In this post we will pick up where we left off discussing how fabric weave contributes to noise on a conveyor. We will also discuss additional solutions to prevent noise and extend belt life. Finally we explain how our patented AG fabric is designed to provide the benefits of a whisper weave while mitigating the trade-offs.

Whisper weave fabric is designed to help balance noise and give you a quieter running belt. Most noise issues are focused around two primary spots: the running deck and the rollers. In most cases, the conveyor belt is always in contact with the rollers but intermittently with the running deck. For more on deck noise see Whisper Fabric Part 1. The noise created by contact with the roller occurs as the belt transitions from a point of high tension as it approaches the roller to a point of low tension at the exit. Because of this stretch and release there is always some slipping that occurs as the belt moves around the drive pulley. This slipping results in noise similar to the noise generated by the belt sliding across the conveyor bed.

A great way to reduce noise and extend belt life is to use lubricants. Historically, there have been two dominant classes of lubricants: waxes and silicones. Wax is the less common of the two and is usually applied directly to the conveyor deck. Silicone is more lubricious but it has a tendency to migrate, losing its effectiveness over time. Our AG fabric was designed with this in mind in order to minimize this tendency and provide extended performance between lubricant applications.

Mol Belting’s AG weave pattern also provides a low noise interface. The uniqueness of this design comes from flexibility that it has in length used to minimize amp draw. This fabric also has stiff lateral filaments to prevent edge curl. If you would like a sample or would like to learn more, contact moc.gnitleblom@selas and ask about our patented AG fabric.