Guide to Choosing the Right Conveyor Belt Material

There’s no one-size-fits-all belt. Each material has its own job, and choosing one depends on what you’re moving, how fast, and where it’s going.

• Rubber Belts

Good old rubber belts are flexible, strong, and absorb shock well. They handle all kinds of materials and stand up to heavy use. The trade-off? Oils, heat, and certain chemicals can wear them out faster.

• PVC and PU Belts

PVC and polyurethane belts are the clean, smooth option. You’ll see them a lot in packaging lines, food processing, and anywhere washdowns are frequent.

• Fabric Belts

Fabric belts are typically made from woven nylon with a polyester interior for strength. In many cases, they’re combined with rubber of PVC covers for additional grip and protection.

• Metal/ Stainless Steel Belts

You can’t beat metal belts when it comes to high temperature environments and heavy-duty applications. These belts resist corrosion and can excel in situations that would destroy less resilient materials.

• Specialty Materials

If you’re taking on delicate or high-temperature products, you may need specialty belts such as silicone PTFE and other coated options.

When a belt is matched to the job, it works both harder and smarter. The right belt can offer:

• Longer Life
  The right material wears evenly, so you don’t end up replacing it every few months.
• Fewer Repairs
  You’ll see less downtime and face fewer emergency repair scenarios with a well-suited conveyor belt.
• Lower Energy Use
  Belt systems can eat up 40% of a conveyor’s total energy costs. A low-friction belt can cut that number noticeably.
• Safer, Cleaner Operation
  Especially in food or pharma lines, cleanable materials like stainless or PVC help maintain compliance without constant replacement.

Want to dive into the specifics of conveyor belts? Below, we’ll explore some of their specs and features, so you can compare:

A good belt makes your system more efficient in ways that don’t always show up right away. It helps your system run smoother, draw less power, and wear out parts slower.

• Using a low-rolling-resistance belt design (with special bottom covers) reduced energy use by 15% on average compared to standard belts.
• Some belts with improved covers, lighter casings, or friction-reducing coatings have shown energy savings up to 45% in lab or field trials versus older, heavier belts.
• In certain conveyor systems, the belt itself (material + cover) contributes around 60% of the system’s energy losses through friction, indentation on rollers, etc. By choosing better belt material, much of that loss can be reclaimed.
• Cases also show that belts with better materials and design last substantially longer – in some tests, belt life increased by 70% or more when abrasion, stretch, and cover toughness were improved.

When all that’s considered, a properly chosen belt can easily pay for itself over time. Sometimes faster than you’d think.

How do you know which is the right material for your conveyor system? Let’s look at some of the most important things to keep in mind when making your decision:

1. Know What You’re Moving
Fine powders, food, or car parts all behave differently on a belt, and will need the right belt to suit.

2. Check Weight and Size
The heavier or bulkier the load, the tougher the belt core should be.

3. Understand Your Environment
Heat, moisture, chemicals, and temperature swings all change how well your conveyor belt system performs.

4. Match to Speed and Duty
It’s important to know what you’re moving and how fast it needs to go. Faster lines need stiffer belts that resist stretching.

5. Think About Cleanliness
Food processing facilities and pharmaceutical production lines need FDA-approved designs and easy-clean materials.

6. Plan for ROI, Not Just Price
Cheaper belts often wear out quicker and cost more long-term.

7. Get Support You Can Count On
A supplier that can replace belts quickly saves time and frustration.

At Russell Conveyor, we’re proud to be a leading source for conveyor systems and conveyor belt supplies. Whether you’re in charge of a small packaging line or a 24/7 industrial setup, we’ll help match your materials, loads, and speeds to the right belt material.

With us by your side you’ll see fewer breakdowns, smoother day-to-day operation, and better efficiency all around.

When the belt is right, everything else just works. Call us at (336) 526-3014 for more information about our conveyor systems and conveyor accessories. We’ll answer all your questions and deliver results you and your business can count on.