futószalag

A futószalag, the Hungarian term for conveyor belt, is a continuous-loop belt used to transport materials or goods over distances. The basic structure consists of a flat or flanged belt anchored between two or more pulleys, often with drives at one or more points that provide motion. The belt material may be woven or braided synthetic fibers, rubber, metal, or composite, chosen according to the transported material’s properties and environmental conditions.

Historically, conveyor belts evolved from simple wood and iron rollers in the 19th century to modern polymer and metal strips in the 20th century. The first largely industrial use of the conveyor belt was in the 1910s for coal mining in the United States, a development later adapted for textile, construction, and metallurgical processes. In Hungary, conveyor transport systems became prominent in the 1960s for coal and ore handling, and since the 1990s, they have been widely adopted in waste management and the food industry.

Conveyor belts are engineered to manage a variety of loads: bulk solids such as minerals, aggregates, and powders, as well as packaged products like parcels or pallets. A belt’s width and speed are tailored to the process’s throughput requirements; common widths range from 60 cm to over 3 m, while speeds vary from a few centimetres per second to several metres per second in high‑output installations.

The operation of a conveyor belt system involves drive motor selection, tension control, and regular maintenance of the belt and drive components. Common maintenance tasks include inspecting for wear, alignment, and tension integrity, applying lubricants to pulleys, and replacing worn belts. Safety protocols require guarding against entanglement hazards, ensuring emergency stop mechanisms, and implementing routine inspections in compliance with occupational safety regulations.

Conveyor belts continue to be vital in modern industrial logistics, allowing efficient, continuous transport of items with reduced manual handling and improved productivity across a broad spectrum of industries.