Conveyor belt systems are used very widely across a range of different industries, everything from the automotive sector and manufacturing to agriculture, warehouse and logistics, packaging… a lot hinges on these systems working properly and efficiently, and productivity can grind to a halt if something suddenly goes wrong.
One of the most important aspects of a correctly functioning conveyor belt is tension. Without the right amount of tension, you may well find yourself plagued with all sorts of problems, including excessive stretch, splice failures, and wear and tear on the frame itself.
To help ensure that the correct tension is maintained throughout the life of the conveyor belt, regular cleaning and maintenance work is essential. Contamination can cause serious problems so make sure that you clean the frame when you replace the belts to keep the new one in good working order.
Proper tension is required to ensure that the belt won’t rub on the side of the frame and stays where you position it, centred on the pulleys. If you over-tension the belt, you’ll find you have tracking issues on your hands, as well as splice failures.
Check the belt tension by paying close attention to it. If you have too much, the belt lacing can pull apart and you’ll start to see curling at the edges of the belt. But if it’s too loose, you will likely see belt dusting or discolouration – as well as hearing some disturbing noises because the belt is slipping.
It’s also important to make sure that you don’t exceed the weight capacity of the belt, as this can put unnecessary stress and strain on the system. If you need any help from conveyor belt repair services, get in touch with the TVVS team today.
