What Are the Different Types of Conveyor Belts Available?
Conveyor belts come in a variety of types, each designed to suit different applications, installation requirements, and operating conditions. Understanding the different supply options will help you choose the right belt type for efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance.
1. Endless (Vulcanised) Conveyor Belts
An endless belt is supplied as a continuous loop with a factory-made hot vulcanised splice.
Key features:
- No mechanical joint
- High strength and durability
- Smooth, continuous running
Best used for:
- Permanent installations
- High-tension or heavy-duty applications
- Operations where maximum reliability is required
Endless belts are pre-spliced to form a continuous loop, eliminating weak points in the belt
Smiley Monroe are recognised as the global leader in the production of hot spliced endless conveyor belts. With over 45 years experience, our endless belts are trusted across the globe for superior quality and reliability.
2. Stripped Belts (Ready for Splicing)
A stripped belt is supplied as a measured length with prepared ends ready for hot or cold splicing.
Key features:
- Ends are pre-prepared (overlapped and stripped)
- Allows onsite installation
- Flexible joining options
Best used for:
- Installations where endless belts can’t be fitted
- Situations requiring custom belt lengths
These belts are designed to be joined onsite using vulcanising or cold bonding techniques.
3. Cut Length Conveyor Belts
A cut length belt is supplied with clean, square ends and may include extra length for splicing.
Key features:
- Simple and cost-effective
- No pre-preparation
- Requires full onsite joining
Best used for:
- Basic applications
- Situations where engineers will prepare and splice the belt themselves
4. Mechanically Fastened Conveyor Belts
Mechanically fastened belts use metal or composite fasteners to join the belt ends quickly without vulcanisation.
There are two common types:
Push-In (Zip Clip®)
- Features a push-fit connecting pin
- Includes retaining collars to prevent loosening
Benefits:
- Fast and simple installation
- Reduced downtime
- Added safety with locking collars
Push-in systems are designed for rapid fitting and maintenance with minimal tools
Screw-In (Zip Clip®)
- Uses a threaded connecting pin
- Includes a polyurethane seal
Benefits:
- Secure connection
- Suitable for quick belt replacement
Screw-in fasteners provide a strong mechanical join with added sealing protection.
Smiley Monroe's Zip Clip® is the world's fastest replacement conveyor belt, trusted by hundreds of operators and equipment dealers to get back up and running on-site quickly in the face of a machinery breakdown.
5. Full Conveyor Belt Rolls
A conveyor belt roll is a full-length supply of belt material provided in bulk, rather than pre-cut or pre-spliced.
Key features:
- Supplied as a complete roll of belting
- Can be cut to length as required
- Available in a wide range of specifications (width, strength, cover grade)
Supplied to your specification
- Choose exact belt width, tensile strength, and surface type to match your application
On-hand flexibility
- Cut belts as needed, improving maintenance efficiency and stock control
Reliable supply chain
- Maintain stock availability and reduce delays in operations
Best used for:
- Operations with ongoing belt requirements
- Maintenance teams needing stock on-site
- Large projects requiring multiple belt lengths
Full rolls are ideal when you want maximum flexibility and control over your conveyor belt inventory. Smiley Monroe offer same day collection and next day delivery on conveyor belt rolls from their GB Warehouse.
Conveyor belt construction and performance
In addition to joining styles, belts are also categorised by construction and performance characteristics:
Common specialised types:
- Multi-ply (EP belts) – General-purpose belts with layered fabric reinforcement
- Ripstop belts – Reinforced with steel mesh to resist tearing and punctures
- ToughFlex® belts – Designed for flexibility with strong impact resistance
These belt types are selected based on factors like material type, impact load, and durability requirements.