Materials used for Belt Conveyors
The performance and longevity of belt conveyors depends heavily on the quality and suitability of the conveyor belt material used. Whether you operate in food processing, floor to floor, manufacturing, sortation, vehicle loading, packing or logistics, selecting the right belt material is essential for ensuring smooth operations, hygiene compliance, and cost-efficiency.
With a wide range of materials available, understanding how each one performs in different environments can help you avoid costly breakdowns, unnecessary maintenance, and product contamination. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common conveyor belt materials, their best-fit industries, and how to make the right choice for your conveyor system.
Common Conveyor Belt Materials
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC conveyor belts are a popular choice in the food and beverage industry due to their smooth, water-resistant, and easy-to-clean surface. They are suitable for environments requiring frequent wash downs and are cost-effective for light to medium-duty operations.
Best for Food production, packaging lines, and general processing.
- Rubber
Rubber belts are ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications. Known for their strength and high friction, rubber belts are commonly used in the mining, quarrying, and construction sectors. They offer excellent durability and grip.
Best for Mining, recycling plants, bulk handling, and logistics.
- PU (Polyurethane)
PU belts are food-safe and highly durable. Their resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion makes them perfect for hygiene-sensitive environments such as pharmaceutical and food packaging applications. They also provide excellent product release properties.
Best for Cleanroom environments, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
- Fabric or Woven Materials
These lightweight belts are designed for applications where flexibility, quiet operation, and breathability are essential. They are often used in light-duty conveying systems where high-speed performance is not required.
Best for Textile industry, garment handling, light packaging, and post-sorting facilities.
Matching Material to Application
Choosing the wrong belt material can lead to product contamination, belt damage, slippage, and downtime. Here’s a quick guide to matching the material to your operational needs:
- Food Processing: Use PU or PVC for hygiene compliance and wash-down capabilities.
- Logistics and Warehousing: Opt for rubber belts or roller conveyors for robust handling of boxes, crates, and containers.
- Manufacturing Lines: High-grip materials or modular belt conveyors are ideal for transporting irregular or unstable items.
- Cold Storage: Choose belt materials with low-temperature resistance and minimal shrinkage or cracking.
Choosing the wrong conveyor belt material can lead to increased maintenance costs, wear and tear, and operational downtime. Ensure that your belt conveyor system is equipped with materials that suit your operational environment.
Off-the-Shelf & Custom Conveyor Systems
We offer a wide range of standard conveyors ready for fast delivery. What sets us apart is our ability to design and manufacture 100% bespoke conveyor systems tailored to your unique requirements.
- Custom sizes and configurations to fit your space and workflow.
- Any belt material to match your product type and industry standards.
- Options for modular belt conveyors, roller conveyors, and fully automated systems.
- Designed, built, and supported in the UK with no overseas delays.
Not sure which conveyor belt material is suited to your process? Our experts can help you choose the most appropriate and cost-effective solution, ensuring long-term reliability and compliance with industry standards.
Why Choose Us?
✅ UK Manufacturer – Support local engineering
✅ Fully Customisable – Built around your needs
✅ Expert Guidance – From design to installation
✅ All Industries – From food-grade to industrial heavy-duty
✅ Quality Materials – Only the best for your conveyor systems
Get Expert Help Choosing the Right Belt Conveyor
Investing in the right conveyor system is critical to your productivity and long-term savings. At Conveyorsystems.co.uk, we don’t just sell conveyors—we build solutions. Whether you need guidance on belt materials or a completely custom-built belt conveyor system, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your project or request a free quote. Let’s design a conveyor that works for your business.
Email: sales@conveyorsystems.co.uk
Call: 01482 363445
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