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Basic Types of Conveyor Belts and Their Applications
Home » News » Basic Types of Conveyor Belts and Their Applications

Basic Types of Conveyor Belts and Their Applications

Publish Time: 2025-08-08     Origin: Site

You can see many conveyor belts in factories today. Each kind has its own job and fits certain needs. The most popular types are roller bed, flat belt, modular, cleated, curved, and incline/decline conveyor belts. The table below shows how these types do in the market:

Conveyor Belt Type

Market Position

Growth Notes

Flat Belt Conveyors

Biggest group by type

Used a lot for making things and putting them together

Roller Conveyors

Big part of the market

Grows fastest, great for sorting items

Modular, Cleated, Others

Used for special jobs

Good for food, going up or down, or turning

Picking the right conveyor belt helps you work faster, keeps everyone safe, and saves money. Uliflex helps you choose the best belt by giving special options for every business.


Different conveyor belts do special jobs. They move things on flat paths, curves, slopes, or carry heavy loads. Flat belts are simple and quiet. They work well for light or medium items. Modular belts are strong and easy to fix. They are good for heavy or delicate products. Cleated belts help move things safely on steep slopes. Roller bed conveyors move heavy packages faster with less work. Picking the right belt material and design makes it last longer. It also keeps things safe and works better. This saves time and money. Uliflex gives expert help and custom conveyor belts. They make sure your business runs smoothly and safely.


Flat Conveyor Belt

Overview

Flat conveyor belts are very common in factories and warehouses. You can see them moving things on a flat path. Their design is simple, so they are easy to set up and fix. Flat belts work well because they do not slip much. This helps save energy. These belts can bend to fit small spaces or different pulleys. They are quiet, so they help keep work areas less noisy. Flat belts are made from strong stuff, so they last a long time. You do not have to replace them often. You can pick the size and material you need. This makes flat belts a good choice for many jobs.

Tip: Flat conveyor belts are easy to take care of. You can clean them fast. They do not make much mess or need oil most of the time.


Uses

Flat conveyor belts are used in many places. Here are some examples:

  • Manufacturing plants use flat belts for assembly and packing.

  • Logistics centers use them to move boxes and packages.

  • Food factories use these belts to carry food safely.

  • Mining sites use flat belts to move things a short way.

  • Medicine companies use them for handling and packing medicine.

  • Airports use flat conveyor belts to move luggage.

Flat conveyor belts are best for light or medium items on flat or slightly sloped paths. You can use them for sorting, packing, and moving goods. They are easy to use and take care of. Many businesses like them because they work well and do not cost too much.


Modular Conveyor Belt

Overview

Many new factories use modular conveyor belts. These belts have plastic pieces that fit together. If a piece breaks, you can swap it out fast. This makes fixing the belt simple and quick. You do not need to stop everything for long. Modular belts use a positive drive system. Sprockets hold the belt from below. This keeps the belt moving steady and stops slipping. You can make these belts go straight, turn, or move up and down. You only need one motor for all these moves. The plastic is tough against chemicals, heat, and damage. You can clean and wash these belts easily. This is important for food and medicine. You can add special things to the belt, like rough surfaces or holes for draining.

Note: Modular belts help you fix problems fast and keep work going.


Uses

Modular conveyor belts are strong and can bend, so many places use them. Here are some ways people use them:

  • Food factories use modular belts to move chocolate, vegetables, meat, and baked goods. They can carry things in packages or without packages.

  • Medicine companies use these belts to move products safely and cleanly.

  • Factories making electronics, car parts, and home items use modular belts for easy moving.

  • Online stores and packing centers use them for sorting, packing, and robot picking.


Modular belts are good for heavy, big, or breakable things. You can set them up to go straight, turn, go up, or go down. Cleaning is easy, so you can follow health rules. The belts are quick to set up and keep things safe. Many businesses use modular conveyor belts. The chart below shows some of these industries:


Here is a table that lists some industries and what they move with modular belts:

Industry Categories

Typical Products Transported

Food

Bakery items, meat, vegetables, packaged and unpackaged food

Pharma & Healthcare

Medical and pharmaceutical goods

Electronics

Electronic components

Automotive & Racing

Automotive components

Ecommerce

Various packaged goods

Home Care

Consumer packaged goods

Modular conveyor belts are easy to clean, fix, and change. These things help you work faster and keep everyone safe.


Cleated Conveyor Belt

Overview

You often see cleated conveyor belts when you need to move items up steep slopes or keep products separated. These belts have raised sections, called cleats, that stick up from the belt surface. The cleats act like small walls. They stop items from sliding back, even when the belt moves at a sharp angle. You can use cleated belts for both light and heavy materials. The design lets you move products up to 60 degrees, much steeper than flat belts. Cleated belts help you save floor space because you can stack items higher. You also reduce the need for extra machines. The cleats come in different heights and shapes, so you can pick what fits your job best. Many belts use PVC, which gives you a strong grip and easy cleaning. This makes them perfect for food, bulk goods, and other sensitive products.

Tip: Cleated conveyor belts help you move items safely and quickly, even on steep paths.


Uses

You can use cleated conveyor belts in many industries. Here are some common ways you might use them:

  • Move fresh fruits and vegetables without bruising or rolling during washing and inspection.

  • Carry meat and poultry cuts safely, even when they are slippery or uneven.

  • Transport sticky or fragile bakery items like dough, cookies, and chocolates.

  • Prevent snack foods from breaking and help spread seasoning evenly.

  • Keep frozen foods and IQF products from clumping together, which helps with freezing.

  • Move dairy and beverage parts, such as cheese curds or bottle caps, with good separation.

  • Place ready meals and prepared foods in the right spot for assembly, making work faster and safer.

  • Transfer powders, granules, and small solids without rollback or dust.

  • Support washing and drying by letting water drain and air flow through open cleats.

  • Improve sorting, grading, packaging, and filling by keeping products steady and easy to see.

  • Make inspection and quality control easier by showing products clearly for checks and scans.

Cleated conveyor belts help you handle materials on steep inclines. The cleats stop items from sliding back, so you do not need extra workers to keep things in place. You can move more products in less time and keep your workspace safer. The strong grip and custom cleat options let you handle many types of goods, from food to bulk materials. You also meet hygiene standards more easily, especially in food and medicine industries.


Roller Bed Conveyor

Overview

Roller bed conveyors are common in busy warehouses. They use many rollers to move things from place to place. The rollers can use motors or just gravity. You can move light packages or heavy pallets easily. You can load and unload by hand or with machines. These conveyors help you move things fast and safely. Workers do not have to lift heavy things as much. This helps stop injuries. You can set up these conveyors in straight lines or curves. You can also change how fast they go. Some use chains or motors for more power. This makes them good for tough jobs.

Tip: Roller bed conveyors are good for small and big items. You can use them in many places, like factories and shipping centers.


Uses

Many businesses use roller bed conveyors to work better. You can find them in mining and quarrying to move heavy rocks. They help sort and ship boxes in carton handling. They move big stacks of goods in pallet handling. Car factories use them to move car parts. Food and drink plants use them to move packaged foods and drinks.


You can use roller bed conveyors for packages, cartons, and pallets. They help move things between floors or areas with little effort. In distribution centers, they help move goods faster. You need fewer workers to move heavy things, so you save money. The design helps keep workers safe by stopping heavy lifting. You can change the layout to fit your space. You can also control the speed for different products. Some roller conveyors have zero pressure zones. These stop items from bumping into each other. This keeps your products safe while moving.


Incline/Decline Conveyor Belt


Overview

Incline and decline conveyor belts help move things up or down. You can use them to take items to a higher floor or bring them down. These belts often have raised cleats or rough surfaces. These features stop products from slipping as they move. You can change the belt’s angle to fit your space. This saves floor space and helps your line work better. Many industries use these belts because they cut down on lifting by hand. This keeps workers safer and helps move goods faster.

Tip: Incline and decline belts work for light and heavy things. You can use them for breakable or big items.


Uses

You see incline and decline conveyor belts in many places. Here are some ways people use them:

  • Food and drink plants use these belts to move boxes, bottles, and cans between steps.

  • Medicine companies use them to move medicine and supplies safely between floors.

  • Cold storage centers use them to keep food moving fast and cold.

  • Packaging and FMCG factories use incline belts to sort and pack faster.

  • Car and airplane plants move heavy parts with less chance of injury.

  • Electronics makers use them to move small, delicate parts without harm.

  • Print, chemical, and bottling plants use these belts to make work easier and safer.


These belts fix many problems. They stop slipping and keep loads steady, even on steep slopes. Raised cleats or rough surfaces hold products in place. You can swap out broken parts fast with modular designs, so you do not lose much time. Open hinges and special materials make cleaning simple, which is key for food and medicine. You can also change the belt to fit your product and speed.


Incline and decline conveyor belts help you move more things in less time. They make work easier for people and save money on labor. You can use your space better and keep things running well. With these belts, you make work safer, get more done, and move many types of products with ease.


Curved Conveyor Belt

Overview

Curved conveyor belts are used when space is tight. These belts help move things around corners. You can change direction without stopping the line. The belt bends, so items do not get stuck or fall off. Tapered rollers and a bendy belt keep things moving. You can pick curve angles like 30°, 90°, or 180°. This helps the belt fit your space. Curved belts work well in busy places. They can handle lots of items all day. You do not need extra spots to move things between belts. This saves time and keeps your setup simple. You can swap out the belt fast if you need to. This keeps your system working with little delay.

Note: Curved conveyor belts help you use all your space. You can move things easily, even in tricky layouts.


Uses

Many industries use curved conveyor belts. Airports use them to move luggage through security and loading. Parcel hubs use them to sort packages quickly and safely. Distribution centers use curved belts to move orders and save time. Third-party logistics companies use these belts to fit changing warehouse spaces and move more items.


Curved conveyor belts fit into corners and around things in the way. You do not need extra room for straight lines. This helps you use your floor better and need less lifting by hand. The belt keeps things moving, so you avoid jams and damage. You can set up the belt to fit your needs. You can pick the curve angle and size. Curved belts work with smart systems to make things run smoother.

  • Airports use curved belts to move bags through checks and merges.

  • Parcel hubs use them to send packages fast and safely.

  • Distribution centers use curved belts to fill orders faster.

  • Warehouses use curved belts to fit systems into small or odd spaces.

Curved conveyor belts help you move things well. You save on labor, keep people safe, and make your work go smoothly.


Wire Mesh Conveyor Belt

Overview

Wire mesh conveyor belts are made from metal wires linked together. These wires make a strong and open surface. Most wire mesh belts use stainless steel or carbon steel. The open mesh lets air, water, or heat pass through easily. This helps cool, dry, or heat things on the belt. You can use these belts to wash, drain, or cook items. The metal wires can handle very hot or cold places. They do not bend or break when it gets hot. Cleaning is simple because dirt and food do not get stuck. You can choose different wire sizes and shapes for your needs. These belts last a long time and do not need much fixing.

Tip: Wire mesh belts help keep your work area clean and safe. Their open design stops germs from growing and makes cleaning quick.


Uses

Wire mesh conveyor belts are used in many jobs. Their open and strong design is good for hard work. Here are some ways people use them:

  • Food factories use these belts to bake bread, cool cookies, fry snacks, freeze vegetables, and dry seafood.

  • Metal shops use them to heat treat parts, like annealing, tempering, and quenching.

  • Medicine plants use wire mesh belts to sterilize, dry, and coat products.

  • Car and airplane factories use them to wash and dry parts.

  • Electronics makers use them to solder, clean, and coat circuit boards.

  • Glass and ceramic plants use them to fire and cool items.

  • Chemical factories use them to dry, cool, and filter chemicals and fertilizers.

  • Textile and printing shops use them to dye, dry, and finish fabrics and paper.

  • Mining and recycling centers use them to move heavy, rough things and sort waste.

Here is a table that shows where you might use wire mesh conveyor belts and what they carry:

Industry

Typical Products Processed

Typical Processes and Uses

Food Processing

Bread, pastries, cookies, snacks, fried foods, frozen vegetables, seafood, ready-to-eat meals

Baking, cooling, frying, freezing, washing, draining, drying

Heat Treatment & Metal Processing

Automotive and aerospace components, metal parts

Annealing, carburizing, tempering, hardening, sintering, quenching

Pharmaceutical & Medical

Medical instruments, pharmaceutical products

Sterilization, drying, coating

Automotive & Aerospace

Automotive and aerospace parts

Parts washing, drying, heat treatment

Electronics & Electrical Components

Printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic components

Wave soldering, PCB assembly, cleaning, coating

Glass & Ceramic

Glass items, ceramic pieces

Glass annealing, ceramic firing

Chemical & Fertilizer

Chemicals, fertilizers

Drying, cooling, screening, filtering

Textile & Printing

Fabrics, paper

Dyeing, finishing, screen printing, drying

Mining & Quarrying

Ore, coal, gravel

Material handling, conveying heavy abrasive materials

Waste Management & Recycling

Plastics, metals, glass

Sorting, conveying, incineration, waste treatment

Wire mesh belts give you many good things:

  • They do not rust or get damaged by water or chemicals.

  • The open mesh lets air and heat move, which helps with cooling, drying, and heating.

  • You can use them in ovens, freezers, or washing stations.

  • Cleaning is easy, so you can follow food safety rules.

  • The belts last a long time and do not need much care.

  • You can shape them to fit curves or slopes in your system.

Wire mesh conveyor belts help you do hard jobs, keep products safe, and meet hygiene rules.


Specialty Conveyor Belts

Overview

Specialty conveyor belts help fix special problems in factories. You can pick belts made from PVC, nylon, metal, Teflon-coated fiberglass, silicone, or urethane. These belts work well in places with lots of heat, cold, or chemicals. You can order belts in custom sizes to fit your machines. This saves time when you install or fix them. Specialty belts last longer and protect products from damage or germs.

Note: Specialty belts do hard jobs, like moving things up steep slopes, keeping items apart, or working with oil and chemicals.


You can choose belts with special features. Some belts resist oil, grease, or strong chemicals. Others work in ovens or freezers and do not crack. Stainless steel belts stay strong in hot or cold places and are easy to clean. Some belts help with sticky foods or fragile parts. These belts keep your line safe and running well.


Uses

Specialty conveyor belts are used in many industries. Here are some ways people use them:

  • Food factories use belts that release sticky or sugary foods and keep things clean.

  • Electronics plants need belts that do not build up static and can handle tiny parts.

  • Chemical plants use belts that resist oil, grease, and strong chemicals, so they last longer.

  • Material handling centers use belts that move heavy loads or work on steep slopes.

  • Pharmaceutical companies need belts that are easy to clean and keep products safe from germs.

  • Glass and metal factories use belts that can handle high heat or sharp edges.


Specialty belts do jobs that regular belts cannot do. You can move products in rows, keep items apart, or lower contact points. Some belts work with x-rays or need to be very clean for food or medicine. You can also use belts with special surfaces for better grip or easy cleaning.

Here are some examples of specialty belts and their features:

Belt Type

Key Features

Typical Industry Use

Stainless Steel Belts

Heat, cold, and chemical resistance

Chemical, electronics, food

Teflon-coated Belts

Non-stick, high temperature

Food processing, packaging

Oil-resistant Belts

Withstand oil and grease

Chemical, automotive, material handling

Fiberglass Belts

Extreme temperature, minimal stretch

Industrial processing, electronics

Narrow Width Belts

Precise product alignment

Electronics, pharmaceuticals

Specialty conveyor belts help you work faster and safer. You can pick the best belt for your job and keep your line working well.


Choosing the Right Conveyor Belt

Picking the right conveyor belt helps your business run better. You need to think about a few important things before you choose. Uliflex helps you find the best belt for your work. We have belts for food, medicine, cars, and more. Our belts include conveyor belts, profiled belts, and timing belts. Each belt is made for a special job.


Material & Durability

Start by looking at what the belt is made of. The material decides how long the belt lasts. It also affects how often you need to fix it. For tough jobs, pick belts that can handle rough use. You want belts that do not wear out fast. Strong belts can carry heavy things and take hard hits. The table below shows what makes a belt good for hard work:

Material Property

Why It Matters for Tough Jobs

Recommended Materials/Features

Abrasion Resistance

Stops wear from sharp or rough materials

Kevlar®-Reinforced Rubber, Steel Mesh, Reinforced Urethane

Tensile Strength

Handles heavy loads without breaking

Steel Cable Rubber Belts, Fabric-Reinforced Rubber Belts

Impact Resistance

Absorbs shock from falling items

UHMW-PE, Nylon, Polyurethane, Kevlar®-Reinforced Rubber

Load Support

Prevents sagging and uneven wear

Reinforced belt constructions, steel cable reinforcement

Durability

Lasts longer under harsh conditions

Reinforced inner layers, specialized compounds

Chemical/Environmental

Resists chemicals and temperature changes

PVC, PU, heat/oil resistant belts

Choosing the right material helps your belt last longer. You will not need to fix or replace it as much. This saves you time and money.

Tip: Match the belt material to what you move and how fast you work. This keeps your belt safe and working longer.


Environment

Where you use your belt is very important. Think about heat, cold, water, and chemicals. If you wash things or work in cold places, pick belts that do not crack. Stainless steel and modular plastic belts are good for wet spots. If you work outside, do not use belts that break in sun or rain.

  • Hot places can dry out and crack belts.

  • Cold places can make belts break easily.

  • Wet air makes belts stretch or shrink.

  • Sunlight can make rubber belts weak.

  • Chemicals can hurt pulleys and axles.

Keep belts in cool, dry places. Do not let them sit in the sun. Check belts often for water, mold, or damage.

Note: In wet or chemical places, use polyurethane or modular plastic belts. These belts do better with water and chemicals than rubber or fabric belts.


Load & Throughput

Know how much weight your belt will carry. Also, know how fast it needs to move. Different belts can carry different amounts and go at different speeds. Roller bed conveyors are good for heavy things and busy jobs. Cleated belts help move things up slopes. Modular belts are easy to clean and change.

Conveyor Type

Load Capacity / Throughput Rate

Bucket Elevators

Up to 130,000 lb/h (6,000 tons/h)

Vacuum Conveyors

Up to 33,000 lb/h (15 tons/h)

You can use this formula to find out your belt’s capacity:

Q = ρ * A * v

Where:

  • Q = capacity (kg/s or lb/s)

  • ρ = density of material

  • A = cross-sectional area on belt

  • v = belt speed

Think about weight and speed when you plan your system. Use tension tools to keep the belt straight. Simple designs help things move without getting stuck.

Tip: Use programs to watch how your belt works. This helps you fix problems quickly and keep things running.


Industry Needs

Every job has its own rules. Food and medicine need belts that are safe and clean. Use FDA-approved materials like urethane and silicone for these jobs. Pick belts with smooth surfaces that are easy to clean. Car factories need strong and exact belts.

  • Food jobs need clean belts that are easy to wash.

  • Medicine jobs need belts that stop germs and follow rules.

  • Car jobs need belts that carry heavy things and move just right.

You can change belts to fit your needs. Uliflex has belts in many sizes and shapes. You can add cleats, walls, or special covers for extra grip. Our profiled and timing belts can be made for your machines.

Customization Option

Industry/Application

Benefit

Belt Width and Thickness

All industries

Fits your equipment and space

Surface Texture/Patterns

Packaging, Incline Conveyors

Prevents product slippage

Material Selection

Food, Automotive

Meets hygiene and durability needs

Cleats and Sidewalls

Incline/Decline Conveyors

Stops material spillage

Special Coatings

Electronics

Protects sensitive components

Note: Custom belts help you fix special problems. You can pick the size, look, and material that works best for you.


Why Choose Uliflex?

Uliflex uses smart tools and new technology to make great belts. We give fast help and custom belts for every job. Our belts are strong and have special features. You get quick delivery and free design help. Our experts help you pick the best belt. This helps you work faster, safer, and save money.


Picking the right Conveyor Belt for your job helps you finish work faster. It also helps you avoid losing time and money. You get better results when you choose a belt that fits your needs. Uliflex gives expert help and special choices for every kind of business, like food or ceramics. You get belts that are strong and made from safe materials. Uliflex keeps helping you even after you buy. Many companies trust Uliflex to fix hard problems and keep their machines working. If you want a belt that works well and fits your business, you should contact Uliflex for help.


FAQ

What are the main types of conveyor belts?

You can find flat belts, modular belts, cleated belts, roller bed conveyors, incline and decline belts, curved belts, wire mesh belts, and specialty belts. Each type is made for a different job. Factories, warehouses, and plants use these belts for moving things.


How do I choose the right conveyor belt for my industry?

First, look at what you need to move. Think about how heavy it is and how fast it should go. Check if your place is hot, cold, or wet. Cleaning and safety are important too. Uliflex can make special belts for your business, like food or car factories.


How often should I maintain or replace a conveyor belt?

Look at your conveyor belt every week. Check for damage, cracks, or if it is not straight. Clean the belt often. If you see fraying or slipping, change the belt. Checking often helps you stop big problems and saves money.


Can conveyor belts handle food and pharmaceutical products safely?

Yes, they can. Some belts use FDA-approved materials like polyurethane or silicone. These belts stop germs and are easy to clean. Uliflex makes belts that are safe for food and medicine.


What custom options does Uliflex offer for conveyor belts?

Uliflex can change the belt’s width, thickness, and surface. You can add cleats, sidewalls, or pick different materials. These choices help the belt fit your machine and product. Custom belts make work safer, faster, and better.

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