Technical Q&A (Logistics Industry)

Q. “What applications are conveyor belts for the logistics industry used for?”

A. They are used for all conveying processes in logistics and distribution centers, including horizontal conveying, sorting, inclined conveying, and curve conveyors. The belt solutions are designed to flexibly adapt to complex intralogistics applications.

Q. “What belt properties are particularly important for logistics applications?”

A. High durability, stable tracking (straight running without belt wander), a high coefficient of friction, flexibility, and energy efficiency are essential. In particular, reliable, slip-free conveying is required in sorting and merging processes.

Q. “What is a merge belt?”

A. A merge belt is used in distribution centers and airports to merge parcels or packages onto another conveyor line. It is designed to provide low slip and precise conveying, even at large merge angles.

Q. “In what environments are curve belts used?”

A. They are used in conveyor lines with complex curves and high loads. Curve belts are designed to provide multidirectional flexibility and to minimize unplanned downtime.

Q. “Why is energy efficiency important for logistics conveyor belts?”

A. In logistics equipment that operates continuously, reducing the coefficient of friction and required drive power helps lower operating costs. Forbo’s energy-efficient belt designs contribute significantly to this optimization.

Q. “What is the difference between full-belt merge and strip merge?”

A. Full-belt merge uses one wide belt for merging, while strip merge uses multiple narrow belts running in parallel. The appropriate solution can be selected depending on the application and installation conditions.

Q. “How much maintenance is required for belts used in logistics applications?”

A. The belts themselves are designed for high durability; however, regular cleaning and inspection of the belt running surface, pulleys, and rollers are key to ensuring stable operation.

Q. “Are there important splicing methods for merge belts?”

A. Yes. In continuous operation and high-load environments, durable splicing methods such as stepped overlap splicing contribute to increased reliability.

Q. “Do temperature and environmental changes affect belts in logistics operations?”

A. Yes. Extreme temperatures and humidity can affect belt material properties and the coefficient of friction, so selecting specifications suitable for the installation environment is important.

Q. “What are the key points when introducing belts into intralogistics systems?”

A. It is important to understand the overall material flow and load conditions of the system and to optimize belt width, surface pattern, and material accordingly. High traction and stability are especially required in sorting and merging areas.

Q. “What are the advantages of a high coefficient of friction?”

A. A high coefficient of friction prevents packages from slipping and helps improve positioning accuracy, as well as the precision of sudden stops and merges, particularly in sorting processes.

Q. “Are there any precautions for sorting systems using multiple belts simultaneously?”

A. When multiple belts run in parallel, it is necessary to match belt tension and length tolerances to ensure uniform conveying performance and stable tracking.

Q. “What safety points should be considered around conveyor belts?”

A. To prevent entanglement, do not approach the belt during operation. Always switch off the power before belt replacement or inspection, and strictly observe safety procedures.

Q. “Is it acceptable to use open flames or solvents near logistics equipment?”

A. Open flames are strictly prohibited. Solvents should also not be used, as they may damage the belt material.

Q. “Can belts be used outside their specified operating limits?”

A. Operating outside the specified limits (such as tension, temperature, or load capacity) may reduce belt performance and compromise safety. Belts should always be used within their specified operating range.