A Practical Guide for Material Handling Professionals
Several national and international organizations have developed rating systems for conveyor belting used in general-purpose bulk-materials handling. These systems aim to guide end users in selecting appropriate grades for various applications by specifying different laboratory-test criteria. However, they do not guarantee performance in specific applications.In the United States, the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has established two standard grades of belting covers. RMA Grade 1 belting meets higher rubber tensile and elongation requirements, indicating better cut and gouge resistance compared to Grade 2 covers. It's important to note that the grade rating does not necessarily reflect overall abrasion resistance.
Similarly, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has implemented a grading system under ISO 10247. This includes Category H (Severe Cut and Gouge Service), Category D (Severe Abrasion Service), and Category L (Moderate Service). Category H is roughly equivalent to RMA Grade 1, while Categories D and L are similar to RMA Grade 2 belting.
Additionally, there are specialized belting types designed to meet specific requirements of demanding applications, such as handling hot materials, working in underground mines, or exposure to oil or chemicals. To ensure optimal performance, it's advisable to understand the operational conditions and consult reputable suppliers before selecting belting categories.