Logan Voss
A wide variety of manufacturing plants and processes use conveyor belts. Indeed, both incline and decline conveyor belts have common uses. If mechanical issues prevent conveyor belts from working correctly, it can cause a cascade of problems throughout the manufacturing process and bring productivity to a screeching halt. To prevent that, we’ve gathered actionable information on the common conveyor belt problems in warehouses. If that’s the critical information you’re searching for, read on.
Belt Slippage
A conveyor belt must be tensioned correctly like a belt in a car’s engine. Too much or too little tension will let the belt slip out of place. Typically, this involves the head pulley, which can wear down and break. When this happens, it is impossible to keep the correct tension on the conveyor belt.
Belt Mistracking
A conveyor belt must follow a specific pathway on its conveyor from start to finish. Conveyors use tracking systems to keep the conveyor belt aligned throughout its journey. The conveyor belt will slip out of place if the tracking system isn’t working correctly. Belt mistracking can lead to a broken belt and damaged items on the belt.
Belt Damage, Tears, and Rips
Older conveyor belts and belts exposed to extreme conditions will eventually start to wear out. The belt can tear and rip when they do, often along its seams.
Blockages Along the Belt’s Line
Even a well-designed and high-quality conveyor belt system will occasionally suffer from a blockage. A blockage occurs when, for various reasons, something gets caught between the conveyor belt and the conveyor. Depending on what that is and where it happens, it may cause a blockage that could (and likely would) affect the entire conveyor system.
Spillage of Conveyed Items Off the Belt
Anything that drops, slips, or otherwise falls off a conveyor belt is called spillage. Most spillage problems occur where cargo on the conveyor belts is loaded or transferred.
Seized Rollers
While relatively uncommon, the rollers on a conveyor belt system can overheat and, eventually, seize. Seized rollers usually occur when the conveyor machine using the belts is older and has seen years of daily use. They’re a serious problem because seized rollers pose a physical risk to workers from heat and metal spurs. They can also cause a conveyor belt to mistrack.
In Conclusion
We hope today’s information has been helpful and answered your questions about common conveyor belt problems in warehouses. One thing is certain: conveyor belts are vital to your company’s productivity and profit margins. It makes good business sense to ensure they’re well-maintained.
