What Types of Rubber Are Used in Conveyor Belts

You can find many types of rubber for conveyor belts. These include general-purpose rubber, SBR, NBR, Neoprene (CR), and EPDM. Each type of rubber has special resistance. Some resist abrasion, oil, heat, or chemicals. The right rubber helps your conveyor belt last longer. You need to choose the best rubber for your job. The material you move, how you store the belt, and how it wears are important. These things affect how long your conveyor belt will last, as shown below:

Key Takeaways

• Pick the right rubber for your conveyor belt. This helps it last longer and work better.

• Think about what you will move and where you will store it. This helps your conveyor belt last longer.

• Each rubber type has special strengths. NBR fights oil. EPDM works well with heat and weather.

• Take care of your conveyor belt often. Store it the right way. This makes it last much longer.

• Ask experts for help if you do not know which rubber to use. This helps you choose the best one for your needs.

Rubber Selection in Conveyor Belt Manufacturing

Why Rubber Type Matters

When you choose rubber for conveyor belt manufacturing, you make a big impact on how well your system works. The type of rubber you select decides how long your belt lasts and how safe your workplace stays. If you use the wrong rubber, you may face early wear, breakdowns, or even safety risks. You want your rubber conveyor belts to handle tough jobs, resist damage, and keep running smoothly.

Here is a table that shows what manufacturers look for when picking rubber for conveyor belt manufacturing:

Performance and Application Fit

You need to match the rubber to your application. Each job has its own needs. For example, some rubber conveyor belts must resist oil, heat, or fire. Others need to last a long time when moving sharp rocks or heavy loads. If you pick the right rubber, you get longer wear life and fewer breakdowns. You also improve safety, especially in places like mines or power plants.

• Longer wear life means less downtime and lower replacement costs.

• Specialized resistance helps your belt handle oil, heat, fire, or chemicals without breaking down.

• Fire-retardant rubber keeps workers safe in risky areas.

• Consistent grip lets your belt work well on curves or slopes.

Custom solutions help you solve special problems. For example, in food or chemical plants, you may need rubber that is easy to clean or that reduces friction. When you match the rubber to your application, you boost productivity and keep your equipment running better. You do not have to settle for standard options. Instead, you can choose rubber conveyor belts that fit your exact needs and improve your whole operation.

Main Types of Rubber Conveyor Belt Materials

There are different rubber types used in conveyor belts. Each type has special features that help you pick the right one for your job. General-purpose rubber is the most used for regular conveyor belts. Other types, like SBR, nitrile, neoprene, and EPDM, are picked for special needs. These needs include oil, heat, or chemical resistance.

General-Purpose Rubber

Natural rubber is the main material for general conveyor belts. It is strong and bends easily. Many industries use it because it works well. This rubber gives high strength and stays flexible in cold places. It also does not wear out fast.

Here is a table that lists natural rubber’s properties:

You can use natural rubber for belts that move light loads. It is good for farming, food, and factories. Do not use it where there is oil or high heat. It does not work well in those places.

Tip: Pick natural rubber when you need strength and flexibility, but not oil or heat resistance.

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

SBR is a man-made rubber for making conveyor belts. You find it in mining, quarries, and cement plants. SBR lasts longer when moving rough or sharp things. It is tough and good for work above ground.

Here are some main features of SBR:

• Great abrasion resistance for tough jobs.

• Stays flexible in hot and cold weather.

• High strength for long-lasting use.

• Good at handling weather and aging.

The table below shows SBR’s main properties:

Use SBR rubber for belts that carry heavy and rough things. It is a top pick for abrasion resistant conveyor belts.

Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Nitrile rubber is known for resisting oil and chemicals. You see it in recycling, car, and other industries with oily materials. Nitrile stands up to oils, fuels, and many chemicals. It keeps its strength in tough places.

Nitrile rubber also resists acids and bases. It does not break down when around chemicals. This makes it a smart pick for oil, gas, recycling, and chemical plants.

Note: Use nitrile rubber for belts where oil, grease, or chemicals are found. It helps your belt last longer and need less fixing.

Neoprene (Chloroprene Rubber, CR)

Neoprene rubber is a useful material for conveyor belts. You can use it in mining, building, and factories. Neoprene is flexible, tough, and resists chemicals. It is better than most other rubbers at handling weather.

Neoprene resists oils, greases, and many solvents. It also handles mild acids and alkalis. This makes it better than natural rubber for chemical resistance. Neoprene also handles heat well, so it is good for fire resistant belts.

Here are some common uses for neoprene belts:

Pick neoprene for belts that need to resist heat, chemicals, and weather.

EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber for conveyor belts stands up to heat, sun, and ozone. You can use it where it gets very hot, like asphalt plants and power plants. EPDM also resists water chemicals, steam, and mild acids.

Here are some special features of EPDM rubber:

• Great at handling sun and ozone

• Works in both hot and cold places

• Lasts longer than natural or other rubbers

• Easy to shape and use

• Does not stain or mark other things

You find EPDM belts in mining, building, farming, factories, storage, and food work. EPDM is best for jobs where heat and weather resistance are needed.

Remember: Always match the rubber’s features to your job. This helps your belt work better and last longer.

Properties and Uses of Rubber for Conveyor Belt

Abrasion and Wear Resistance

It is important to know how rubber handles wear. Abrasion resistance is a key property for conveyor belts. When you move heavy or rough things, the belt gets rubbed and hit a lot. If the rubber resists abrasion, the belt lasts longer and needs fewer repairs.

• Most conveyor belts fail because of wear.

• How much weight, speed, and friction there is changes how fast a belt wears out.

• The strength and structure of rubber, like tensile strength and cross-linking, are important for how well it works.

Here is a table that shows how different rubbers resist abrasion:

If you want your belt to last, pick rubber with high abrasion resistance for hard jobs.

Oil, Heat, and Chemical Resistance

Sometimes, you need a conveyor belt that can handle oil, heat, or chemicals. Not all rubbers work well in these places. Some rubbers break down when they touch oil or get too hot. Other rubbers, like nitrile, neoprene, and EPDM, are made to resist these problems.

Nitrile rubber (NBR) is strong against oil and chemicals. It keeps its shape and does not swell much, so your belt lasts longer. Neoprene belts resist oil, ozone, and some heat. They can last up to twice as long as SBR belts. EPDM rubber is great for heat and chemical resistance. You should pick a heat resistant belt for hot jobs, like in power plants or asphalt plants.

Tip: Always match the rubber’s resistance to where you use your conveyor belt.

Typical Industry Applications

You can find different rubber conveyor belts in many industries. Each rubber type is good for a special job.

You can also see modular plastic conveyors in food and drug plants. Flexible conveyors help load and unload trucks. Slat conveyors move hot or heavy things in factories. Spiral conveyors connect floors in warehouses. Pallet conveyors move goods in big storage areas.

Note: When you know what each rubber can do, you can pick the best conveyor belt for your industry.

How to Choose the Right Rubber for Conveyor Belt

Assessing Application Requirements

You should start by looking at what your conveyor belt needs to do. Think about the materials you will move and the environment where the belt will work. Each job has different challenges. For example, belts in mining need to handle sharp rocks, while belts in factories may need to resist oil or heat. The table below shows important factors to consider:

Tip: Write down your main needs before you pick a rubber type.

Matching Properties to Needs

After you know your needs, match them to the right rubber properties. Each rubber type has special strengths. For example, nitrile rubber works well with oil, while EPDM handles heat and weather. The table below helps you see what to look for:

You can ask your supplier for help if you are not sure which rubber fits your needs.

Cost and Maintenance Factors

You should also think about cost and how much work your belt will need. Some rubbers cost more but last longer. Others are cheaper but may wear out faster. The table below shows how different rubbers compare in price:

Note: Spending a little more at first can save you money later because a durable belt needs fewer repairs and replacements.

If you feel unsure, talk to a conveyor belt expert. They can help you pick the best rubber for your job and budget.

Rubber Conveyor Belt Comparison Summary

Quick Reference Table

It is important to compare the main rubber types for conveyor belts. The table below shows how each rubber is different and where it works best. This helps you pick the right rubber for your conveyor system.

Each rubber type is good for a different job. For example, SBR is great for mining and building work. NBR is best for belts that touch oil or chemicals. EPDM is strong against heat and weather, so it is used outside. Neoprene and CIIR are picked for tough places with chemicals or special needs.

Conveyor belts are strong and last a long time. They can carry heavy things and rough materials. These belts work in high heat and can take hard hits. But, they are heavier and do not bend as much as other materials. Cleaning them can be hard in food factories.

Here are some special grades you might see:

• Grade A: Lasts longer and keeps your conveyor running.

• Grade F: Stops fire for hot materials.

• Grade M & N: Used for many jobs and belts.

• Grade Z: Made for special jobs in unique places.

You should always pick the rubber that fits your job. This makes your conveyor belt last longer and work better, even in tough places. If you work with food, check if the belt is easy to clean and safe for food.

You help your conveyor belt work well and last longer. Choosing the right rubber stops breakdowns and keeps things safe.

The rubber belt material moves parts in the factory. It also causes most problems. You must check how strong the belt is. Watch how it wears out and works. Good transport systems need strong conveyor belts. How long the belt lasts depends on its tensile strength. This strength changes with the type and size of damage.

When you know about each rubber type, you make good choices for your factory.

1. Decide what your conveyor should do.

2. Choose the best belt for your system.

3. Check if the rubber works for your place.

4. Make sure the belt fits your pulleys.

5. Pick belts that last and need less fixing.

6. Ask experts if you need help.

Think about special needs too.

• The right material helps with hard jobs.

• Strong belts carry heavy and sharp things.

• Belts that resist wear and bend easily work better.

FAQ

What is the most common rubber used in conveyor belts?

You will find general-purpose rubber and SBR used most often. These materials work well for many jobs. They offer good strength and last a long time in normal conditions.

How do I know which rubber type is best for my conveyor belt?

You should look at your work environment and what you move. If you handle oil, pick NBR. For heat, choose EPDM. Ask your supplier for advice if you feel unsure.

Can rubber conveyor belts handle chemicals?

Yes, some rubber types resist chemicals. NBR, neoprene, and EPDM work well in chemical plants. Always check the chemical resistance before you choose a belt.

How do I make my conveyor belt last longer?

• Store your belt in a cool, dry place.

• Clean it often.

• Check for damage.

• Use the right rubber for your job.

Are rubber conveyor belts safe for food handling?

You should use food-grade rubber for food handling. It meets safety standards and is easy to clean.