Article by Jeremy Axel
Conveyor belts are a very important part of any production line. They are used for transferring objects from one area to another and they are also used in many other industries such as food processing, printing and packaging, pharmaceuticals, and more. Conveyor belts can be found in almost any industry where there is a need for the transfer of materials from one place to another. However, the problem with these belts is that they are made from different materials which means that they can wear down over time.
When you notice that your conveyor belt needs replacement, then it is time to do some research on how to spot if your conveyor belt needs replacement or not. In this article, we will discuss some of the common signs that show that you need a conveyor belt replacement.
Here are some signs:
1. The Conveyor is Making a Loud Noise
If your conveyor is making a loud noise, it could be a sign that the belt needs to be replaced. You may also hear a clicking sound coming from your conveyor. This could be caused by a broken part or if there is something stuck in between the rollers. A noisy conveyor can be a sign of serious problems, such as a damaged belt or worn-out bearings. Here’s what you can do:
- Check the bearings and lubricate them as needed.
- Check the belt and see if it’s stretched too far, causing resistance or friction.
- Check for loose bolts or nuts that are not properly tightened down.
If your conveyor is still making a loud noise after doing the steps above, then you should contact the manufacturer for advice on what to do next.
2. The Conveyor is Smacking against the Wall
When a conveyor belt is smacking against the wall, it means that there’s something wrong with either the metal or the flooring of your factory. If you’re experiencing this issue in your factory, you should make sure that you have someone come in and check out what’s happening. Sometimes, it could be as simple as re-sealing or repairing some of the metal parts within your factory.
If your conveyor is smacking against the wall, here’s what you should do:
- Check the wall for any holes, cracks or other damage that could be causing it to contact the conveyor. If you find anything, fix it as soon as possible.
- Ensure that the gap between the conveyor and the wall is at least 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). If it’s less than that, then there may be something wrong with either your machine or your installation process.
- Inspect your power supply for proper voltage and current.
- Check whether there are any loose wires in your system by turning off all power to the machine and unplugging everything from its socket before checking it out further.
Remember that if your conveyor has no wobble or plays in its bearings when it runs full speed, that means they’re worn down and need replacing.
3. The Conveyor is Making a Screeching Sound
A conveyor belt is made up of a series of rollers, which move the product along the belt at a constant speed. When these rollers are damaged, they can cause problems for the entire system. If you notice that your conveyor belt is making a screeching sound or vibrating, then it may be time to replace it with a new one
The screeching sound could be caused by excessive wear and tear on the belt. Over time, this can damage the surface of the belt and make it easier for dirt or debris to get trapped in its grooves. If this happens, then you will need to replace your old belt with one that has been designed specifically for industrial applications like yours.
The other issue that could cause this is when there’s a crack in the belt or pulley. The belt will wear down and eventually break, which means that it won’t be able to support your equipment anymore.
4. The Conveyor is Breaking Up
This happens when the belt or chain has worn out, or the pulley wheel has lost its tension. The result is that the metal is not being pushed along at a constant speed and the metal is getting stuck. If you are dealing with an issue like this, there are some easy ways to identify whether or not your conveyor needs replacement.
- Check the Runners – The first thing you should do when looking at your conveyor to check the runners. If they are loose or have cracks in them, then this could mean that they need to be replaced. You can also look for signs of wear and tear on the runners by looking at where they connect to the roller system and if they have been damaged by exposure to heat or cold over time.
- Look at Pins- Another way to spot if your conveyor needs replacement is by looking at the pins that hold everything together. If these are loose or broken, then this may be an indication that you need a new roller installed as well as an emergency repair job done on your existing set.
- Check Your Belt Speed Settings – A final way to determine if your conveyor needs replacement is by checking its speed settings.
If the conveyor belt is breaking up, it can be a sign of wear and tear and in need of repair or replacement.
5. Your Conveyors Are Stuck to Each Other or the Floor
If you notice that your conveyors are stuck together and won’t move freely, this could be a sign that they’re worn out or damaged. You should take the time to inspect the belts for any signs of damage and if they’re still in good condition, then you’ll need to make some repairs or replacements. If they’re damaged, then it may be best to replace them all together rather than piecemeal as this will be much more cost-effective in the long run.
If they are stuck together, then you need to check for oil leaks and any other damage that may have caused them to get stuck in the first place.
If there are signs of oil leaks and other types of damage on some parts of your conveyors, then you should have them replaced immediately. You should also have new products installed on top of these parts so they can operate correctly.
6. You Can’t Move Anything on Your Conveyors
If you can’t move anything on your conveyors, then you need to find out why.
The most common reason for this is that the belt or roller has worn out. This can happen over time due to heavy loads, vibrations or poor maintenance.
A more serious problem is if the drive belt has snapped or broken and the motor has failed, as there’s no power to turn it back on. If this happens, you’ll need to replace both the drive belt and motor assembly.
An even more serious situation is if there’s a fault with the motor itself (for example, if it gets too hot). In this case, you should probably call an electrician to have it fixed right away.
Takeaway
If your conveyors are not working and you can’t move anything on them. You will be losing time and money. If you don’t know how to detect if your conveyor needs replacement, it would be wise for you to take the help of a professional service provider.
There are various reasons why your conveyors might not be working. The most common reason is that the belts are broken or worn out. This means that there is no longer any tension in the belt and it is not able to grip onto the rollers and move the material along the belt. If this happens, then there is no way for your machines to move materials from one place to another without causing damage or injury to yourself or your employees.
About the Author Jeremy Axel
Jeremy Axel is the founder of Fluent Conveyors, they design and manufacture conveyors for Waste and recycling industries, Manufacturing, and Distribution centers across the United States. He is also known for building trusted relationships with conveyor dealers and reseller networks and developing advanced technological processes and tools that help them do their jobs more efficiently.
