Causes of Conveyor Belt Slippage

Workplace errors can have a considerable influence on productivity and safety. When it comes to industries that employ a conveyor belt’s assistance, slippage plays a role in workshop efficiency.

Definition of Slippage

Slippage occurs when the conveyor belt and pulley don’t have a strong grip. It usually happens around the head pulley and results from the pulley being unable to properly turn the belt around itself, reducing a project’s output.

Belt slipping is a costly inconvenience to industries that utilize conveyor belts. It can lead to unnecessary wear and tear that decreases machine longevity and decreases the amount of product conveyed. Slippage is a hassle to be wary of not only for its impact on productivity, but also its potential to cause workplace injuries.

Redline Systems points out the causes of conveyor belt slippage, so you can adequately adjust your belt system to prevent it.

Wrong Conveyor Belt or Poor Installation

Reoccurring conveyor slippage may be the result of the wrong belt or its installation. It’s possible for a belt to be too heavy for the system’s pulley, causing poor conveying. Over time, high pressure on the belt conveyor will cause it to fail prematurely.

Improper installation is another problem that results in belt slippage. If the belt or pulley is not accurately set up, your system will be unable to work effectively and safely. The importance of successful belt and pulley installment further encourages industries to employ the help of reputable and efficient conveyor companies.

Poor Conveyor Belt Grip

If bad installation isn’t the issue, inspect the conveyor belt grip. In addition to being too heavy, a belt’s grip may be too smooth or worn for quality conveying. Oftentimes a belt isn’t calibrated with the pulley to ensure successful conveyor usage.

Keep your conveyor belt clean and make a note at the first sign of wear and tear. Upgrade the insufficient belt as soon as possible to prevent it from causing a greater issue for your project’s productivity.

Additional Causes

Conveyor belt type, installation, and grip are all considerations for when slippage occurs on a fabrication site. However, there are some other culprits for conveyor belt slips, including:

  • Pulley buildup
  • Overly heavy loads
  • Cold temperatures

If you’re having a difficult time locating the causes of conveyor belt slippage in your system, contact Redline Systems. Our 40 years of experience in the conveyor belt industry make us the most reliable choice to help solve your belt machine’s issues. With horizontal, incline, portable conveyor belts, and more, our repertoire is stacked with components that ensure workplace efficiency.