Material handling is an important part of operating a warehouse or factory, and having the correct conveyor belt to suit its function is key. The use of a belt conveyor with a crown is one way to increase the efficiency of your operation.
What is a Crown?
A crown is a relatively small addition to a belt’s basic design, but it can have a major impact on the functionality of a conveyor belt. It is a continuous arc, centered lengthwise along a belt, and is usually a small indentation of between 1/16″ and 1/4″. This is designed to provide extra tracking stability and improve conveyor performance, preventing the belt from shifting or slipping off track when carrying heavy loads.
Advantages of a Crowned Conveyor Belt
A crowned conveyor belt has several advantages over unconstrained belts. They include improved:
- Lifespan: With the improved tracking stability of a crowned belt, there is significantly less wear and scraping across the frame, which extends its life.
- Efficiency: As the belt will not slip off track, the system will be more efficient, improving productivity.
- Power Requirement: The increased efficiency provided by a crowned belt reduces the amount of power required to drive it.
Disadvantages
Whilst the constriction of a crown can be beneficial, it is not without drawbacks. These can include:
- Installation: A crowned conveyor belt often requires special installation on the pulleys. This can be time-consuming, particularly where the belt size and frame are particularly large.
- Cost of Replacement: Crowned conveyor belts can be high-cost items to replace as the parts must be specially manufactured. In addition, the maintenance of these parts can be costly.
- Material Compatibility: Crowned belts are not suitable for some bulk materials due to the curve of the crown.
Finding the Right Belt
Finding the right belt with the correct crown is essential for running an efficient and safe conveyor system. When choosing the right belt for your system, it is important to consider the speed and loads the belt will be required to carry. It is important to consider the cost of replacing the belt and any potential installation or maintenance costs associated with a crowned belt before deciding which type of belt is suited to your needs.
Creating an efficient and profitable conveyor belt system relies on both the type of belt and the crown. Understanding and choosing the right crowned belt can help reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve safety.
