Conveyor belts have long been the heart of modern manufacturing, logistics, and distribution. From speeding up product handling to improving workplace safety, these systems help companies in every industry streamline their operations. If you’ve ever wondered which conveyor might suit your business needs—or if you just want to learn more about the incredible variety of conveyor technologies available—this guide is for you.
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Below, we’ll explore why conveyor belts are so essential, highlight different types of conveyor systems, and dive into industry-specific requirements.
Conveyor belts serve as the backbone of material transport in an array of industries—from food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing to automotive assembly and e-commerce fulfillment. Their primary role is to move products in an efficient, consistent manner, replacing or reducing manual labor and minimizing the risk of human error.
The benefits of using conveyor belts are numerous and include:
When it comes to conveyor systems, one size does not fit all. Different environments and products require different levels of durability, hygiene, load capacity, and design flexibility. Below are some of the most common conveyor types you’ll find—and how each can be applied in various industries.
Sanitary conveyors take cleanliness to the next level, featuring stainless steel frames, FDA-approved belting, and fast, thorough washdown designs. They’re critical in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic environments where hygiene and regulatory compliance (BISSC, NSF, USDA, FDA) are key.
These conveyors ensure products like baked goods, meat and poultry, or ready-to-eat items remain contamination-free, making them ideal for the food handling industry.
Pallet systems specialize in precise product positioning and the ability to integrate sensors and Industry 4.0 technology . They often utilize dual timing belts or edge roller technology (ERT) to move pallets gently and accurately, great for automated and robotic production lines.
Whether you’re assembling electronics, inspecting automotive components, or indexing products for testing, pallet system conveyors help keep products aligned and on track.
Flexible chain conveyors (like Dorner’s FlexMove line) easily navigate curves, inclines, and declines, saving valuable floor space and simplifying complex layouts. They’re a go-to choice in packaging, e-commerce, and integrator applications where product lines often merge, divert, and change elevation.
For general manufacturing needs, aluminum-frame conveyors offer durability in a lightweight package. Stainless steel frames, on the other hand, provide extra corrosion resistance for harsh or damp environments.
Beyond the frame style and overall conveyor design, belt choice is equally crucial. Dorner offers fabric conveyor belts, modular conveyor belts, and flexible chain conveyor belts—each with specific advantages and application niches.
Fabric belts feature multiple layers, including a strength layer (often polyester or nylon) and various cover materials (like PVC, TPU, or silicone). They’re typically low-profile and support smaller pulley diameters, making them ideal for tighter spaces or more precise product handling.
If you need easy cleaning, robust durability, or the ability to handle open-surface tasks like draining, cooling, or spraying, consider modular conveyor belts:
Flexible chain belts excel in complex layouts with multiple curves, inclines, and declines within one conveyor run:
Each industry has its own unique challenges and regulations. Choosing the right conveyor means balancing cost, efficiency, sanitation, and compliance—and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.
Food-grade conveyors must resist bacteria build-up and handle daily, often rigorous washdowns. Sanitary conveyors with removable wear strips, minimal horizontal surfaces, and quick belt removal features enable frequent and thorough cleaning—critical for maintaining safety and preventing contamination.
From home goods and cleaning products to cosmetics, CPG lines often juggle multiple SKUs on a single production line. Conveyors that allow rapid changeovers, simple merges, and effective packaging inspection stations help keep throughput high and downtime low.
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Industrial environments can be tough—conveyors often face heavy loads, dust, or abrasive conditions. Robust frames, powerful motors, and pallet systems are often favored in metalworking, automotive, or machine tool shops, ensuring conveyors withstand continuous, demanding operations while offering a high rate of accuracy and repeatability.
When it comes to medical devices or pharmaceutical products, cleanliness, traceability, and gentle handling are paramount. Belt-free rollers or cleanroom-rated conveyors, such as Dorner’s ERT series, minimize product contact points and adhere to stringent FDA and GMP guidelines.
For high-volume shipping and fulfillment centers, speed and accuracy are everything. Flexible chain conveyors can accommodate multiple merges and diverts in a limited footprint, while robust scanning and labeling systems integrate seamlessly for error-free order fulfillment.
System integrators often seek conveyors that easily connect to robotic arms, sensors, PLCs, or vision systems. Pallet systems with precision indexing or flexible chain conveyors with modular construction are ideal for creating automated assembly and packaging lines that can adapt to rapid changes.
Selecting the right conveyor system starts with analyzing production requirements, space constraints, and product characteristics. Consider factors like the product’s weight, size, and fragility. Ask questions about sanitation requirements, environment (e.g., washdown vs. dry), and potential for future expansions.
Begin your design process by:
No matter how advanced your conveyor is, regular maintenance is crucial for maximizing its service life. Dorner’s Parts & Services program offers:
By investing in maintenance and using original replacement parts, you keep your conveyor running smoothly and minimize the risk of costly disruptions.
With over 50 years of experience and a global footprint, Dorner is an industry leader in intelligent conveyor solutions. Our conveyors come backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty, guaranteeing peace of mind and long-term value.
Other benefits include:
Whether you’re a small startup in need of a single conveyor or a multinational enterprise looking to upgrade an entire facility, Dorner has the expertise, products, and aftermarket support to help you succeed.
One of Dorner’s core advantages is DTools, our user-friendly CAD/configurator platform. With DTools, you can design a conveyor system tailored to your specific environment—from belt material and drive options to accessories and frame construction.
How It Works:
When shopping for a conveyor belt for your line, it’s essential that you gather as much information as possible. Whether you’re considering the physical layout of your operation, the temperature of your products, the ease of the inspection process, or any number of other factors, carefully documenting exactly what you need starts with asking the right questions. As there are thousands – even hundreds of thousands – of possible configurations, it can be a real challenge to even know what questions you need to ask. Thankfully, when you work with an experienced team, like the team at Great Lakes Belting, you can count on them to walk you through the process. But, in case you’re looking for a starting point, let’s look at a handful of questions you should be asking.
Color isn’t just an aesthetic choice, it impacts your quality assurance and inspection processes. No matter how you’ve configured your line – visual inspections, automatic cameras, or any number of other methods – contrast is key. Our recommendation is to select a color that doesn’t tend to occur in your products. For example, white is great for food processing and industrial applications. The resulting contrast will help you spot and address any leftover materials, residues, and so forth.
If you plan to move your products vertically, you’re going to want a belt with cleats. Cleated belts grip your products better, allowing them to be carried safely upward or transported safely downward. Without cleats, your products could easily collect in problem areas, creating clogs that reduce your productivity and threaten your uptime.
Sometimes there just isn’t an off-the-shelf solution that works. In those cases, you’re going to want to work with a conveyor belt supplier that can customize your belt. With a wide range of custom fabrications available, Great Lakes Belting is the industry’s go-to source for highly customized, highly specific belting products. No matter what you need, if you can envision it, we can deliver it.
At Great Lakes Belting, we’re passionate about offering the absolute largest selection of belting products on the market. Whether you’re in material handling, paper converting, industrial automation, or food processing, you can count on us to help you locate exactly the products that you – and your operation – need. So, if you’re considering switching, upgrading, or replacing your conveyor belts, reach out to us today to learn how we can help.
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