Conveyor belts: The practical guide to types, materials, assemblies and selection
A conveyor belts is often what determines whether your production runs stably – or whether you struggle with slippage, waste, skewing and unnecessary stops. Here is a simple (but technically correct) guide so you can choose the right belt the first time: PVC, PU, rubber, felt, silicone and special solutions.
What is a conveyor belt?
A conveyor belts is a belt that moves goods from A to B – typically on a belt conveyor. It sounds simple, but the choice of belt type has a great impact on: grip, hygiene, noise level, energy consumption and operational stability.
What questions should you be able to answer?
- Is the transportation horizontal, up or downward?
- What goods are being transported (shape, weight, surface, temperature)?
- Is the environment dry, wet, dusty or with oil/grease?
- Should the belts be food-approved?
- Should the belt be able to be installed without disassembling the machine?
Why the “right” bond pays off
- Less waste and fewer stops
- More stable product placement (less tipping/slipping)
- Longer life of belts and rollers
- Easier cleaning and better hygiene when required
Conveyor belts can be customized with v-guides, companions, wavy edges, vacuum holes and much more – so that the belt fits both the machine and the goods.
How to choose the right conveyor belt
1) Start with the goods
The type of item often governs both the material and the surface: smooth items typically require more friction, while delicate products may require a softer contact surface. If the items are “unstable” (e.g. rolls or light items), v-guides or companions often the solution.
2) Choose material based on the environment
- PVC: Widely used for internal transport and many standard tasks.
- PU (polyurethane): Typically chosen for higher requirements (e.g. hygiene/food, wear and stable operation).
- Rubber: often relevant for rugged operation, impact and certain materials.
- Felt: can be good when high friction or gentle handling is desired.
- Silicone / special: when temperature, friction or process requirements require it.
3) Surface and pattern
The surface texture determines how well the goods “stick” – especially during climbs, accelerations and stop/starts. The right pattern can be the difference between stable operation and constant correction.
4) Splice and installation
Should the belt be able to be installed without disassembling the machine? Then a mechanical joint be practical. If you want maximum strength and stability, a welded joint often the best choice.
Materials: the most common conveyor belt types
Many conveyor belts are available in several designs and can be supplied with 1 to 4 layers of tissue as reinforcement. Below are the most typical materials in industry and logistics.
PVC conveyor belt
All-round solution for many types of internal transport. Find the selection here: PVC conveyor belt.
PU conveyor belts
Typically chosen for higher demands and stable operation. Read more: PU conveyor belts.
Rubber conveyor belt
Robust solution for demanding tasks. See the category: Rubber conveyor belt.
Felt conveyor belt
When you want high friction or gentle handling. See more: Felt conveyor belt.
Silicone conveyor belt
Special selection for special process requirements. Read more: Silicone conveyor belt.
Polyolefin conveyor belt
For selected applications. See more: Polyolefin conveyor belt.
Do you need oil/grease resistance? Then look for belts types targeted at that environment. See for example the category: Oil and grease resistant conveyor belts.
Surfaces and friction: how to get a stable grip
The surface of a conveyor belt determines how well the goods are held in place. This is especially true when increase, acceleration, stop/start and for smooth products.
Quick rules of thumb
- Smooth surface: easy cleaning and low friction (not always good when climbing).
- Grip/patterned surface: better retention and less slippage.
- Special surfaces: for very specific products and processes.
Joints: welded or mechanical?
The joint is one of the most important choices – because it affects strength, noise, cleaning and how easy the belt is to install.
Welded joint (e.g. finger joint)
- Often strong and reliable
- Good choice for continuous operation
- May be best for hygiene requirements
Mechanical joint
- Practical if the machine cannot be disassembled
- Quick splice and service
- Good solution for temporary needs or frequent changes
If you have any doubts, please describe the machine and the splice options – the type of splice can often be chosen based on “can we get the belt on without disassembling the system?”.
Adaptations: v-guides, carriers and wave edges
Many challenges are not solved with a “different belt” – but with the right adjustments. Here are the most common ones.
Steering profiles
Cleats
Wave edges (side walls)
See more options and solutions here: conveyor belts.
Vacuum holes: when workpieces need to be held
In some processes, friction is not enough. With vacuum holes You can hold items so that they remain in place precisely – for example, with light products or high speed.
Read more about vacuum solutions here: Vacuum for conveyor belts.
Maintenance and troubleshooting: how to avoid skewing and slipping
The most common mistakes
| Problem | Typical cause | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| The belt is running crooked (skew) | Error in adjustment, rollers, v-guide missing | Check alignment, tension and possibly steering profile |
| Items slip/lose grip | Incorrect surface, wet/oily environment | Choose more grip or suitable material/structure |
| Splice is noisy or “chattering” | Wrong splice type for the application | Consider welded joint or other solution |
| Rapid wear | Wrong material, too small rolls, chemicals | Choose belts for the environment + check minimum roll diameter |
Good routines
- Keep belts and rollers clean – especially in dusty or greasy environments.
- Check tension and grooveing regularly (small adjustments prevent major stops).
- Check that rollers/bearings run smoothly and without play.
- For new belts: check grooveing after running in – belts often “settle” a little.
If you send us photos of the belts + info about goods and operations, we can usually quickly point you in the right direction.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Conveyor Belts
What is the difference between PVC and PU conveyor belts?
PVC is often used as a strong standard solution for internal transport. PU (polyurethane) is typically chosen for higher demands on operation, wear and processes – e.g. in hygiene and food environments.
Can I get conveyor belts in a specific color?
Many types of belts are available in different colors depending on the material and construction. Color selection can also be relevant to industry requirements and visual control.
When do you choose mechanical joint?
When the belt needs to be installed quickly – and especially when the conveyor cannot be disassembled to install an endless/welded belt.
What is a control profile and when is it necessary?
A v-guide is a “guide” on the underside or top of the belt that helps the belt run stably. It is often relevant on long, narrow conveyors or at high speeds.
Which companies supply custom conveyor belts in Denmark?
There are several suppliers in Denmark, but at FEC Consulting We supply custom-made conveyor belts for industry, production and process plants. We adapt width, length, joint type, surface structure and add v-guides, carriers, corrugated edges and vacuum holes as needed. Our solutions are delivered to both small and large production companies throughout Denmark.
Buy conveyor belts for industrial use
At FEC Consulting you can buy conveyor belts for industrial use in materials such as PVC, PU , rubber, felt and silicone. We supply both standard belts and special solutions adapted to your machine and operation. Contact us with measurements and application - and we will help you find the right solution the first time.
Where can I buy conveyor belts for industrial use in Denmark?
You can buy conveyor belts for industrial use directly from FEC Consulting via our website or by contacting us by email or phone. We deliver to companies throughout Denmark and advise on the correct material, type of joint and adjustments, so you get stable and reliable transport.
Conveyor belt types and applications
Conveyor belts come in several types depending on the application: PVC belts for general internal transport, PU belts for higher demands and food environments, rubber belts for robust tasks, felt for gentle or friction-intensive transport and special belts with carriers, v-guides and corrugated edges. The choice depends on the type of product, environment and direction of transport.
What types of conveyor belts are most pu in Denmark?
The most commonly used conveyor belts in Denmark are PVC and PU conveyor belts. PVC is often used in warehouses and internal logistics, while PU is typically chosen in food production and the process industry. In addition, rubber conveyor belts are used in more demanding environments and special belts with carriers for elevation or dosing.