When handling small or lightweight products in automated packaging lines, conveyor belt selection plays a critical role in product stability, orientation, and line efficiency.
Two commonly considered options are small-pitch modular conveyor belts and standard modular conveyor belts.
While they may appear similar at first glance, their performance can differ significantly depending on product size and application requirements.
This article explains the key differences and helps you determine which modular belt solution best fits your packaging line.
What Is the Difference Between Small-Pitch and Standard Modular Belts?
The main difference lies in the belt pitch, which refers to the distance between hinge points or modules along the belt.
Standard modular belts use a larger pitch, making them suitable for medium to large products.
Small-pitch modular conveyor belts feature a shorter pitch, allowing more contact points between the belt and the product.
This structural difference directly affects product support, stability, and transfer accuracy—especially in high-speed packaging environments.
Performance on Small Products
For small, lightweight, or unstable products, standard modular belts can introduce several issues:
Products may tilt or bounce during transfer
Gaps between modules can reduce support
Orientation may change unexpectedly at higher speeds
A small-pitch modular conveyor belt minimizes these problems by providing:
Increased product support
Smoother transitions between conveyor sections
Better control during acceleration and deceleration
As a result, small-pitch belts are often preferred for applications where precision product handling is critical.
When Standard Modular Belts Work Well
Standard modular belts remain a practical choice in many situations, such as:
Conveying larger or heavier products
Applications where product orientation is not critical
Lower-speed lines with stable product geometry
In these cases, the larger pitch does not negatively impact performance and can offer a cost-effective solution.
When You Should Choose a Small-Pitch Modular Conveyor Belt
A small-pitch modular belt becomes the better option when:
Products are small, lightweight, or irregular in shape
Product stability during transfer is essential
The packaging line operates at higher speeds
Downstream equipment requires precise product positioning
Typical applications include snack packaging, small pouches, compact consumer goods, and other products where even minor instability can disrupt the line.
Integration Considerations in Packaging Lines
Small-pitch modular conveyor belts are commonly integrated with:
Packaging machines
Counting or sorting systems
End-of-line discharge or take-away equipment
Their compact pitch design helps maintain consistent product flow and reduces handling issues at transfer points, contributing to overall line reliability.
Choosing the Right Modular Belt for Your Application
Selecting between a standard modular belt and a small-pitch modular belt depends on:
Product size and weight
Required line speed
Stability and orientation requirements
Integration with upstream and downstream equipment
Understanding these factors early in the design phase helps prevent costly modifications later.
Explore a Small-Pitch Modular Conveyor Belt Solution
If your packaging line handles small or precision-sensitive products, a small-pitch modular conveyor belt can significantly improve stability and performance.
👉 Learn more about our Small Pitch Modular Conveyor Belt designed for precise product transfer in automated packaging lines.