Belt Conveyor System: Meaning, Types, and Use Cases
FMCG plants have no room for delays. Every minute lost in material handling shows up in missed targets and rising costs. No wonder the push for automation is strong.
According to Mordor Intelligence, secondary packaging accounted for 41.42% of the U.S. packaging automation market in 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in automation. (Source)
One of the unsung heroes making this possible is the belt conveyor system, the link that keeps cartons, shrink-wrapped bundles, and trays flowing without interruption.
What Is a Belt Conveyor System?
A belt conveyor is, simply put, a moving belt that is stretched between two pulleys. But in an industrial setting, especially in secondary packaging, it is far more than that.
It is a controlled pathway that moves products safely between packing, sorting, and palletizing stations. In place of gravity or a manual push, a belt may be used to produce a steady, predictable motion.
Alligator Automations specializes in the design of belt conveyor systems that are exclusive to secondary packaging lines. With frames made of durable steel or aluminum and belt types including rubber, PVC, or modular, these conveyor systems travel around the clock and move everything from lightweight cartons to heavy crates.
The Role of Belt Conveyors in Secondary Packaging:
As a general definition, secondary packaging is the grouping of products together, protecting them, and preparing them to be shipped. Throughout this operation, there tend to be delays at the transfer points, which are the places where the cases need to move from one machine to the next. The use of belt conveyors mitigates these stop-and-go delays by ensuring a seamless transfer.
Types of Belt Conveyor Systems:
Not all production floors are alike, which is why there are different types of conveyor systems. Below are the most typical conveyors used in fast-moving consumer goods packaging lines.
- Flat belt conveyor – A straight, uniform belt used for cartons and cases.
- Cleated belt conveyor – Raised cleats keep product in place when inclined or declined.
- Modular belt conveyor – Made from sections of interlocking plastic, modular belts are strong, easily cleaned, and preferred in food and beverage operations.
- Curved belt conveyor – Allows cartons to turn without tipping or misaligning.
Each of these is available in Alligator’s portfolio and can be tailored to a plant’s layout, whether it’s a straight shot across a hall or a winding path through limited floor space.
Inside Alligator’s Belt Conveyor Systems:
When manufacturers compare industrial belt conveyor manufacturers, the real test is in the details. Here’s what Alligator Automations builds into its systems:
- Capacity – Up to 6,000 units per hour (cases, bags, or crates).
- Load Range – From 2 kg to 200 kg per unit.
- Speed – Capable of being adjusted for line speed from 10 m/min to 45 m/min.
- Materials – There are rubber and PVC options, as well as modular belts based on the product passed through.
- Frames – Made from rugged steel (corrosion-resistant) and lightweight aluminum (strength and corrosion-resistant).
- Layouts – Custom equipped to handle inclines, curves, and fit real layouts in plant constraints.
- Integration – They can also integrate with accumulation conveyors, sorters, and palletizers.
Along with this, Alligator Automation provides great after-sales service and lifetime maintenance. So, it is a guaranteed long-term relationship.
Why Choose Alligator Automations?
Alligator is not just another number on the conveyor belt manufacturer list. The difference is:
- Reliable belt tracking and speed control to reduce stopping.
- Scalable systems to grow with the production requirements.
- Energy-efficient drives to help reduce performance costs.
- A range of secondary packaging options, from conveyors to palletizers.
- Real long-term service support, not just warranty.
Conclusion:
For FMCG plants, belt conveyors are the backbone of secondary packaging. Without them, cases and cartons don’t move, and efficiency suffers. Alligator Automations’ belt conveyor systems deliver not just movement, but reliability, flexibility, and long-term value.
And because Alligator provides the entire packing and bagging line, conveyors, case packers, palletizers, and more, you’re not buying a standalone machine; you’re investing in a fully integrated solution.
Want to optimize your secondary packaging line?
Contact us to review belt conveyor systems built to reliably perform today and expand for tomorrow.
FAQs
1) What is a belt conveyor system?
A powered belt loop that moves packaged products smoothly through each stage in a production line.
2) What are the different types of belt conveyor systems?
The most common conveyor types in FMCG packaging are flat, cleated, modular, and curved.
3) What benefits does a belt conveyor system offer?
You can expect a belt conveyor system to reduce your manual handling time, allow you to run products faster down your packaging line, and promote the consistent flow of product.
4) In what industries are belt conveyor systems traditionally found?
They are very common in FMCG, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and warehousing.
5) Are belt conveyor systems highly customizable?
Yes, Alligator Automations can customize to speed, load capacity, belt type, and layout.
