Contractor Tips Blog

Feb
18

How to Perform a Cold Cure Repair for Conveyor Belts

Posted in Conveyor Belts

Conveyor belt rips, gouges or worn spots need repair before the entire belt is damaged and needs replacement. While volcanized repairs are often the closest to manufacturer quality and strength on canvas belts, they require special equipment and time. Metal fasteners can also be used but do not offer the same strength as volcanized repairs. Another option is a cold cure repair, a quick and convenient method for some types of conveyor belt repairs.

What is Cold Cure Repair?

While volcanized repairs use heat and pressure to repair a portion of a conveyor belt, cold cure repairs use a chemical or resin process. This requires no special equipment like vulcanization, making it easier to perform quickly and wherever the conveyor belt is located. There are many different types of cold cures for belt repairs, designed for different materials and applications.

To perform a cold cure repair, the process is similar to volcanized repairs. The damage piece of belt is removed and a new piece of cover or canvas is cut to size. The difference is that chemicals or resin is used to adhere the new belt material in place instead of heat and pressure. The curing time depends on the product used but usually is about 4-8 hours. Compared to the downtime required to bring in volcanizing equipment and specialists, this can save days of missed production in some cases.

Time needed for repairs, whether cold cure or vulcanization, is always a concern. There is always a chance a repair will not hold and the time used will be wasted. It is a good idea to have a replacement belt available for serious damage – replacement time and cost can be a better option than the downtime costs for major belt repairs.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Dec
3

What is the Difference Between Standard and Metric Timing Belts?

Posted in Conveyor Belts

If you have industrial manufacturing equipment, there is a good chance you have machinery that requires a timing belt. These belts regulate the movement of shafts or camshafts, needing precision in the “timing” to function correctly. Machinery used for cutting, stamping and other manufacturing processes often require a timing belt, just like most vehicles. There are metric and standard timing belts used for machinery – knowing the difference is important when it comes to replacement.

Standard Timing Belts

For equipment made for use in the U.S., most use a standard timing belt. These belts are designed to work on the standard U.S. measurement system. Timing belts come with specifications that are all based on weights and measurements. If the timing belt needed must be a certain length, tensile strength, pitch size and tension strength, these measurements will be in U.S. standard.

Metric Timing Belts

Equipment and machinery made in other countries may use metric timing belts. These belts perform the same as standard timing belts but all attributes are based on the metric measurement system. It is important to know which type of belt you will need and the exact specifications needed before you contact a supplier.

Customized Timing Belts

In some cases, the equipment you use may no longer have parts available. It is not uncommon for timing belts on older equipment to be no longer in stock. In some cases, you may need to have a timing belt customized to fit your equipment.

If you need a new timing belt for your production line equipment, contact an industrial supplier that offers standard, metric and customized timing belts to ensure you get the right belt for your needs.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Oct
16

Best Conveyor Belt Options for Food Production Lines

Posted in Conveyor Belts

Conveyor belts are necessary for all types of mass production and are uses extensively in making and packaging food products. However, to meet health standards and other concerns, the conveyors used for food production lines must meet certain specifications. Many small food operations grow to the point where they need to add conveyor belts to meet their production goals. When deciding which conveyor belts are best for a food production line, consider these factors.

Is the Belt Food Grade and USDA Approved?

You must have a conveyor belt that is food grade and has been approved by the USDA for food production. These tend to be non-porous to prevent contamination and issues with bacteria.

Belts Should Have a Specialized Coating

If the food that will be transported has liquid or sticky substances, you will want the conveyor belt to be coated to prevent staining and allow for easy cleaning. Popular coatings include silicone and Teflon, which offer a non-stick surface.

Temperature Compatible Materials

If the food needing to be processed is frozen or hot, it is important to have food grade belts that will be compatible with the temperatures. Some belts may crack in cold temperatures, while others could melt with too much heat.

Cleated or Non-Cleated

Some food products may require cleating to hold the items in place if they are flat, slippery or may roll off the conveyor belt.

In many cases, conveyor belts for food production lines will need to be customized for the exact specifications needed. It is vital to have a conveyor belt company that offers specialized food-grade conveyor belts to find the best option to fit the needs of your business.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Sep
3

5 Signs it is Time to Replace Your Conveyor Belt

Posted in Conveyor Belts

If your business relies on conveyors belts to meet your production goals, efficient maintenance, repairs and replacement is key to your success. You do not want to wait for your conveyor belt to fail to consider a replacement. Avoid production line shutdowns with proactive replacement when there are signs of serious deterioration. Here are five signs it may be time to replace your conveyor belt.

  1. Would it take less time to replace than repair the belt? Even if the belt can be repaired, is it worth it if the downtime is much longer? Weigh the cost of replacement versus repair in downtime costs.
  2. Is there a significant tear? Tears in your belt are repairable, but if it extends more than 25% of the width, you probably should replace versus repair.
  3. Has a temporary repair already been performed? If your belt is failing and a temporary repair has already been performed, it is time to replace instead of trying to repair it again.
  4. How old is the belt? All belts have a life span. When tearing or fraying begin and the belt has met its expected lifespan, replace it.
  5. How busy is your upcoming production schedule? If you have a busy schedule for production over the next few weeks, any sign of deterioration should spur a replacement. You do not want to stop production during a busy time for repair or replacement.

Staying on top of conveyor replacement can save you money in the long run. It is better to proactively replace a belt than spend too much time on constant repairs. Educated your production line managers to make wise decisions on when to replace your conveyor belts and contact your conveyor belt supplier to order extra belts to keep on hand.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Jun
5

4 Elements of Visually Inspecting a Conveyor Belt

Posted in Conveyor Belts

Ocular or visual inspections are an important part of conveyor maintenance; there are often visual clues that can alert you to a conveyor breakdown before it happens. Performing an ocular inspection should be part of routine maintenance, but you need to know what to look for during your inspection. Here are four elements of visually inspecting a conveyor belt that can ensure you stay on top of preventive maintenance.

  1. Is the belt intact? Start with the overall basics and inspect the integrity of the belt. Are the belt and joints worn, frayed or have any signs of deterioration? Look for residue, metal dust or dirty areas that could be signs of parts wearing down.
  2. Check the moving components. Look at the moving components and bed of the conveyor. Check the pulleys, spindles, rolls, bearings and sliding bed to ensure all pieces are in good condition and complete.
  3. Watch the belt movement. Without product, test the belt movement. Does the belt pull to one side or is it centered? A worn bearing can cause the belt to pull to one side – misalignment of pulleys, rolls and wheels can also pull the belt off-center. Adjust as needed to align the belt.
  4. Inspect product transportation. A conveyor belt can function fine without weight, then have issues under load. Carefully inspect the belt as it is transporting product – look for rubbing or slipping that can cause wear and malfunction.

Periodically doing self-inspections on conveyor belts can identify issues before they cause a belt breakdown that can stop production. It is also important to schedule professional maintenance and thorough inspections to replace parts as needed to extend the lifespan of your equipment and reduce emergency repairs. Just remember, preventive maintenance is always cheaper than loss of production and costly repairs.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

May
9

Potential Conveyor Belt Problems

Posted in Conveyor Belts

Conveyor belts are a key component to productivity in many industries. A breakdown can bring everything to a halt, impacting every aspect of the business. Manufacturing can stop; shipments can be delayed, all due to a belt problem on your conveyor. Knowing the top conveyor belt problems and how to fix or trouble shoot them can help minimize slowdowns in your business’ productivity. Here are some of the top potential conveyor belt problems.

Materials Sticking to the Belt (Carryover)

When small amounts of material get stuck to the belt, it can cause issues in the conveyor system. When these materials carryover, they can be pulled under the conveyor and accumulate in pulleys, rollers and other mechanisms. Keeping the belt clean can prevent premature wear on the belt and breakdowns in the system.

Tracking Issues

Mistracking is one of the main causes of belt deterioration. Poorly fitted belts, tension problems and material buildup all can cause mistracking. It is best to have a conveyor belt service professional inspect the system and find the issue to get your conveyor back on track to prevent unscheduled stoppage of your production line.

Worn or Damaged Belts

Belts that wear out quickly or sustain constant damage are bound to slow down productivity. Belts are expensive to fix and replace but are needed to keep your conveyor functional. Inspect belts regularly to identify belt damage and fix as needed – routine cleaning and maintenance can help minimize premature belt damage and lower costs on replacement.

Preventing belt problems can save downtime costs and increase profits for your business. Stay on top of maintenance with routine inspections and service to reduce potential conveyor belt problems.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Apr
16

Choosing a Qualified Conveyor Belt Supplier

Posted in Conveyor Belts

Many businesses rely on conveyor belts to help speed up productivity. From warehouses and shipping outlets to manufacturing floors and commercial kitchens, conveyor belts keep products moving and help improve profitability. Whether you run a large commercial manufacturing plant or a small craft beer business, you need a qualified conveyor belt supplier to ensure your business stays productive. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a conveyor belt supplier for your company.

  • Types of conveyor belts. Conveyor belts are not one-size-fits-all. You want a supplier that offers a wide variety of conventional conveyor belts as well as customized options. Cleated, food-grade, rough-top and other options should be available in various sizes. Your supplier should offer delivery and installation of your conveyor belt equipment.
  • Conveyor components. Hoses, timing belts, lacing, rubber and other components are needed for maintenance and repairs on your conveyor. Your supplier should have the parts you will need for maintaining your equipment and quick options for delivery.
  • Service for your conveyor. A conveyor belt company that can install, maintain and repair your equipment and has all the supplies you need is ideal. Make sure you find a company that guarantees quick repair service for breakdown emergencies. A broken conveyor can slow down your production line and you need repairs to be completed as soon as possible.

You need to be able depend on your conveyor belt supplier to keep your business productive. Take the time to research your options to find an experienced conveyor belt company with the services you need and a good reputation. It is worth the investment of time to find the right supplier that will be a partner you can trust as you grow your business.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Dec
10

How to Keep Your Conveyor Belt Running Smoothly

Posted in Conveyor Belts

Nothing can slow down production and distribution centers quicker than a conveyor belt breakdown. Your lines can come to a literal standstill when your conveyor tracking is not right or a belt becomes frayed or worn out. Here are some tips to keep your conveyor belt running smoothly to get the most productivity.

Regular Inspections

Your equipment needs to be regularly inspected to catch issues before they lead to a shutdown of your conveyor belt. Some areas to check daily and throughout the week include:

  • Belt wear
  • Wear on the idler
  • Material buildup
  • Pulley alignment
  • Belt tracking

Cleaning

Keeping your belt, motor and other equipment clean can go a long way in helping to keep your conveyor running. Dirt, debris and product residue can put excess wear on your equipment

Lubrication

Your bearings, rollers and other friction parts need lubrication to prevent wear. Make sure to clean any excess grease or oil from the belt. It is also imperative to use the right grease for the equipment. Check with your manufacturer recommendations.

The Right Belt

The most important part of keeping your conveyor belt running smoothly is getting the right belt for the job. The wrong size, type or fit can cause premature wear and lead to breaks and downtime. Talk to your conveyor belt supplier about getting the right belt for your equipment and use to avoid shutdowns.

Maintenance and conveyor belt servicing is key to preventing downtime on your production floor due to a conveyor shutdown. Keeping up with cleaning, inspections and lubrication can make your belts last longer, reduce energy costs and keeping your line moving for maximum productivity.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Oct
4

Benefits of Rubber Conveyor Belts

Posted in Conveyor Belts

There are many different types of conveyor belts available in various materials, shapes and patterns. One of the most common belts used across many industries is the rubber variety. Rubber belts are considered a general or multi-purpose conveyor belt that can be used in many industries. Here are some of the benefits and attributes of rubber conveyor belts.

  • Handles high and low friction. Rubber is a good material for conveyor belts that undergo high friction, such as inclining or declining applications. It can also handle low friction for accumulation or heavy loads.
  • Food grade. Special rubber conveyor belts are used for many food grade applications in manufacturing edible products. However, it is important to ensure that the belt is food grade and certified for use in the food industry.
  • Cut and oil resistant. Rubber is a durable material that can withstand sharp objects cutting the belt and does not react with oily substances.
  • High temperatures. Rubber conveyor belts are an excellent choice for handling high temperature conditions or products.
  • Versatile. Rubber conveyor belts can be customized for texture and cleating as needed to meet a variety of needs.

If you are trying to decide the right conveyor belt for your needs, rubber materials tend to meet most general purposes. However, you want the right material and design to get the best results. Contact a conveyor belt manufacturer and supplier that offers many different types of belts to get more information on what will best suit your business. In many cases, rubber conveyor belts are the best option, but heavy or wet objects, metal belts may be a better option. Talk to your conveyor belt experts to find out if rubber is right for your next conveyor belt purchase.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Sep
6

Does Your Conveyor Timing Belt Need to Be Replaced?

Posted in Conveyor Belts

Conveyor systems are a vital component of many shipping and manufacturing operations. Downtime costs money lost in production and labor. While there are many different maintenance requirements in conveyors to keep them running smoothly, one part of your conveyor can make everything come to a standstill. Timing belts are the workhorses of most manufacturing equipment, including your conveyor system. If one breaks, your entire assembly line can come to a halt.

Timing belts synchronize the internal systems of a conveyor belt, coordinating the different systems so they run smoothly. Just like the timing belts in a vehicle, they ensure all systems are working together. In conveyor belt systems, the timing belt is working with the conveyor pulleys and other components to ensure the belts pause or accelerate as needed on the different platforms of the machinery.

When a timing belt breaks, the conveyor system can no longer function. This is true of almost any engine that has a timing component to mesh the different systems. The timing belt keeps all the systems working together to run smoothly. Once it is lost, so is the mechanical integrity of the conveyor belt.

The problem with timing belts is they can break at any time, often without warning. Regular service and maintenance is the best way to ensure they are changed as needed if they become worn. This can ensure your production line keeps moving on schedule and no downtime is needed for an unexpected timing belt replacement.

Your conveyor manufacturer should have recommended intervals for preventive replacement of your timing belt to avoid costly breakdowns. Keep up with your routine replacement of timing belts and ensure you have extra belts on hand from your industrial supplier to prevent unexpected timing belt problems.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

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