Safety Tips For a Flat Belt Conveyor
Flat belt conveyors transport goods and materials on a sliding or rolling conveyor bed. The belt can be reinforced with polyester, Kevlar, or fiberglass fibers to boost its tensile strength and resistance to moisture and chemicals.
A curved flat belt conveyor can take items around tight corners. It can also be fitted with modular plastics to increase its versatility.
Benefits
Flat belt conveyors can be used to transport a wide range of materials. For example, they can be used to transfer PCBs into or out of a reflow oven or cleaner (wash), and can also be used for progressive assembly of sub-components. They can also be outfitted with electronic controls, cooling fan banks, guide rails and integrated vision.
These systems are also ideal for sterile applications, since their hard plastic segments can be easily sanitized. They are also more powerful than cleats, meaning that they can elevate items more easily and carry heavier loads. They can be built from a variety of materials, depending on the type of product being transported. For example, it would be unsuitable to use a narrow belt made of natural rubber during a heat-treating process, as the material will not hold up well under high temperatures. Instead, a wider belt made of heat-resistant synthetic or plastic will be much more suitable.
Additionally, flat belt conveyors are quieter than traditional conveyors. This can help to improve communication between employees on the factory floor, and reduce employee stress. They also reduce the risk of contamination and downtime due to dirty conveyor systems. Keeping flat conveyors clean can save companies money in cleaning costs and replacement parts. It is important to regularly check the belts for signs of blockage, such as abrasive surfaces or sharp corners that could snag the conveyor.
Installation
Flat belt conveyors are used in a variety of applications to move products along a line. They can be installed horizontally or at a slight angle, which is referred to as an incline conveyor. They can also be equipped with cleats and alignment guides, and can be made from a wide range Flat belt conveyor of materials, including PVC, PU, felt, or silicone. They can even be used to transport vehicles, like cars and trucks, or containers.
Choosing a quality industrial conveyor system designed around the specific needs of the bulk solids handling operation is an essential first step in optimizing efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and prolonging equipment life. However, even the best conveyor systems can encounter issues from time to time due to normal wear and tear or unexpected production changes.
If your conveyor is experiencing a problem, it is important to be able to identify the issue quickly and resolve it in order to minimize downtime and maintenance costs. The good news is that the rubber belt itself is often a reliable indicator of what is going on, offering a clear view into its wear pattern, performance, and operating problems.
Typical conveyor issues include belt mistracking, unpredictable behavior, fugitive material, excessive belt wear and damage, and more. The most common cause of these problems is improper belt tension, which causes the conveyor to sag between idlers and prevents the conveyor from troughing properly. This can also be caused by dust or debris buildup, off-center loading, or worn or missing lagging.
Maintenance
A Flat belt conveyor isn’t as inherently dangerous as some other types of machinery or equipment, but it still requires a great deal of care and attention when being used for manufacturing. The massive amount of electricity needed to power the system means that any mistakes could cause major damage and seriously endanger employees. That’s why it is essential to follow some key safety tips when undergoing maintenance.
For example, it is vital to make sure that the system is completely shut off before starting any work. The high voltages used by the conveyor mean that any mistakes could result in a major problem and even a power outage that would be difficult to repair.
It is also important to check that the belt rollers are in good shape and that their bearings are properly lubricated. This can help to prevent any issues with the conveyor’s operation and extend its lifespan. Finally, it’s important to make sure that the emergency stop function works properly as well.
While the above points are helpful for keeping a flat belt conveyor working well, it is always recommended to use a CMMS solution like Limble that can make the maintenance process much easier and more streamlined. This can ensure that all the necessary work is completed, that spare parts are purchased as required and that all maintenance records and history are kept in one easily accessible location.
Upkeep
One of the biggest challenges with conveyors is keeping them running at their optimal performance. That’s why regular maintenance is key to maximizing productivity and minimizing equipment downtime. But before a team member begins maintenance on any piece of automation equipment, they should make sure the system is completely shut off. This prevents someone’s fingers from getting accidentally caught in the machinery, and it also ensures that the electrical current is not flowing.
During a maintenance check, employees should carefully inspect the entire system from top to bottom and side to side for any buildups of dirt, debris or residue. This is a common cause of mistracking, Flat Belt Conveyor Manufacturer so it’s important to remove any debris that has built up on the belt or pulleys. In addition, a thorough cleaning of the entire system can help keep it clean and reduce clogs.
A flat belt conveyor can be a great choice for car washes that want to increase efficiency and provide customers with a more pleasant experience than traditional guide rail conveyor systems. With a flat belt conveyor, cars drive directly onto the system without having to park or obey a list of stressful instructions from an attendant – including “read the signs,” “keep feet off the brake” and “steer into the narrow slot.” Instead, they just have to put the car in neutral and wait for it to reach the conveyor.