Rubber conveyor belts are used in manufacturing due to their smooth surface, reduced damage, and quiet operation. They are made of reinforced rubber coated webbing and require less maintenance than metal belts. While damage is possible, repairs are rare and can be made with metal staples. Rubber belts are also versatile and can be used outdoors without rusting or requiring additional maintenance.
A rubber belt is often used as a conveyor belt in a manufacturing environment. The smooth surface of the rubber belt allows items to travel without fear of damage to the surface of parts. Compared to a metal conveyor system, the rubber conveyor belt is much quieter and rolls smoothly over any variation in floor height as it winds its way through the factory. While the term rubber belt is applied to the conveyor belt, the actual belt is not pure rubber. The belt is actually made up of reinforced rubber coated webbing, often made up of Kevlar or metal webbing.
Prior to the use of a rubber belt, many conveyor belt systems had large gaps that allowed parts to fall out or get stuck. The introduction of the rubber belt has helped reduce damage caused by gaps in other types of belts. While the switch to the rubber system was expensive, it soon began to pay for itself as the number of conveyor-related damages began to decline. Operating costs also began to decline as a single electric motor was capable of powering an entire belt. Previously, several shorter metal belts were used in unison, each with its own motor and drive system.
The rubber conveyor system also requires less manual repair and maintenance than older-style metal conveyor belts. The metal units could bend and this would often cause the conveyor to jam against a pulley somewhere along the length of the conveyor. Repair crews often required several passes up and down the conveyor just to locate the jam. Once located, the conveyor was folded back into place or a new replacement section of the conveyor was installed.
Damage is also possible with the rubber conveyor belt. Typically a rip or tear in the rubber may occur, deeming it necessary to stop the conveyor and make repairs. This, however, is a rare occurrence. In the event that a tear exists, the rubber belt is usually repaired using a metal staple or set of staples. The staples allow the belt continued flexibility and the ability to maintain a fairly smooth surface, as the staples do not protrude above the belt.
Rubber conveyor belts are also used in outdoor conditions. The rubber track does not rust and requires no additional maintenance to operate outdoors in any weather. Versatility is the main reason why rubber belt conveyors are replacing steel tracks around the world.
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