If you are using a conveyor belt in your business, you would know how important they are to run your operations smoothly. But we also know that, like any machine, a conveyor belt is also prone to wear and tear over time. In case that happens, what should we do? Should we start looking for a replacement and invest in getting a new conveyor belt? In severe cases, we can do that. But the good news is that, in most cases, we can extend the lifespan of conveyor belts. In this blog, we will discuss some practical tips through which we can extend the life of nylon conveyor belt or PVC conveyor belt and save ourselves from unnecessary costs.
1. Always pick the right conveyor belt in the beginning
Not all conveyor belts work the same. Before making a purchase, you should discuss your requirements in detail with the respective PVC conveyor belt manufacturer. This step is highly important because if you end up choosing the wrong conveyor belt in the beginning, you will cause yourself a lot of trouble in the future. It may cause plenty of unnecessary repairs and logistic costs to move it here and there. In short, if your chosen conveyor belt is not the one for your job, it is going to wear out too fast.
2. Inspect the conveyor belt regularly
Keeping a regular check on your conveyor belt is the second important step in extending its lifespan. You must monitor any possible cracks in the belt and clean any random debris that may be piling up on it. Also, pay attention to the fraying edges or anything similar that looks off about the conveyor belt. Be habitual about keeping a weekly inspection, as it can save your conveyor belt from any extensive damage in the future.
3. Regularly cleaning the conveyor belt
As mentioned previously, the cleaning of a conveyor belt is equally as important as inspecting it for cracks. If your conveyor belt is piling up dust, dirt, or random debris, it can cause unnecessary wear and tear. Try to use some regular cleaning methods that suit your needs, such as wiping it down, dry brushing, vacuuming, or air blowing. You must not use any harsh chemicals on conveyor belts while cleaning, as it can break down their material.
4. Never Ignore Belt Tension
If you encounter any type of tightness or strain in your conveyor belt, or if you feel that your conveyor belt is so loose that it is slipping off its track, then never ignore this imbalance. Don’t wait to get your conveyor belt realigned because that kind of misalignment causes unnecessary wear and tear. It will turn out to be an expensive deal to fix such issues in the long run.
5. Lubricate the moving components regularly
The conveyor belt itself never needs any kind of lubrication. However, it consists of several moving parts, such as rollers, pulleys, and bearings. These moving parts need constant lubrication to work effectively and avoid any friction or heat generated due to a lack of smoothness. Ultimately, you can extend the lifespan of your custom conveyor belt by using the right amount of lubrication for its moving parts.
6. Don’t overload the belt
Every conveyor belt is designed to keep a specific upper limit of weight it can carry. If you try to overload the belt by getting past this limit, it will never last long. In case your business needs you to move heavier loads, you must use a conveyor belt that is meant to carry that type of load. If it’s not, consider upgrading your PU conveyor belt or PVC conveyor belt to a stronger one.
7. Training the employees
In some cases, it has been found that the conveyor belts get damaged due to human error and improper usage. So, it is highly important that all the employees or members who are meant to operate this conveyor belt are well-trained. This training might include teaching them the right way of loading, the method of starting and stopping the conveyor belt correctly, monitoring signs of misalignment, checking for wear and tear, and methods of cleaning and upkeep.
8. Never compromise on low-quality spare parts to cut costs
Just like any other machine, the spare parts of industrial conveyor systems, such as rollers, pulleys, and fasteners, might also need replacement. It is highly important to only choose the right and high-quality spare parts that fit right on the belt and don’t wear out. If it does, you may be facing even bigger problems in the future. So, always stick to high-quality and compatible spare parts to extend the performance and longevity of the conveyor belt PVC.
9. Protecting from the harsh environment
If you have set up your conveyor belt in very harsh or tough conditions, comprising extreme heat, moisture, or chemicals, make sure to use the belt materials that are right to suit those conditions. You must also focus on continuously protecting your belt with the help of covers or enclosures to avoid damage.
10. Upgrading the belts at the right time
We can extend the lifespan of any equipment with proper care and maintenance. But even then, a time comes when we have to invest in purchasing a new one instead of patching up the old one over and over. If your conveyor belt is dealing with continuous breakdowns, it is not wise to incur more costs on its repairs. Instead, buy conveyor belt to suit your requirements and focus on maintaining it using the right approach.
Overall, it is pertinent to note here that maintaining a conveyor belt doesn’t have to be that complicated. Just focus on using the right materials, regular monitoring, and proper usage with the right loading techniques as long as possible. Doing so, you will be saving a lot of money in the long run. If you are looking to buy a top-quality conveyor belt to replace your worn-out one, then contact Elite Vision Belting today.
