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Conveyor belts play an essential role in a broad range of industries, conveying materials from places to places effectively and efficiently. But it’s harder to make the right choice when selecting the conveyor belts that are suitable for your applications. Today we'll take an in-depth look at the two types of conveyor belts: PVC conveyor belts and polyurethane (PU) belts. We'll delve into the key differences in the material composition, mechanical properties, applications, and pros and cons between the two popular choices. We hope it can help you out of the dilemma of buying the belt.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC is a very commonly used material and is widely known for its durability and affordability. It consists of a top and bottom coating layer bonded to a synthetic fabric core, often nylon or polyester fabric. It has a textured surface for a strong grip and comes in various colors such as green pvc conveyor belt, white pvc conveyor belt, black pvc conveyor belt, etc.
PU (Polyurethane): PU is a highly versatile engineering plastic with excellent flexibility and abrasion resistance properties. Compared to PVC conveyor belts, PU conveyor belts have a smooth surface cover with added strength and are reinforced with polyurethane polyester fiber cloth.
Flexibility: With higher elasticity, PU is perfect for tight turns and complex conveyor systems. While, PVC is slightly flexible, which is better suited for straight runs.
Abrasion Resistance: PU has a robust construction that is more wear-resistant than PVC. This design is ideal for heavy-duty applications. However, PVC has a moderate resistance to wear and tear, which is easily worn away in harsh conditions.
Oil & Chemical Resistance: PU performs better in oily, greasy, and mild chemical environments, whereas PVC is easily degraded in the same conditions.
Temperature Range: Both PVC and PU have limitations in this regard. PU conveyor belts offer extensive temperature ranges from -40°C to 100°C to better handle hot and cold environments, while PVC conveyor belts work well in moderate temperature ranges from -10°C to 70°C.
Strength and Load Capacity: PU is suitable for conveying materials in heavy-duty applications due to its higher tensile strength and load capacity. Unlike PU, PVC is appropriate for lighter loads.
Cost: PVC is relatively affordable and cost-effective, making it ideal for applications where cost is a major consideration. Compared to PVC, PU offers superior performance and comes at a higher cost.
Maintenance: Both PVC and PU require regular cleaning and inspection to ensure longevity and sustainability. While, PU has a smooth construction, which can reduce the risk of potential malfunctions. PVC’s uneven surface is more likely to trap debris and dirt.
PVC Conveyor Belt: Mainly suitable for conveying dry and non-abrasive materials in light to medium-duty applications. Ideal for warehousing, packaging, and recycling industries.
PU Conveyor Belt: Suitable for use in demanding environments such as abrasive materials, extreme temperatures, heavy loads, oily environments and applications where hygiene requirements are stringent. Ideal for food processing, mining, automotive, and chemical industries.
PVC Conveyor Belt:
Pros: More affordable than PU belts, excellent durability and ease of use, and good flame retardancy
Cons: Moderately flexible, limited temperature range, easily deformed, not ideal for oily environments.
PU Conveyor Belt:
Pros: Highly flexible, excellent abrasion resistance, wide temperature range, good oil and grease resistance, available for the food industry.
Cons: More expensive than PVC belts, easily degraded when exposed to UV rays, requires specific cleaning methods.
