Investing in a conveyor system is more than just buying a moving belt; it’s about ensuring the heartbeat of your production line remains steady. When handling small items—from cosmetic jars to snack sachets—the margin for error is zero.
Choosing the wrong belt can lead to “product bottlenecks,” tipping, or costly downtime. This guide will walk you through the essential criteria for small pitch conveyor selection.
1. Key Factors in Selecting Small-Pitch Modular Belts
Before looking at a catalog, you must audit your specific production needs. The “best” belt is the one that matches your product’s DNA.
Product Size & Weight: For tiny components, the “effective surface area” matters. A small-pitch belt provides more support points per square inch, preventing thin products from sagging or tilting.
Line Speed & Throughput: Small-pitch belts are often lighter and generate less centrifugal force, allowing for higher speeds in packaging lines without sacrificing stability.
Orientation Requirements: Does your product need to stay in a precise position for a barcode scanner or a pick-and-place robot? The stability of a $0.5″ $ or $0.31″$ pitch belt is far superior to standard sizes.
2. Technical Features to Consider
When evaluating modular conveyor design criteria, pay close attention to these three technical aspects:
Belt Pitch Size: While $1″$ is standard, “small pitch” usually refers to $0.5″$ ($12.7$ mm) or even smaller. Smaller pitch equals a smaller drive sprocket, which allows for extremely tight transfers.
Material Selection: * Polypropylene (PP): Good for general use and chemical resistance.
Polyethylene (PE): Best for low-temperature environments.
Acetal (POM): High strength and low friction—ideal for high-speed packaging.
Accessories (Side Guides & Fences): For high-speed lines, integrated side wings or low-friction edge fences are essential to prevent products from migrating off the belt during acceleration.
3. Small Pitch vs. Standard Modular Belts: The Verdict
Why not just use a standard $1″$ or $2″$ pitch belt?
| Feature | Standard Pitch (1″+) | Small Pitch (<0.5″) |
| Transfer Gap | Large (Requires bridge plates) | Minimal (Nose-bar compatible) |
| Chordal Action | Noticeable vibration | Virtually eliminated |
| Product Stability | Moderate | Superior for small items |
| Typical Use | Heavy boxes, bulk goods | Vials, snacks, electronics |
The bottom line: Small pitch belts minimize the “polygon effect,” ensuring a smooth, linear movement that standard belts simply cannot replicate.
4. Integration with Packaging Machinery
A conveyor doesn’t exist in a vacuum. A successful conveyor for small product packaging must integrate seamlessly with:
VFFS (Vertical Form Fill Seal) Machines: Ensuring the pouches are cleared quickly from the drop zone.
Rotary Fillers: Synchronizing speed to prevent spills.
Counting & Weighing Scales: Reducing vibration so that sensitive load cells can provide accurate readings.
5. Conclusion: Make the Precision Choice
Choosing a small-pitch modular conveyor belt is an investment in your line’s OEE. By reducing product loss at transfer points and increasing stable throughput, these belts pay for themselves in a matter of months.
Stop guessing and start optimizing. At Fill Package, we specialize in high-precision movement. Whether you need a custom-designed layout or a replacement belt that actually performs, our engineers are ready to assist.
👉 Get a Tailored Small Pitch Modular Conveyor Belt Solution Today