Norpak’s conveyor-belt wisdom: Unlocking expert advice to navigate applications

Conveyor belts are available from Norpak.

Norpak Handling Ltd. supplies a broad range of high-quality material-handling solutions for businesses across Canada. Selecting the right conveyor belt is a major part of optimizing every material-handling process, because a poor choice can cause inefficiencies – inadequate flow control, lack of grip on specific items, and/or low performance with inclines and declines.

Fortunately for customers, Norpak employs a crew of conveyor experts who share the factors a company should take into consideration when choosing a conveyor belt.

Consider whether sorting is required

For the first step in conveyor-belt selection, external factors should be considered, or the aspects of relevant applications that will affect the belt. Such factors include the type of product involved, including shape, size, weight, and surface type, plus the temperature and humidity variances of the work environment, according to Norpak. The mechanics of the operations should also be weighed – including inclines or declines, the presence of inspection stations, and whether sorting is required.

Second: consider factors regarding the belt itself, like the material, its strength (which depends on material and construction), minimum usable pulley diameter, temperature resistance or adaptability, and friction grip. The last item depends on material and whether the belt has any special coatings.

A key factor is material, since the specific application determines the appropriate material to use. Common materials used in conveyor belts and their respective advantages include the following:

• Resists high temperature, mildew, and chemicals.
• Resists all oils.
• Resists all oils.
• Resists oils and abrasive substances.
• Resists mineral and vegetable oil, and other food-related liquids, plus animal fat.
• Resists water and cold temperatures, with high friction and grip.
• High resistance to extreme temperatures.
• Prevents sticking to adherent material.

Businesses who seek the appropriate conveyor belts are often also looking for the most suitable conveyor surfaces for the belts, so it is recommended to learn the difference between slider and roller beds as well. Customized solutions are available for some Norpak customers, after an in-depth consultation about the individual needs, as standard conveyor belts are not appropriate for certain applications.

To learn more, contact Norpak.

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