How Many Types of Modular Belts Are There?

Plastic modular belts are widely used in automated production lines. They are assembled by interlocking plastic modules connected with hinge pins. Based on surface structure, functional design and running mode, modular belts can be divided into several mainstream types for different conveying requirements.

1.Flat Top Modular Belts

Flat top belts have fully closed, smooth surfaces.They offer stable support for bottles, cartons and packaged goods. Made from PP or POM food-grade plastic, they are easy to clean and low-noise.

Typical applications: Beverage filling lines, packaging, pharmaceutical box transport, general dry product conveying.

2.Flush Grid/Open Mesh Modular Belts

This type features large open holes across the belt surface. Liquid can drain quickly and air flows freely through the mesh. It is easy to flush away residue during sanitation.

Typical applications: Seafood processing, fruit and vegetable washing, cooling, freezing and dewatering processes.

3.Perforated Modular Belts

Perforated belts have small dense holes. Compared with flush grid belts, they provide better support for soft or small products while still allowing drainage and ventilation. Some versions support vacuum adsorption.

Typical applications: Food slicing lines,baked goods cooling and vacuum fixing conveying.

4.Side-Flexing ( Turning ) Modular Belts

Side-flex modular belts can run along curved tracks to realize 90°or 180°turning without extra transfer machines. They save factory floor space and keep products stable during turns.

Typical applications: Compact food workshops, multi-channel merging lines, spiral cooling towers.

5.Roller Top Modular Belts

Built-in small rollers on the belt surface enable products to slide freely. Goods can accumulate without stopping the whole conveyor.

Typical applications: Package sorting, buffer accumulation systems, warehouse distribution lines.

6.Raised Rib/Rough Top Modular Belts

Ribbed or rough top surfaces increase friction. They prevent products from sliding when running on inclined or uphill conveyors.

Typical applications:Incline lifting,steep-angle product delivery.

7.Custom Special Modular Belts

We can add accessories according to customer needs:

• Belts with flights(baffles)and side skirts for uphill lifting and material blocking;
• Anti-static modular belts for electronic component workshops;
• Heavy-duty reinforced belts for high-load industrial transport.

Material Classification

Besides surface types, modular belts also differ by raw material:

• PP: Good chemical resistance, suitable for wet and low-temperature food processing;
• POM: High wear resistance, low friction, for high-speed and heavy-load conveying;
• PE and other customized materials for special temperature or chemical environments.

How to Select

There is no universal modular belt. When choosing, consider whether you need drainage, curve transfer, anti-slip, accumulation function, working temperature and hygiene standards.

Summary

To sum up, the main modular belt categories include flat top, flush grid, perforated, side-flexing, roller top, raised rib and customized belts with baffles or side guards. Combined with PP/POM different materials, modular belts can match nearly all conveying demands in food, beverage, meat processing, logistics and pharmaceutical industries.

Contact us for customized modular belt solutions for your production line.