What Are Conveyor Belts Used For?

Conveyor belts have many uses.

The invention of the motorized conveyor belt in 1901 by the Swedish company Sandvik helped fuel innovations in manufacturing and transportation technologies. Conveyor belts are an integral part of modern life.

Assembly Lines

In 1913, Henry Ford put the first assembly line powered by conveyor belts into use in Detroit. Increased production meant increased profits. Today, processes from assembling cars to the manufacturing of the sophisticated Hubbel telescope use conveyor belt technology.

People Movers

Modern airports are often sprawling centers covering many square miles. To easily help passengers move from one part of the airport terminal to another, large conveyor belts are built into sections of the floor. Simply step on and you are carried to your destination. Escalators are also people-movers that use conveyor belt technology.

Warehouses

Conveyor belts in large warehouses and distribution centers move inventory from one place to another, either for loading onto vehicles for distribution elsewhere or within the warehouse as a way to rotate inventory and replenish stock.

Mining

Mining operations require conveyor belts to move coal, salt and other products mined deep beneath the surface topside to points where these commodities are loaded onto trucks and trains for transport to customers.

References

• Industry Innovation: The Invention of the Conveyor Belt
• Article Snatch: A Brief History of Conveyor Belts