How a Conveyor Belt Works
The conveyor belt is one of the most commonly used systems to move objects through a large area during the manufacture, sorting, or delivery of items. The conveyor belt creates a constantly moving surface which allows materials to be moved efficiently throughout a material handling system.
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What is a Conveyor Belt?
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The nature of a conveyor belt is explained in its name quite well. A conveyor belt transports materials over a distance through the use of a moving belt. The belt is typically moved by the turning of pulleys which lie within the loop of material that comprises the surface of the conveyor belt. One pulley turns, while the other acts as a wheel around which the material rotates and returns. This is a constant process.
Why Use a Conveyor Belt?
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A conveyor belt offers efficiency through the nature of its design. Since it is a constantly moving surface that is fixed but powered by a single moving pulley, it is easily maintained. The conveyor belt also allows for relatively efficient movement of material over a number of distances, whether across a grocery store checkout counter or across hundreds of feet between grain silos.
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How it Works
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The conveyor belt works by means of a large loop of material or linked metal that is stretched over a number of rollers. This surface moves in one direction across the top of the rollers, turns downward and around the last roller, and returns in the opposite direction underneath the rollers. Only a single roller needs to be powered, usually at one end. This roller will constantly spin and the material which is either textured or geared on the inside edge will be propelled by the driving roller. Some conveyor belts have more than one powered pulley for extra power.
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- Photo Credit Conveyor Rollers image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
