Technical Q&A (Automotive & Tire Industry)

Q. “In which processes are conveyor belts used in automotive manufacturing lines?”

A. They are used in virtually all stages connecting processes, such as press shops, body assembly, parts assembly, pre- and post-paint conveying, final inspection, and finished vehicle transport. Compared with manual handling or carts, belt conveying offers high repeatability and plays a key role in stabilizing line takt times and reducing quality variation.

Q. “Why are plastic conveyor belts adopted in automotive plants?”

A. Their low weight and flexibility allow the use of small pulley diameters, contributing to space-saving designs and energy efficiency. In addition, compared with metal belts, they generate less noise, helping to improve the working environment and overall safety.

Q. “What applications are Transilon belts suitable for?”

A. They are well suited for parts conveying and operator workstations where stable tracking and constant conveying speed are required. Thanks to their low-elongation tension member design, tension changes are minimal, making commissioning and maintenance easier and reducing overall service effort.

Q. “What are the key features of Prolink modular belts?”

A. Their construction, consisting of plastic modules connected by hinge pins, allows only damaged sections to be replaced, minimizing line downtime. They also offer high flexibility for layout changes and width adjustments, making them ideal for mixed-model and flexible production lines.

Q. “What is skid conveying?”

A. It is a conveying method in which car bodies or heavy loads are transported on skids between processes. High durability and stable operation under heavy loads are required. When selecting belts, not only tensile strength but also wear resistance and long-term dimensional stability are critical factors.

Q. “Why is antistatic protection necessary in automotive parts conveying?”

A. Electrostatic charge can cause malfunctions or damage to electronic components and attract fine contaminants. By using electrically conductive belts, static electricity can be dissipated, reducing the risk of quality issues and yield losses.

Q. “What are the most demanding conditions in tire manufacturing processes?”

A. These processes involve combined stresses such as high temperatures, exposure to oils and chemicals, and abrasion caused by rubber dust. Therefore, belt specifications must provide a well-balanced combination of heat resistance, oil resistance, and wear resistance.

Q. “What is the batch-off process?”

A. It is the process of cooling and storing rubber compounds after mixing. Conveyor belts used here require heat resistance to withstand hot rubber and good release properties to prevent rubber from sticking, contributing to stable quality and reduced cleaning effort.

Q. “What belt performance is required in calendering processes?”

A. To maintain rubber sheet thickness accuracy and surface quality, high dimensional stability and a uniform belt surface are essential. Even slight elongation or mistracking can affect product quality, so precision-focused belt selection is required.

Q. “In which environments are TransTex belts suitable?”

A. They are suitable for demanding processes with continuous high temperatures and heavy loads, offering long service life while minimizing heat-related performance degradation. They have a proven track record in rubber processing and post-heating conveying applications.

Q. “Why are modular belts effective in tire building processes?”

A. Even when conveyed product shapes and load conditions frequently change, the modular design allows flexible adaptation. Partial repairs are possible, enabling quick recovery in the event of unexpected issues.

Q. “What happens when the pulley diameter is small?”

A. Smaller pulley diameters increase the number of belt bending cycles, accelerating fatigue. However, by selecting belts designed for small pulley diameters, it is possible to achieve both compact layouts and sufficient durability.

Q. “How should the belt surface pattern be selected?”

A. Selection should be based on the slip characteristics of the conveyed goods, the presence of oils, and positioning accuracy requirements. An appropriate surface design improves conveying stability and helps reduce overall line disruptions.

Q. “Why are silicone-free belts required in automotive plants?”

A. Silicone substances can cause paint defects such as cratering in painting processes. Therefore, silicone-free materials are essential for conveying before and after paint shops.

Q. “How does proper conveyor belt selection affect productivity?”

A. It reduces stoppages and readjustments caused by belt-related issues and ensures stable operation. As a result, overall line efficiency is improved, maintenance costs are reduced, and consistent product quality is achieved.