Conveyor belts are the unsung heroes in a variety of industries, helping to transport materials and goods to make the lives of workers much easier.
If you’ve ever worked in manufacturing, construction, mining or demolition, you’ll know just how important conveyor belts can be.
However, like any machinery, over time conveyor belts can face wear and tear, and when they eventually break down, this can pose some real challenges.
Whether it’s a factory floor grinding to a halt, or a construction site brought to a standstill, conveyor belts are the type of machinery you don’t fully appreciate – until they break down!
Such scenarios not only disrupt operations and result in costly downtime, but also require repair and may even mean your employees have to carry goods until your conveyor belt has been fixed.
Thankfully there are ways you can protect your conveyor belt from getting damaged, and one of those is vulcanising. Here we’ll be going over the ins and outs of this service, explaining what it is, how it works and why it’s a necessity.
Conveyor Belt Issues
One of the most common issues with conveyor belts is damage caused by wear and tear. This may be simply down to your conveyor belts getting a lot of use, while exposure to harsh environmental conditions can also play a role.
Over time, belts can start to develop cracks, tears or frayed edges. If these aren’t rectified, eventually your conveyor belt can snap, rendering it useless.
Once this occurs, you’ll need to fork out on costly repairs or, if you’re unlucky, a complete belt replacement may even be needed.
Vulcanising
This is where vulcanising comes in, as this is the most effective way to maintain your conveyor belts. conveyor belt maintenance. This process offers a reliable solution to repair and reinforce your worn or damaged belts, which ultimately extends their lifespan and ensures your business’s operations continue to run smoothly.
But what exactly is vulcanising? Well, vulcanising is a specialised process that involves the application of heat, pressure and a vulcanising agent to chemically bond the multiple layers of rubber and fabric that form conveyor belt. So, in essence, this is a makeover for your conveyor belts to bring them back to their best!
The process starts with a professional preparing the belt, ensuring that any debris or contaminants are removed. This will allow for a proper bond and ensure the vulcanising is a success.
Next comes the application of heat and pressure, which helps to activate the vulcanising agent and causes it to fully bond the rubber and fabric layers together.
Once complete, you should be left with a seamless repair or splice that restores your conveyor belt back to its original strength. Then you’ll be ready to continue your operations, without the worry of your conveyor belt breaking down.
If you’re in search of trusted, reliable vulcanising services, speak to us today as we specialise in this field and we’d be delighted to assist!
