Are you noticing strange sounds coming from your rubber conveyor belts?
Do you often have to align the belt tension?
Too much material spilling while transporting them?
Strange cracking sounds or too much material spillage is not something usual that occurs with an industrial conveyor belt. This is not common for an old conveyor system, as well. As per a leading conveyor belts supplier, these might be signs that your industrial rubber belt conveyor needs replacement.
Do you feel expert guidance can help you? If yes, then you are at the right place. In this blog, we will be talking about 5 warning signs inrubber conveyor belts to look out for.
5 Signs Your Conveyor Belt Needs Replacing
Conveyor belting makes bulk material handling easier and quicker. It is an important part of the production process. Thus, conveyor belt breakdown leads to high downtime costs. Conveyor belt breakdown halts the production process. As a result, it becomes challenging for you to reach your profit margin targets.
1. Visible Cracks, Holes or Tears
Cracks, holes, or tears on the rubber conveyor belt surface occur from transporting abrasive materials. Specifically, items like iron pellets or wood chips, having cut and gouge properties, affect the rubber covers fast. Additionally, constant movement, exposure to heavy loads, and environmental factors like heat or chemicals can weaken the rubber material.
However, there are specialized conveyor belt types that may come at different conveyor belt cost. Duratuf has a dedicated range of general purpose rubber conveyor belting to convey low, medium, and high abrasive products.
Nonetheless, that might not be enough. Conveyor belts, too, have a life span. Even the most premium belts, bought at a high conveyor belt price per meter, cannot be used forever.
Cuts, holes, and tears compromise the conveyor system’s ability to move the bulk materials. Conveyed bulk materials can seep through the gaps, and the belt splicing may fail if the rubber cover is torn.
When to replace the rubber conveyor belts?
- If you notice small cracks growing larger over time.
- If tears lead to materials spilling off the belt, causing operational inefficiencies.
- If patches or repairs are no longer effective in maintaining the belt’s integrity.
2. Worn, Warped or Frayed Edges
Rubber conveyor belts experience constant friction from not only the materials transported but also other components of the pulley systems. The conveyor rollers and frames wear out the edges ofgeneral purpose rubber conveyor belting and other conveyor belt types.
You may not notice the warping or frayed edges at the start as the conveyor covers typically stay at a curvature. However, over time, this becomes a serious problem. Worn edges can lead to belt misalignment, belt tracking issues, and more. Belt tracking issues are the most critical among the 7 common problems that are noticed in a rubber conveyor belt.
When to replace the rubber conveyor belts?
- If the belt’s edges are frayed or visibly thinning.
- If frequent adjustments are required to keep the belt aligned properly.
- If the fraying is affecting belt performance, causing jams or stoppages.
3. Unusual noise or vibrations
What are you thinking of this point? Is it not okay for sound or vibration coming from a running conveyor belt system?
If you agree, then as a reliable rubber conveyor belts supplier, we tell you that it is a myth that you are believing.
Conveyor belts should operate quietly and smoothly without any vibration, squeaking, rattling, or crackling sounds coming from them. These noises in rubber conveyor belts indicate that the rubber cover might have lost its flexibility. It can also happen if the rollers are misaligned, or there is excessive friction between the belt and other components.
When to replace the rubber conveyor belts?
- If you hear loud squeaking, rattling, or knocking sounds during operation.
- If there are unexplained vibrations that could indicate a problem with the belt’s condition.
- If the belt struggles to maintain smooth, consistent motion, causing inefficiencies in the process.
4. Lesser grip due to surface wearing
Rubber conveyor belts depend on effective surface friction to grip and transport bulk materials efficiently. Nonetheless, this surface grip decreases with time. This is common to notice in oil resistant conveyor belts or HR-grade conveyor belts. This wear can lead to inefficient material handling, slower production, and potential safety hazards.
A smooth surface makes it difficult to transport the bulk materials without spilling them. Rubber conveyor belts come in 2-6 ply arrangements, out of which, we are talking about the topmost and bottom cover here.
When to replace the rubber conveyor belts?
- If the belt’s surface is smooth or polished, leading to slipping.
- If materials frequently fall off due to lack of traction.
- If re-coating or repairs no longer restore the belt’s grip.
5. Decreased capacity and performance
When your rubber conveyor belts are running your production processes for too long, their performance will be reduced automatically. You may notice reduced performance in terms of delay, load-carrying capacity, or overall efficiency.
This is often due to the belt losing its structural integrity. The rubber conveyor belts may need more production times and increased maintenance needs.
When to replace the rubber conveyor belts?
- If the belt is moving slower than usual or requires more energy to operate.
- If the belt is unable to handle the same loads it once did.
- If constant maintenance is required to keep it functional.
Are you thinking of changing your rubber conveyor belts?
Duratuf conveyor belt specialists are there to guide you. We are a certified and recognizedrubber conveyor belts supplier globally. Our premium products have enriched the performance of 10565+ projects across the globe.
