Prolink Technical Q&A (Basics)

Q. “What kind of conveyor belt is Siegling Prolink?”

A. Siegling Prolink is a plastic modular belt consisting of plastic modules connected by hinge pins. Because it is built up from individual modules, it allows flexible combinations of pitch, surface design, material, and accessories to suit the application. This enables it to meet conditions that are difficult to handle with conventional endless conveyor belts.

Q. “What is the greatest advantage of a modular belt design?”

A. The greatest advantages are design flexibility and ease of maintenance. Even in the event of partial damage, only the affected modules can be replaced, minimizing downtime. Belt length and width adjustments, as well as the addition of functional modules, are easy, making the system well suited to future specification changes.

Q. “What types of conveyed products are Prolink belts suitable for?”

A. They are suitable for a wide range of applications, from food products such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and bakery and confectionery items, to furniture, components, vehicle handling, and sliding surface applications. By selecting the appropriate series, pitch, and material according to load, contact conditions, and hygiene requirements, the belt can be optimized for each application.

Q. “How do differences in pitch affect conveyor design?”

A. Pitch affects transfer behavior, permissible load, and minimum bending radius. Small pitches (e.g. 8–14 mm) are advantageous for smooth transfers at nose bars, but allowable loads are limited. Larger pitches (25–50 mm) are suitable for higher loads and long conveyor lengths, offering strengths in industrial applications.

Q. “Which series are suitable for nose bar conveying?”

A. Small to mini-pitch series such as S13 (8 mm), S4.1 (14 mm), and S14/S15 (12.7 mm) are suitable. These designs allow very small transfer radii, helping to prevent product drop or snagging.

Q. “What are the design differences between straight-running belts and curved belts?”

A. Straight-running belts focus on tension transmission and straight-line stability, while curved belts are designed around lateral loads and turning radius. For curved belts, hinge pin design and compensation for speed differences between the inner and outer radius are critical, making correct series selection essential.

Q. “What is meant by ‘turning radius,’ which is important for curved belts?”

A. The turning radius is an index indicating the minimum curve diameter relative to the belt width. For example, the S11 series can handle very small radii of approximately 1.4 times the belt width, making it advantageous for space-saving designs. In contrast, high-load applications require larger turning radii.

Q. “How should the open area (open ratio) be selected?”

A. The open area affects drainage, airflow, and cleanability. High open-area designs (45–57%) are suitable for cooling and washing processes, while low open-area or closed-surface designs are better for conveying small items or applications where stability is prioritized.

Q. “What criteria should be used to select the surface design (flat, friction, nub, etc.)?”

A. Selection is based on product slip characteristics, incline angles, and acceleration/deceleration conditions. Flat surfaces are for general use, friction tops help prevent slipping, and nub or cone designs are effective for positioning and product separation.

Q. “What are the key points in selecting Prolink materials?”

A. Key factors include operating temperature, cleaning conditions, wear resistance, and whether there is food contact. POM offers high strength and wear resistance, PP provides excellent chemical resistance, and PE performs well at low temperatures. Special requirements such as metal detectability or antistatic properties call for dedicated materials.

Q. “How should belt tension be considered?”

A. Belt tension should be calculated based on conveyed load, conveyor length, coefficient of friction, and whether curves are present. Reference to the load ratings for each series is essential, with sufficient safety margins. Excessive tension can lead to increased wear and reduced belt life.

Q. “How does sprocket design affect running stability?”

A. By using sprockets specifically designed for each Prolink series, engagement accuracy and load distribution are optimized. Incorrect tooth profiles or pitch mismatches can cause belt tracking issues and abnormal noise.

Q. “What are the key design points when hygiene is a priority?”

A. Important factors include open hinge designs, flat undersides, and module designs that prevent residue buildup. Series such as S6.1 and S10 are designed with cleanability in mind and are well suited for food applications.

Q. “How can maintainability be evaluated?”

A. Evaluation criteria include headless pin designs and the ease of module replacement. The simpler the structure for on-site disassembly and reassembly, the more maintenance time and costs can be reduced.

Q. “Why is Prolink described as a ‘design-driven’ solution?”

A. Prolink is developed in cooperation with OEMs and end users, starting from application requirements and designing the modules, materials, and accessories accordingly. Rather than being a generic product, it enables the creation of conveyor systems optimized for specific applications.