributing to wear and tear.
We can help you choose the right belt and size so you can minimize replacements and extend the life of your belt.
Industrial applications of abrasion-resistant belts
From mining and aggregates to manufacturing and recycling, resistance to abrasion is an important quality for industrial conveyor belts:
- In the mining industry, these belts move heavy, sharp materials such as coal, ore, and gravel.
- In aggregate processing plants, they transport crushed stones, sand, and gravel while withstanding heavy impacts.
- In manufacturing, abrasion-resistant conveyor belts convey metal parts, wood, glass, or plastic products.
- In recycling facilities, these belts move recycled materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, or metal scraps to their designated processing areas.
Check out the full list of industries our abrasion-resistant belting serves.
