Conveyor belt systems allow for fast handling of large volumes of materials in a small area with lower labor cost. The simplicity of use make conveyors belts the most common type of mover today. Conveyor safety is built in, and they allow for immediate shut down should a problem arise. As well, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) governs conveyor safety regulations in the United States.
History
Thomas Robbins is credited with creating the systems that led to the invention of the modern day belt conveyor. The conveyor revolutionized the mining industry when in 1905 Richard Sutcliffe introduced the first conveyor belt to coal production. In 1913 Henry Ford brought the belt into manufacturing. Sandvik, a Swedish technology company, invented, and began the manufacture of the steel conveyor belt. Today’s belts are covered with layers of PVC or rubber belting depending on the type of product handled by the machine.
Construction
Surfaces vary from PVC, rubber to metal rollers depending on the item being moved. Construction of a belt conveyor is a simple design of a metal frame with flat metal bed with rollers on each end. A belt of the desired material is wrapped around the rollers. One of the rollers is powered, and when switched on the belt flows smoothly around the rollers.
Belt Conveyor Systems
Belt conveyors are robust, and they are used in almost every industry that requires material movement. The conveyor frames are made of durable materials, and high quality materials are used for the belts. Often the material moved on the conveyor is heavy, and friction is reduced by the rollers as the load is easily moved. The delivery is direct, and allows for the movement of light, heavy and irregular shaped items. Conveyors are versatile, and permit directional movement and elevation changes.
Belt conveyors move many of our items today in terms of product and merchandise. From agriculture to mining, and from the postal system to the luggage rack at the airport, the conveyor keeps industry moving. They are strong and durable, and their simplicity allows for long-term operation. The built-in safety mechanisms make for worry free operation, and the belt type of conveyor is the number one choice in product transport today.
