What metals are used to manufacture metal conveyor belts?

What metals are used to manufacture metal conveyor belts?

Metal conveyor belts are made from a variety of metals, including different stainless steel alloys, carbon steel, Inconel, Invar, titanium, and aluminum. The selection of metal depends on the customer's needs and the manufacturer's preferences. Engineers and designers favor metals for conveyor belts because of their durability, resistance to corrosion, wear, and temperature, as well as their high tensile and yield strength.

Stainless Steel

Metal conveyor belts are often made from Series 304 and Series 316 stainless steels, chosen for their resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand temperature fluctuations. Given their widespread use in the food industry, stainless steel is preferred for its non-porous, easy-to-clean surface and remarkable durability.

Stainless steel conveyor belts are available in various types such as mesh, chain rod, flat wire, and balanced weave. These belts are designed for different needs, including mesh for optimal drainage and air circulation. For specialized requirements that demand a non-stick surface, stainless steel belts can be coated with materials like Teflon. The versatility of stainless steel allows it to be fashioned into diverse forms and patterns, including reinforced and knitted designs.

Carbon Steel Conveyor Belt

Carbon steel conveyor belts are chosen for their exceptional durability and strength, making them ideal for challenging environments like mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics. These belts feature a hard, smooth surface and are commonly utilized in food processing due to their excellent thermal conductivity.

Fatigue tests reveal that carbon steel can withstand up to two million load cycles before showing signs of fatigue, with a fatigue limit of 460 N/mm2. To ensure the required strength and durability, carbon steel conveyor belts must undergo heat and leveling treatments. A crucial aspect of these treatments is achieving a high level of surface flatness on the belt.

Inconel Conveyor Belt

Inconel is a nickel-chromium alloy known for its minimal magnetic permeability and exceptional heat resistance. Much like stainless steel, Inconel is a clean metal that eliminates the need for lubrication and produces no particulate matter. Its resistance to static electricity makes it ideal for handling electronic materials during assembly.

Inconel, similar to stainless steel and aluminum, offers excellent resistance to corrosion, alkaline environments, and oxidizing agents, making it ideal for applications involving chlorides. Inconel conveyor belts are designed to withstand harsh conditions where materials encounter elevated temperatures, high pressure, and substantial loads. When exposed to high heat, Inconel develops a protective oxide layer that enhances its durability.

Invar Conveyor Belt

Invar is an alloy composed of nickel and iron, known for its minimal thermal expansion. Its name is derived from the term 'invariable,' highlighting its stability under varying temperatures. This characteristic is crucial for applications subjected to fluctuating temperatures, where other metal conveyor belts may distort, leading to misalignment and tracking issues. Invar’s consistent behavior under these conditions makes it an effective and economical choice for maintaining precision and stability.

Aluminum Conveyor Belt

Aluminum conveyor belts are constructed from series 6063 aluminum, which undergoes a T5 heat treatment process. This treatment involves both heating and aging the material. Like other aluminum products, these conveyor belts feature a smooth surface, a unique look, and excellent resistance to corrosion and rust. Typically, aluminum conveyor belts are designed as wire mesh due to the metal's flexibility and ease of shaping.