Navigating Conveyor Belt Options for Poly and Poly Woven Bags

Which conveyor belts should be considered when handling poly or poly woven bags with incline or decline?

When handling poly or poly woven bags on a conveyor system, it's important to consider the specific characteristics of these bags to select the appropriate conveyor belt. Here are a few types of conveyor belts that are commonly used for handling poly bags:

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Conveyor Belts: 
PVC conveyor belts are a popular choice for handling poly bags. They offer good chemical resistance, flexibility, and durability. PVC belts have a smooth surface, which allows poly bags to slide easily without snagging or catching. They are also relatively cost-effective.

PU (Polyurethane) Conveyor Belts: 
PU conveyor belts are known for their excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility, and durability. They can handle heavy loads and provide good grip on poly bags, preventing slipping during transportation. PU belts have a smooth or textured surface depending on the application requirements.

Modular Plastic Conveyor Belts: 
Modular plastic conveyor belts are made of interlocking plastic modules that create a durable and versatile belt. They are suitable for handling poly bags as they offer a flat and even surface that minimizes bag deformation and prevents trapping. Modular plastic belts provide good grip, easy cleaning, and are resistant to oil, chemicals, and moisture.

Polyester Fabric Conveyor Belts: 
Polyester fabric belts are another option for handling poly bags. These belts have a woven fabric construction that offers good strength and stability. They provide a non-slip surface that helps prevent bag movement during transportation. Polyester fabric belts are commonly used in applications where high grip and low elongation are required.

Cleated Conveyor Belts: 
Cleated belts feature raised sections, known as cleats or flights, that provide grip and prevent bags from sliding or slipping on inclines or declines. The cleats can be custom-designed to match the size and spacing requirements of the bags being conveyed. Cleats can also be short and designed for the bag to lay over the cleat, requiring no matched spacing or gapping. Cleated belts are available in various materials such as PVC, PU, or rubber, offering different levels of grip, durability, and resistance to abrasion.

Rough Top Conveyor Belts: 
Rough top belts have a textured surface that provides enhanced grip on poly bags. The raised pattern helps to minimize bag slippage on inclined or declined surfaces. The following belts are typically made of rubber or PVC and are suitable for moderate inclines or declines:

• Wedge Grip (dust can compromise, requiring cleaning off. Tends to have the highest grip)
• Longitudinally ribbed
• Conventional rough top

High Friction Conveyor Belts: 
High friction belts are designed to offer increased traction on inclines or declines. They feature special surface materials or coatings that enhance grip and prevent bag movement. These belts can be made of various materials such as rubber, PVC, or other high-friction compounds.

Modular Plastic Conveyor Belts with Cleats:
Modular plastic belts with cleats combine the advantages of modular plastic belts (durability, easy cleaning, resistance to chemicals and moisture) with the benefits of cleated belts (grip and bag retention). The cleats can be customized to match the bag size and provide the necessary incline or decline handling capabilities.

When selecting a conveyor belt for incline or decline applications involving poly or poly woven bags, consider factors such as the angle of inclination/decline, bag weight, bag size, conveyor speed, and any specific requirements of your application. To see our wide range of bag handling equipment go to our bag handling conveyors page.