What is a conveyor belt?
Definition: A conveyor belt is a continuously operating conveyor system for the automated movement of unit loads or bulk goods within intralogistics processes. It is a mechanical device in which transported goods are conveyed on a circulating belt, usually made of rubber, PVC or PU, by friction locking. It is usually driven by electric motors that set the belt in motion via gear units and drive pulleys.
In industrial intralogistics, the conveyor belt is used in particular in distribution centers, production facilities and automated warehouse environments. There, it performs central functions in material flow control, such as connecting individual storage and production areas, feeding picking stations or integration into higher-level conveyor technology systems.
Conveyor belts can be differentiated in terms of their design, drive technology and functionality. The most important types include
- Belt conveyors for horizontal or slightly ascending transportation,
- Inclined conveyors for overcoming height differences,
- indexing conveyors for precise positioning transfers in automated processes.
The selection and design of a conveyor belt is based on logistical requirements such as the nature of the transported goods, conveyor route, speed, timing and integration into IT-controlled systems such as warehouse management systems (WMS) or material flow computers (MFR).
