First used in the late 1700s in Europe, conveyor belts were commonly made of leather or cotton and served as a means of transporting grain or other natural material a short distance. But by the American Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s, conveyors were well established as the primary mode of efficiently moving anything, regardless of size, and they became an integral part of the manufacturing process in factories worldwide. 

But 100 years later, conveyor belts have come a long way indeed. They are now made in a variety of materials and forms, and used in a whole range of applications. 

Cleated conveyor belts are used for moving objects that are flat or round. They are also used for moving objects up or down an incline. This type of belt has a raised design made of rubber, metal or other material to stop objects from rolling around or bunching together. 

Food grade conveyor belts are another type of belt, designed for food applications. Such belts usually have a coating of either Teflon or silicone to prevent stains and sticking, and make them easier to clean. Food grade conveyor belts can also be made with wire mesh to help circulate air and control hot or cold temperatures. 

PVC conveyor belts are strong and durable, so they are often used to move heavy products such as wood, recyclables, agricultural products, meat and fish. PVC belts can be heavy duty or medium weight. 

Rough top conveyor belts are another option for heavy duty products such as heavy boxes and are particularly useful for moving boxes up an incline. The belt top is heavily textured so boxes stay in place as they are being transported. 

For other products that need to be moved along in an industrial or manufacturing setting, there are vacuum or magnetic conveyor belts. Using suction or magnetic pull, this type of belt holds objects firmly in place. It is most often used in printing applications. 

Of course, there are new uses for conveyor belts being developed every day, so it is important to do your research up front. Also, most conveyor belt manufacturers are willing to work with you to fine tune a design that works best in your situation.

Posted on behalf of the King Group