Contractor Tips Blog

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

May
16

5 Traits to Seek in an Industrial Supplier

Posted in Conveyor Belts

The products you need for your manufacturing or other industrial needs impact the success of your business. Having a reliable conveyor belt supplier for your industrial operation is imperative to keep production rolling, costs down and revenues high. When you are choosing a supplier for your conveyor belts and other industrial rubber products, you need to vet them and ensure they will meet your needs. Here are five traits to look for in your industrial supplier.

  1. Knowledge. Find a supplier that is an expert in their field. If you need a conveyor belt, you want a supplier that knows conveyor belts inside and out.
  2. Specialty products. When you need a specialty hose for your machinery, you need a supplier that can provide you with what you need. Whether they can get it for you or make it themselves, you want a supplier that will find the product you need when you need it.
  3. Nothing can replace experience. You want a supplier that has many years in the industry, with a reputation for excellence.
  4. Customer service. You need a supplier that doesn’t just promise stellar customer service but delivers. Check references and talk with other clients who use the supplier to ensure they stand behind their products and service.
  5. Last, but not least, quality of products is a must from any supplier you choose for your business. You want to ensure every penny you spend you put into your business is a smart investment.

Vetting a new industrial supplier is time consuming, but worth the effort. Take the time to choose a supplier with reliable traits to get the best products and services for your business.

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

Sep
9

What Conveyor Belt Type is Right for Your Business?

Conveyor belts are as specialized as the products they move. If you own or manage a manufacturing or shipping operation, conveyor belts are a necessary component of your business. However, if you are just beginning your manufacturing enterprise, you may still be researching which conveyor belt will be right for your business. Depending on your product, there are a few basic types of belts that will meet your needs. Consider these common conveyor belt types:

  • Vacuum. If the product you are moving needs to be held in place for gluing or other reasons, a vacuum conveyor belt may be what you need. These are also used for flat, cardboard and printing operations.
  • Cleated. When products need to be moved up an include or are flat, needing a firm grip, cleated belts are often used. These can use metal or rubber cleats, depending on the product.
  • Rough top. For solid or smooth products, rough top conveyor belts can add improved grip to keep items moving and reduce slipping issues.
  • Food grade. Food manufacturing operations need specialized conveyor belts that are designed to be sanitary for food handling. These belts may need a special coating to prevent sticking and allow easy cleaning. They also may need temperature controls for hot or cold foods.

When deciding which conveyor belt to use for your business, it is advisable to find a reputable company that specializes in the installation and service of custom conveyor belts. You will want the expertise of a conveyor belt industry leader to determine the best belt to meet your manufacturing or shipping application. With a customized conveyor, you can have the perfect belt created using one or more of the types above to meet your productivity needs.

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

Jan
6

Choosing a Conveyor Belt Service for Your Manufacturing Business

Posted in Conveyor Belts

Are you starting a manufacturing enterprise or growing a small start up to reach more customers with your products? To get your business moving in the right direction, you will need conveyor belts to speed production. But how do you choose a conveyor belt company that will meet your needs, now and as your company grows? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your new conveyor belt company.

  • Large selection. Maybe right now you just need a small conveyor for your operation, but what will you need two, three or ten years down the road? Choose a conveyor belt company that offers belts for all sizes of operations so they will have what you need for every stage of your business.
  • Experience. There is nothing wrong with working with a young company; after all, your business is young too. But you want experience when it comes to installing and servicing your production equipment. Make sure your conveyor belt company has the expertise, reputation and experience you need for one of your most important vendors.
  • Service and sales. You want a conveyor belt outfit that not only sells the equipment and parts you need, but will service and repair them when you need it. A broken belt can bring your production line to a halt, costing you thousands of dollars in a short period of time, so you need a reliable company that will get you up and running again – fast!

Make sure you take the time to find the right conveyor belt company that will be your partner for years to come. After all, your success could rely on their products and service, so make sure you choose carefully!

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

Oct
26

Adding Conveyor Belts to Your Retail Food Business

So you started a small business making candies or homemade-style cookies for sale. It was always your dream to share your specialty food items with the public. The good news is that your product is a hit! You have more orders than you can fill and now you need to expand your operation. One thing you may need as part of your manufacturing operation is a conveyor belt. However, there are considerations when buying a conveyor for a food manufacturing operation.

Food Grade Standards

If you food items will be riding on a conveyor belt to be packaged, you will need to take special precautions when purchasing your new belt. Conveyor belts for food must meet health regulations, plus there are some other considerations as well. When choosing your new conveyor belt, keep these factors in mind.

  • Heat and cold. If your food will be either hot or cold, your belt will need to be specialized for those conditions. Food grade belts can be customized to ensure they don’t crack or melt from extreme temperatures.
  • Staining. Food that is brightly colored or has residual liquid can stain your belts. You may need a specialized coating to protect your belt such as silicone.
  • Non-stick. For food items that have a sticky exterior, you will want food grade belts that are coated for a non-stick surface. Teflon is a popular coating for food grade conveyor belts.
  • USDA approval. Any belt you choose for a retail food operation must meet USDA standard for health.

To ensure you get the right conveyor belt for your expanding retail food business, consult with a conveyor belt company that specializes in food grade conveyor belts. They can provide you with the right belts to meet your business’ needs.

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

Jul
25

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

Apr
8

Choosing a Reliable Conveyor Belt Service Company

If you own or manage a manufacturing or shipping business that uses conveyor belts, you need a reliable service company. You depend on your conveyors to meet your productivity goals; a malfunctioning belt means not meeting quotas and losing money every hour it is down. It is worth the investment to have a service company that will be there to get you up and running fast the next time you have a conveyor belt problem.

Finding the Right Conveyor Belt Service Company

There are many companies that sell or repair conveyor belts; unfortunately, not all do both. While the company you bought your belt from originally may have installed it, they may not be available to fix it when it breaks down. What you need is a company that does both.

When choosing a conveyor belt service company, look for a business that will meet all your conveyor belt needs. This includes:

  • New conveyor belt sales and installation
  • Wide variety of belt types and parts
  • Troubleshooting and service options
  • Excellent customer service

Having one company that meets all these needs can save you both time and money. Whether you need a new belt or just need service and parts for an existing belt, you know who to call. Every minute of downtime is costing your business money, so having a company that can get your operations back online quickly should be the top priority.

Don’t wait until the next problem arises to find the right conveyor belt service company. Find a company that will be able to meet all your needs now, so when the time comes, you know exactly who to call to get the problem fixed, fast.

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


Feb
2

Choosing the Right Conveyor Belt for Your Application

If you own a growing manufacturing business, you may be considering the addition of conveyor belts to your operation. There are few pieces of equipment which are as essential to large manufacturing operations as the conveyor belt, reducing labor costs and increasing production. However, it’s not as simple as just adding a conveyor belt. You first need to decide which is going to best meet the needs of your particular business.

Cleated Conveyor Belts

For moving flat items or product up a steep incline, cleated conveyor belts are an excellent option. You can have cleated belts custom-made for your product, or choose rubber cleats to help with items which are difficult to keep in place.

Food Grade Conveyor Belts

If you produce food products, there are unique concerns when purchasing conveyor belts. You will need food-grade conveyor belts made of materials which have been approved by the USDA, installed by a quality conveyor belt provider. You may also need to consider adding coating to your belt to protect it from staining and to provide easy removal of adhesive substances.

Rough Top Conveyor Belts

Do you need to move packaged materials? You may need to have a rough-top conveyor belt that will easily hold smooth surfaces, such as packed cardboard boxes. These are used by many shipping outfits to process packages quickly and efficiently.

Vacuum Conveyor Belts

Some products may need to be held flat to your belt, such as paper or cardboard products. If you need a secure grip on a flat product or to hold an item in a specific position, you may need a vacuum conveyor belt for your application.

As important as the type of conveyor belt you choose is the company that installs and services your new belt. Make sure to choose a conveyor belt company that offers a variety of commercial belts, and ongoing repair and service plans for all your conveyor belt needs.

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

Jul
3

Having Conveyor Belt Problems?

Conveyor belts are used in many applications, from retail to manufacturing. These convenient devices are so much a part of most operations that it would be hard to imagine having to do the job without them. So, when a belt goes down, it can make work come to a standstill, costing money in labor and production. Finding the problem and getting it fixed fast is crucial in almost any business. 

Find An Experienced Conveyor Belt Service Company

When it comes to conveyor belts, you need a service company who knows these machines inside and out. An experienced outfit should be able to help you troubleshoot the problem quickly, then get it fixed in as little time as possible. If conveyor belts are an integral part of your business, find a reliable service company and make sure to keep them on speed dial. They should offer: 

  • Troubleshooting. The first step in a mechanical breakdown is finding the problem. An experienced conveyor belt service technician can often troubleshoot many problems right over the phone.
     
  • Repair. You need a company who has the parts and expertise to repair all types of conveyor belts, fast and efficiently. Every hour a belt is down can cost many businesses money in production.
     
  • Replacement. You want a company who can repair or replace your conveyor belts when necessary. Make sure the company you choose can handle all your conveyor belt needs. 

Get up and running with limited delay the next time your conveyor belt is giving your production floor problems. Find an experienced conveyor belt service, repair and replacement company who will be there when you need them to keep everything moving down the line.

Posted on behalf of The King Group, Inc.

Jan
29

Get The Right Conveyor Belt For Your Business Needs

Conveyor belts are used in a wide variety of industries, from manufacturing to grocery stores. Although they all may move items from one area to another, each type is very different and has specific uses. A conveyor belt which might work great in one application isn’t necessarily the best fit for another. When it comes to buying a conveyor belt for your business, you want to make sure that you choose the right belt for the job. 

Types Of Conveyor Belts

The type and size of product along with how the conveyor belt will be used are all factors when choosing the right belt for your business. Belts are made in a wide variety of types to fit all different kinds of business needs. Some of the conveyor belts to consider include: 

  • Cleated belts. If the product you will be moving is flat or if the product will be moved up an incline, you may need a cleated conveyor belt. These belts help grip the product and can be made in metal or rubber material.
     
  • Food grade conveyor belts. Food grade conveyor belts must be made to certain specifications to meet FDA guidelines. These generally come with a food grade coating like Teflon or silicone.
     
  • Custom made belts. Whatever your product or need, a belt can be made to accommodate your business. There are experienced conveyor belt manufacturers who can work with you to create a custom designed belt that will suit your business. 

Conveyor belts can save time and money from labor costs, and can even reduce injuries for many types of businesses. Finding the right belt for the right job is the first step to adding one of these useful devices to your business.

Posted on behalf of The King Group

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