Strip conveyor

A belt conveyor is an internal transport device in which the load moves along several parallel conveyor belts. Unlike solutions using a single wide belt, this system allows the product to be supported at specific points, making it well-suited for handling panels, profiles, cartons, frames, or components with irregular geometries. When full support across the entire width of the load is required, a belt conveyor may serve as an alternative.

Its operating principle is based on belts running along slide profiles. Drive power is transmitted from a geared motor to a shaft, which sets the belts in motion at a uniform speed. This enables the belt conveyor to maintain a smooth flow of products between workstations, machines, or storage zones. In practice, the device can perform the following functions:

• straight-line transport,
• changing the direction of flow,
• lifting loads,
• transferring products between lines,
• integration with sensors and automation systems.

Belt conveyors can vary in terms of the number of strands, belt type, frame design, drive system, and method of integration into the production line. Types used include, among others, timing belts, V-belts, and round belts, as well as variants featuring various load-bearing surfaces.

The price depends on technical specifications and the degree of process customization. A standard belt conveyor will be less expensive than a complex system featuring lifting mechanisms, a turntable, automation, additional safety features, and custom controls. Key factors influencing the cost include:

• the unit’s length and width,
• the number of belts and type of traction elements,
• required load capacity,
• drive type,
• tensioning system,
• integration with the production line,
• safety requirements.

For bulk materials or enclosed process transport, it is also worth considering tubular chain conveyors, as they address different needs than belt conveyors.

The selection process should begin with an analysis of the product: its weight, dimensions, center of gravity, contact surface, and resistance to sliding. Operating conditions, expected transport speed, and the method of load transfer between successive units are also important factors. If the product has a stable base and requires full-width support, roller conveyors are often used, whereas belt conveyors are better suited for items requiring point-based, parallel support.

Belt conveyors are used in the light, furniture, packaging, automotive, and e-commerce industries, as well as in logistics centers and manufacturing plants. Belt conveyors are well-suited for transporting MDF boards, aluminum profiles, cardboard boxes, panels, frames, and larger, lightweight components. In processes where keeping the floor-level workspace clear is important, the system can be complemented by overhead conveyors.

Yes, a belt conveyor can operate in conjunction with sensors, control systems, scanners, lifts, turntables, hydraulic tables, and other transport modules. This allows the belt conveyor to become part of an automated line where products move in sync with production or order-picking schedules. In simpler systems where a drive is not always required, gravity conveyors are also used.

Common issues include belt tension problems, wear on sliding surfaces, contamination of guide components, system overload, or incorrect alignment of the conveying elements. Regular inspections minimize the risk of downtime and improve transport repeatability. When designing a larger system, it is worth comparing different conveyors to select a solution tailored to the actual load, duty cycle, and product type.

Maintenance involves checking belt tension, the condition of wear strips, mountings, the drive system, safety features, and the cleanliness of working components. It is important to verify that the belts run parallel, do not slip, and show no signs of excessive wear. For more complex systems, we provide support as an experienced conveyor manufacturer, tailoring the inspection schedule to the equipment’s operating intensity.

A new belt conveyor allows you to tailor its length, width, drive system, number of belts, control type, and safety features to a specific process. While used equipment may have a lower initial cost, it often requires upgrades, inspections, and modifications to meet current standards. When investing in automation, it is important to consider the entire intralogistics system—focusing not just on a single conveyor, but on the complete flow of materials between warehousing, production, packaging, and shipping.