Round Belts
Unlike other belts, round belts do not require a belt tensioner because of their stretchy properties. They are somewhat durable, considered light to medium-duty and are used in power transmission applications. Belts that change planes of direction or go around curves, live rollers, line shaft roller conveyors and power roller conveyors all use round belts because they fit round or V pulleys, are resistant to oil and fuel and come in many different colors and textures. In food and beverage processing, these belts must meet FDA standards and are considered food grade. They are also used often in the printing industry as parts inside printers and photocopiers. Some prevent the buildup of static electricity and resist UV light damage. While they are made mainly of plastic materials, many round belts have reinforcement additives like fiberglass, polyester and steel.
All round belts made of silicone, polyurethane and neoprene exhibit high abrasion resistance and tensile strength. They range in size anywhere from 1/16 to 3/4 inches wide. Their maximum strength is 8,000 PSI, and most are able to operate in temperatures between -60ºF to 225ºF. Besides dimensions and size, round belt specifications include working tension and belt material. While elastomers are the most common round belt materials, round belts are sometimes fabricated out of nitrile, leather, which absorbs lubricants, or polyvinyl chloride, which is used mostly for conveyors in food processing plants. Round belts are also sometimes made of natural rubber. Like o-rings used in sealing applications, round belts are either solid or hollow and generally very light in weight. They are exactly the same as standard o-rings in every aspect except application. Instead of sealing gaps, round belts are consistently used as components of complex conveyor systems. Unlike other belts, they are not used to convey but rather to keep the belt in place.
