Flights, paddles, and pushers are all different names for belt cleats on a conveyor belt. Cleats are upright profiles attached to the top surface of belts to increase load capacity on incline systems. Belt cleats come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and compounds. Generally, the cleat must be made of the same compound as the belt in order to achieve a good bond for long service life. There are two broad categories of compounds — rubber and thermoplastic. 

CBT partner Martin Sprocket & Gear manufactures its sprockets in a thorough, 10-step process. Check it out:

CBT partner Habasit has developed an engineering guide to help you master the most important aspects of the design of conveyor systems for light fabric conveyor belts. This guide enables you to confidently address issues with a positive impact on the belt's operation and function within the production process.

One of the biggest annoyances for maintenance technicians is conveyor belt tracking. In this video, Superior Industry's Josh Boardman explains how to solve this frustrating conveyor service issue.

In today's progressive manufacturing and distribution environments, designing conveyor systems can be a difficult challenge. Itoh Denki's power moller provides a safe and energy-efficient alternative to conveyors traditionally powered by large electric motors. It reduces noise levels in facilities and only operates when needed (run-on-demand), reducing your facility’s energy costs by eliminating empty conveyors that are running continuously.

“It’s been a long time since putting something that simple into the plant that has created so many other potential improvement opportunities within the factory.”

CBT partner Habasit has deployed its belting experts to walk you through accurately measuring belts. Learn common belting terms, including layout or pitch length, outside circumference length, and inside circumference length, before seeing how to measure a fingerspliced belt, a skived belt, an endless belt, and an installed belt in this six-minute video.

In 2014, machine guarding was the sixth-most cited serious OSHA violation, with more than 2200 citations issued. Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from preventable injuries. According to OSHA, any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be eliminated or controlled.