Exploring Different Types of Conveyor Belt Systems

April 18, 2025

Conveyor belt systems have become indispensable tools. These systems streamline operations, enhance productivity, and ensure smooth workflow by automating material handling processes. They are no longer just components of assembly lines but have become integral to many industries, including food processing, automotive, and logistics.

With technological advancements, conveyor systems have evolved to offer more customization options to meet the unique needs of diverse industries. But with so many conveyor belt systems available, how do you determine which one best suits your needs?

This article will explore the different types of belt conveyor systems, highlighting their unique features and applications. By understanding these systems, businesses can optimize operations, improve safety, and reduce costs.

An Introduction to Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems are essential components in goods and material movement. They reduce manual labor, minimize errors, and increase efficiency. Businesses are often under constant pressure to improve productivity and reduce costs. Conveyor systems provide a solution by enabling continuous, automated processes that minimize the risk of error.

Understanding the types of conveyor belt systems available can empower factory managers, industrial engineers, and equipment buyers to make informed decisions that enhance operations. These systems contribute to workplace safety by reducing the physical strain on workers, thus lowering the risk of workplace injuries.

Furthermore, conveyor systems play a crucial role in inventory management and production scheduling. They ensure that materials are in the right place at the right time, supporting just-in-time production strategies. This not only enhances workflow efficiency but also maintains optimal stock levels. As businesses expand and diversify, the demand for specialized conveyor systems that cater to specific industry requirements rises. Understanding the nuances of various conveyor systems can be a strategic advantage for those involved in production planning and facility management.

Nercon Conveyors, established in 1976, has been a dedicated manufacturer of conveyor systems and equipment, offering a comprehensive portfolio to meet the diverse needs of various industries.

Types of Belt Conveyor Systems:

Flat Belt Conveyors

Flat belt conveyors are the most common type, featuring a simple design where a flat, continuous belt is wrapped around pulleys. These systems are ideal for transporting items of various sizes and shapes across short to medium distances. The simplicity of their design allows them to be integrated into almost any production line, making them a versatile choice for many industries. Belt Conveyor Systems, including Flat & Trough Belt Conveyors, are ideal for general conveyance and can be standard or custom-made to fit a wide range of applications.

Key Features:

Versatility: Suitable for transporting a wide range of materials, including boxes, electronics, and food products. Their adaptability makes them an excellent choice for businesses that handle diverse product lines. Belt Conveyor Systems cater to industries such as snack foods, bakery, pet food, and pharmaceuticals.
Simplicity: Easy to install and maintain, making them a cost-effective option for many industries. The straightforward design minimizes maintenance requirements, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Customizable: Can be tailored to fit specific operational needs, with options for varying belt widths and lengths. For situations with space constraints, consider Low-Profile Belt Conveyors.

Modular Belt Conveyors

Modular belt conveyors are built using interlocking plastic segments, which provide flexibility and durability. These conveyors are particularly useful in industries with heavy-duty applications and environments requiring frequent cleaning. Their modular nature allows for easy reconfiguration, making them ideal for future changes or expansions. MatTop Conveyor Systems are built using modular plastic belts known for their extended operational life and high impact resistance.

Key Features:

Robustness: Designed to handle heavy loads and resist wear and tear. This durability makes them suitable for demanding industrial environments where reliability is paramount. MatTop conveyors are designed to handle a wide range of packaged goods.
Easy Maintenance: Damaged sections can be replaced individually, reducing downtime. This feature allows for quick repairs, ensuring that production lines remain operational without significant interruptions.
Hygienic Design: Ideal for food processing industries due to easy cleaning and maintenance. The smooth surfaces and drainage capabilities help maintain high hygiene standards, crucial for industries with strict health regulations. Sanitary MatTop Conveyors are excellent for environments with stringent hygiene requirements.

Cleated Belt Conveyors

Cleated belt conveyors feature vertical cleats or partitions that help transport materials at steep inclines and prevent them from rolling back. They are commonly used for moving bulk materials like grains, sand, and coal. The cleats provide additional grip, ensuring materials are securely transported even at challenging angles. Incline Conveyors and specialized systems are designed to elevate products in various applications.

Key Features:

Increased Efficiency: Enable the transport of materials at steep angles without spillage. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in industries where space is limited, and vertical transport is necessary. Draper Z Incline Conveyors are engineered to elevate and lower products of varying shapes consecutively without requiring changeover adjustments.
Versatile Applications: Suitable for various industries, including agriculture, mining, and construction. Incline conveyors are used in industries including snack foods, pet food, and pharmaceuticals.
Customizable Cleats: Available in various heights and spacing, allowing customization for specific material handling needs. Z Incline conveyors can be designed with various hygienic flights and scoops.

Curved Belt Conveyors

Curved belt conveyors are designed to navigate turns and corners, allowing materials to be transported over complex paths without interruption. These systems are beneficial in facilities with limited space. The ability to maneuver around obstacles makes them a valuable addition to any layout that cannot accommodate straight-line conveyors. An example of a solution is the Zero Tangent Radius (ZTR) Conveyors. These conveyors are designed to maximize production floor space by allowing for tight curves with a zero-tangent radius, eliminating the need for straight sections before and after a curve.

Key Features:

Space Utilization: Maximizes facility layout by efficiently navigating corners and tight spaces. ZTR conveyors are specifically designed for tight turns in confined spaces.
Seamless Integration: Can be incorporated into existing conveyor systems to optimize workflow. Curved belt conveyors can handle a variety of products, including bottles, cans, cartons, and pouches.
Smooth Operation: Reduces the need for manual handling and the potential for material damage. Curved conveyors ensure product orientation and integrity during tight transfers.

Incline/Decline Belt Conveyors

Incline and decline belt conveyors are engineered to move products between different elevations, making them essential for multi-level operations in warehouses and manufacturing plants. Their ability to transport materials vertically is crucial for operations with movement between floors or different production stages. There are various incline and decline solutions, including standard Belt Conveyor Systems which can be configured for inclines and declines, like the Draper Z Incline Conveyor for gentle elevation changes.

Key Features:

Elevation Control: Efficiently transports materials to different heights, reducing manual handling. Nercon's Draper Z Incline Conveyor is designed for elevation changes of differently shaped products.
Safety: This type of conveyor is equipped with features like side rails to prevent product spillage during elevation changes. Incline conveyors can be customized with features to ensure product stability.
Versatile Design: Can be customized for specific incline or decline angles.

Choosing the Right Conveyor System

Selecting the appropriate conveyor belt system involves evaluating your specific operational needs, material types, and facility layout. Consider the following factors when choosing a system:

Material Characteristics: Understand the size, weight, and nature of transported materials to select a suitable belt type.
Operational Environment: Evaluate the working conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and cleanliness requirements, to ensure the chosen system can withstand them.
Space Constraints: Assess the available space in your facility and choose a system that maximizes layout efficiency.

Additionally, consider future scalability and technological advancements. The ability to upgrade conveyor systems without significant overhauls can provide a competitive advantage. Staying current with innovations in conveyor systems can lead to more efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solutions.

Conclusion

Conveyor belt systems are vital to modern manufacturing processes, offering efficiency and reliability. By understanding the different types of conveyor systems—you can make informed decisions to enhance your operation's productivity and streamline material handling.

The right conveyor system from Nercon Conveyors can transform your operations, contact us to learn more!