Contractor Tips Blog
5 Signs it is Time to Replace Your Conveyor Belt
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Choosing the Right Conveyor Belt for Your Business
Conveyor belts are the workhorses of the manufacturing and shipping industries. Whether you own a small candy business or a large manufacturing operation, conveyors belts reduce labor and save on overhead costs for making your product. But not all conveyors are the same. Depending on what you need moved, you can choose a specialized belt to complete the job. Here are some of the most common types of commercial conveyor belts.
- Heavy duty. If you are moving heavy or sharp objects, you need a belt that can withstand the weight and be cut-resistant. Heavy duty belts are used for moving glass, rocks and other materials that can easy tear or cut basic conveyor belts.
- For objects that will be moved up an incline or can easily slip off a flat belt, cleated conveyor belts are used. Flat or round items can be kept on the belt with the use of cleats of various sizes, depending on your needs.
- A vacuum conveyor belt uses suction to hold the items on the belt as they are transported. This is used in printing operations, but can be used to hold any flat item in place on the belt for gluing or other purposes.
- When processing food items on a production line, you need to have special care for the cleanliness of your conveyor belt. Food-grade materials can be used for these conveyors, ensuring they meet FDA requirements for food sanitation.
When it comes to choosing the right conveyor belt type and material, you have many choices. To determine the best fit for your needs, talk to a conveyor belt service that offers all types and customized options for your needs.
Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113
Signs of Conveyor Belt Problems
Many different types of businesses rely on conveyor belts to maintain productivity. Whether you own a large manufacturing business or a small retail business that ships out products, you most likely use conveyor belts in your operation. A malfunction of one of your belts can cost you thousands of dollars in downtime and lost productivity. To avoid breakdowns, keep an eye out for common conveyor belt issues before they become expensive problems.
- Belt slippage. If your belt shifts or slips during use, you may have an issue with the traction or pulley. This can be due to improper tension, debris build up or other issues. Cleaning the conveyor or readjusting the tension could resolve the issue.
- Noticeable wear on the edges. When your belt begins showing edge wear, it is a sign of trouble. You may have uneven tension or misalignment within your track. If there is even wear throughout the entire belt, it may be time for replacement. Premature wear could mean you are using the wrong belt for your application.
- Cracked or hardened areas. If you are noticing some areas on your conveyor belt are hardening, cracked or seem swollen, this could be from heat damage.
These can all be signs that your conveyor belt will fail if you do not address these issues. The best solution is to schedule regular maintenance for your conveyor through a reputable conveyor belt service company. Having a professional technician inspect and service your conveyor can ensure you have the correct belts, tension and traction for your application. This is a good investment in your business and can reduce the chance of costly shutdowns in the future.
Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113
Does Your Company Need a Customized Conveyor Belt?
Most manufacturing companies are in the need of a conveyor belt or many different belts, depending on the size of the operation. If you own a manufacturing, packaging or shipping company, you probably need to conveyor belts to keep your productivity at the highest level. However, a standard conveyor belt does not always offer the best performance for specialty products. Often, a customized conveyor belt is needed for the highest level of productivity.
Types of Conveyor Belts
Depending on the type of products you need moved within your warehouse, you may need different types of conveyors. Flat items like cardboard will need a different type of belt than those that move around easily like plastic bottles. Some of the common types of conveyor belts that can used for various applications include:
- Vacuum belts. For flat items like cardboard boxes or items that need to be held securely to the belt, a vacuum belt is often used.
- Cleated belts. Flat items or items that move easily like bulk product usually require a cleated belt. These are also needed for belts that run on an incline.
- Rough top belts. For packaged materials, rough top belts can grip the products and move them safely, even up an incline.
If you have items that are unique in size, shape and weight, there may not be standard conveyor belts that are ideal for your needs. An experienced conveyor installation company may be needed to custom design a belt that will combine different features of the various belts available. This can include the belt surface, size and speed that is required for your business. Talk to your local conveyor belt service company to learn more about designing a customized conveyor belt for your company.
Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113
Who Should You Call to Troubleshoot Your Conveyor Belt Problem?
If you own an industrial operation which relies upon conveyor belts, you know how important these devices are to staying productive. Once these belts go down, you are losing time and money, making it essential to find the right conveyor repair and service company – fast! However, you want to choose a company that’s going to fix the problem right the first time, preventing further shutdowns in the future. Before calling a service company for your conveyor belt problem, consider these factors:
– Years of experience. You want a service company which has been around the block and has an established reputation in the industry. Choose a conveyor belt repair and installation company with decades of experience working on all types of belts.
– Industry experts. While many companies dabble in several types of mechanical repair, they may not be experts in conveyor belts. To troubleshoot and repair a conveyor belt quickly and correctly, find a company that specializes in belt repair and installation.
– Parts supplier. Choose a conveyor belt service company which will have the parts needed to repair your belt. A premier belt service supplier will also carry a variety of hoses and other rubber products which may be needed for your repair.
– Offer fast, convenient repair options. An experienced conveyor belt troubleshooting company should be able to diagnose the problem fast, and offer solutions. Some of the best in the business can diagnose an issue right over the phone just from gathering the details of the problem, helping you get back up and running even faster.
Once you find a conveyor belt service company you can trust, keep them on speed dial for all your service and installation needs. They are few and far between, making it worth the effort to find the right company that will be there when you need them.
Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113
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