Conveyor belts are a crucial part of your facility, and the last thing you want is for them to break down. To minimize downtime and unnecessary maintenance costs, here are four ways you can prevent conveyor belt damage and extend your system’s life.
Use the Correct Belt
There are various kinds of belts—cleated, curved, inclined, roller, and that’s just to name a few. The best belt for your system varies depending on factors like the material you’re conveying, how much material you’re conveying, and the conditions at your facility. It’s crucial to choose the correct belt for your system, or else premature wear and tear is more likely to occur.
Protect From Impact
Your system’s impact zones are extremely vulnerable. If large, heavy materials fall into these zones, it can cause tears or punctures. Using impact idlers or beds at the loading and transfer points gives your belt more support so that it can withstand the strain of heftier materials.
Keep It Clean
Over time, debris like oil and dirt will build up on the belt. This can result in damage to materials and carryback, which will gradually wear down the belt. To prevent this, regularly clean the belt using warm water, leather cleaner, brushes, and other conveyor-safe cleaning tools.
Prevent Mistracking
Mistracking is a common problem where the belt runs off its normal track. It’s easy to fix—just adjust the head or tail pulley. But if you don’t pinpoint and eliminate the cause of the mistracking, it can reoccur. A common cause of mistracking is dirty or worn-down components. If your belt frequently mistracks, a quick clean or a part swap may be necessary.
Now that you know these four methods for preventing conveyor belt damage, you can keep your belt in top condition and ensure productivity is always on track.
