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Conveyor belts are the backbone of material handling systems across various industries, from mining and manufacturing to agriculture and logistics. Among the various performance parameters, tensile strength stands out as a critical factor that directly affects the durability, safety, and efficiency of a conveyor system.
As a leading conveyor belt manufacturer in China, Rentone Belt Co., Ltd. will walk you through everything you need to know about conveyor belt tensile strength — from its definition to the key factors influencing it, testing methods, global standards, and how to select the optimal tensile strength for your specific application in this article.
Conveyor belt strength refers to the maximum force a belt can withstand without breaking, typically measured through its tensile strength. Tensile strength is the maximum longitudinal stress a belt can endure before fracturing, expressed in units such as pounds per inch of width (PIW) or Newtons per millimeter (N/mm). In simpler terms, tensile strength tells you how much load the belt can handle without snapping under pressure.
Conveyor belts are made up of layers, or plies, of fabric or steel cords embedded in rubber or other materials. The tensile strength is largely determined by these internal reinforcements. A higher tensile strength means the belt can handle heavier loads, longer distances, and more demanding environments.
Beyond tensile strength, a conveyor belt's performance is also evaluated by:
Elongation at Break (%): The extent to which a belt can stretch before breaking.
Abrasion Loss (mm³): The amount of material worn away under specific conditions.
These three metrics—tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion loss—are the cornerstone of assessing conveyor belt quality and suitability.
| Category | Key Factors | Effect on Tensile Strength |
| Fabric Structure | Type, density, warp/weft configuration | Directly determines baseline strength |
| Rubber Compound | Molecular weight, cross-linking, crystallinity | Controls elasticity, toughness, durability |
| Interlayer Adhesion | Bonding agents, curing control | Prevents delamination under stress |
| Manufacturing Quality | Calendering, embedding tension, vulcanization | Ensures uniform mechanical properties |
| Environmental Factors | UV, ozone, oil, temperature, aging | Gradually degrade strength if unprotected |
1. Fabric Type & Weaving Density
Materials: Polyester warp and nylon weft provide strength and flexibility. Polyester ensures low elongation and high tensile strength; nylon enhances flexibility and impact resistance.
Weaving Density: Higher density increases fiber count per area, boosting tensile capacity and resistance to deformation.
Surface Treatments: Sizing and heat treatments improve rubber adhesion and belt stability.
2. Rubber Compound Properties
Molecular Structure: Higher molecular weight and cross-linking density (via vulcanization) enhance tensile strength and stability. Crystalline rubbers (e.g., natural rubber, neoprene) improve strength under tension.
Formulation: Rubber blends (e.g., NBR with PVC) improve strength and chemical resistance. Fine-particle fillers (e.g., zinc oxide) strengthen, but excess plasticizers weaken the compound. Balanced curing agents ensure uniform elasticity.
3. Adhesion Strength
Strong interlayer bonding prevents delamination, a key failure mode.
4. Manufacturing Precision
Uniform calendering ensures consistent rubber thickness.
Controlled tension during fabric embedding prevents stress irregularities.
Precise vulcanization (time, temperature, pressure) ensures structural stability.
5. Aging & Environmental Stress
Degradation: UV, ozone, oils, and extreme temperatures reduce tensile strength over time. Heat causes chain scission, and mechanical fatigue leads to micro-tears.
Protection: Rentone adds antioxidants, antiozonants, and UV stabilizers to maintain tensile properties and extend belt life.
To ensure conveyor belts meet performance standards, rigorous tensile strength testing is essential. Standard testing methods include:
Applying tension to a dumbbell-shaped sample using a tensile testing machine.
Stretching the sample until it breaks.
Recording the force at the point of rupture, known as the ultimate tensile strength.
At Rentone Belt Co., Ltd., we employ advanced testing equipment to ensure our conveyor belts meet or exceed industry standards, providing customers with reliable, high-performance products.
Selecting the right conveyor belt for a specific application requires calculating the necessary strength. The formula for conveyor belt strength is:
Conveyor Belt Strength = Tensile Strength × Belt Width × Number of Plies
Additionally, the required tensile strength can be calculated based on the maximum load and belt width:
Required Tensile Strength = Maximum Load / Belt Width
Incorporating a safety factor is crucial to account for unexpected stresses and ensure long-term durability. Rentone’s engineering team works closely with clients to determine precise specifications tailored to their applications, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Choosing the correct belt strength is crucial for cost-effectiveness and operational safety. Consider:
Material Density: Heavier materials require stronger belts.
Conveyor Length & Incline: Longer systems or steep angles increase stress.
Impact Load: Sudden loads demand higher tensile and impact resistance.
Speed of Operation: Faster belts require stiffer, more stable materials.
Environmental Conditions: Heat, chemicals, and humidity can degrade belts over time.
We recommend a safety factor of 6 to 10 times the expected working load, depending on the application.
| Belt Type | Material | Typical Tensile Strength Range |
| Fabric Conveyor Belt (EP/NN) | Polyester/Nylon | EP200 to EP3000 / NN100 to NN2000 |
| Steel Cord Conveyor Belt | Steel Wire Cords | ST630 to ST5400 |
| Solid Woven Conveyor Belt | PVC/PVG | 300 to 1000 N/mm (working strength range) |
| Tubular Conveyor Belt | Various | Customizable |
| Special Conveyor Belt | Kevlar, Glass Fiber | Custom-engineered based on requirements |
1. What tensile strength do I need for my conveyor belt?
It depends on the application. For general bulk material handling, 200–315 N/mm EP belts suffice. For mining or heavy industrial uses, belts may need ≥500 N/mm.
2. How do I maintain the tensile strength of my conveyor belt?
Avoid over-tensioning
Perform routine inspections
Store belts properly
Use belts within their rated capacity and environmental limits
3. What's the difference between EP and nylon conveyor belts?
EP belts (polyester in warp, nylon in weft) offer better elongation control and heat resistance. Nylon belts are more elastic and better suited for impact-heavy applications.
4. Can a damaged conveyor belt still have good tensile strength?
Not reliably. Damage like cuts, fraying, or delamination significantly reduces strength and increases risk of failure. Immediate repair or replacement is recommended.
Understanding conveyor belt strength is essential for selecting the right product for your material handling needs. At Rentone Belt Co., Ltd., we are dedicated to providing conveyor belts with superior strength, durability, and performance. With advanced technology, a skilled team, and a commitment to excellence, we ensure our clients receive the best conveyor system solutions.
Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help optimize your conveyor systems.
