Why is polyester used for conveyor belt?

06 May.,2024

 

9 Uses Of Polyester and Their Differences - Xometry

There are four common types of polyester, with PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) being by far the most commonly used. The different types of polyesters are listed below:

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  • PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): This is the most commonly used grade of polyester and is known by the following trade names: Mylar, Rynite, and Impet
  • PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): When compared to PET, PBT has a lower melting temperature
  • PEN (Polyethylene Naphthalate): PEN is used in packaging applications as oxygen does not easily permeate through the packaging
  • PTT (Polytrimethylene Terephthalate): Has good stain resistance and durability – as such it is typically used in the textile industry

To learn more, see our guide on What is Polyester.

Which Type of Polyester Has a Wide Range of Applications?

Polyester finds the most use as a fabric or textile. This application includes fishing nets, carpets, ropes, clothing, sportswear, and air filters. Polyester accounts for over half the total fiber use globally. 

Where Is Polyester Most Commonly Used?

Due to the prevalence of polyester fabric, polyester is used almost everywhere that fabrics are utilized. This means the consumer, via industries such as clothing, automobiles, and medicine, makes heavy use of polyesters.

Who Is the Most Common User of Polyester?

The largest consumer of polyester fibers is China. This is no surprise as China also leads in terms of global polyester production. The Asia Pacific region is set to account for over 85% of the global polyester market share.

How Much Does Polyester Cost?

In 2021, the average cost per ton of staple fiber polyester was approximately $1,053. This was an increase of over 20% when compared to 2020. The chart below indicates the movement of the polyester price over the last three years.

The Purpose of Textiles in Conveyor Belting

Conveyor belts are the driving force in conveying operations. There are many different types and materials for the abundance of applications in the market. However, there are a few different textiles that serve an important purpose in conveyor belting.

Purpose of Textiles in Conveyor Belting

  • Provides Strength for Tensioning
  • Provides Strength for Handling the Load
  • Adds Rigidity or Stiffness, “Gives it Body”
  • Improves Mechanical Fastener Retention
  • Improves Wear Against the Conveyor Bed
  • Reduces Sliding Drag on Product or Conveyor Bed

Types of Textiles/Fibers Used in Conveyor Belting

Natural:

Cotton & Wool

Solid woven cotton is often used in baking applications where belts must “breathe”, absorb, and/or handle warm products. It is also used in applications to handle warm, green rubber products. Cotton is used in length, width, or in both directions of multiple plied conveyor belting to increase the bulk of the overall product on applications that require resistance to impact without requiring high strength.  Most commonly, it is placed either on the top or bottom ply of multiple plied belts to provide lower drag against the conveyor bed or some conveyed products – like cartons.

Characteristics & Properties

  • Moderate Strength
  • High Bulk – a course, thick fiber
  • High absorbing
  • Low modulus – high elongation
  • Low cut and abrasion resistance
  • Moderate temperature resistance
  • Low mildew resistance

Man-Made:

Synthetic – Aramid, Nylon, Polyester 

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Nylon:

A nylon core is used to provide high strength as required in some flour, paper, box, and wood applications for conveying products or transmission of power. It is used as the width fiber (fill yarn) in conveyor belting to increase rip resistance and fastener retention as well as to resist abrasion from building material products.

Characteristics & Properties

  • High Strength
  • High Elasticity – Stretch and Shrink
  • Moderately Absorbing
  • Moderate elongation
  • High Cut and Abrasion Resistance
  • High Mildew Resistance

Polyester: 

Solid woven polyester is used as a durable and low-cost option for general conveyance, with specific uses in the parcel, package, and baggage applications. Polyester is used in the length (warp), width (fill), or in both directions of the weave as an inexpensive carcass for multiple plied conveyor belting. Spun polyester generates less noise and is used when higher speeds are used on long(er) slider bed applications.

Characteristics & Properties

  • High Strength
  • Low Elasticity – Stretch and Shrink
  • Moderately Absorbing
  • Moderate Elongation
  • Moderate Cut and Abrasion Resistance
  • Low-Temperature Resistance
  • High Mildew Resistance

Aramid (Kevlar):

Kevlar is used in glass applications where belts must withstand hot temperatures and retard flames, in heavy applications near industrial furnaces or conveying hot products being discharged from heat processes, and in heavy applications where resistance to high or heavy impact is important.

Characteristics & Properties

  • High Strength
  • High Bulk – A Coarse, Thick Fiber
  • High Modulus – Low Elongation
  • High Flame Resistance
  • High Impact Resistance
  • High-Temperature Resistance

Blending of Textiles

A blend of textiles is often used to gain the benefits of a variety of features that provide solutions and enhance belt performance or extend belt life.

Are you interested in learning more about Polyester Mesh Belt? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!



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