Nylon conveyor belts, commonly designated NN, use nylon fabric reinforcement in a rubber belt construction. They are an option for industrial bulk handling where the complete belt specification suits the conveyor load, material and operating environment. This guide explains the information buyers should confirm before placing an order.
NN Reinforcement and Rubber Covers
In NN fabric, both lengthwise and crosswise yarns are nylon. EP fabric uses polyester lengthwise and nylon crosswise. These are different reinforcement constructions; the designation should be stated clearly in the quotation.
The carcass carries belt tension. Skim rubber bonds the fabric plies, while the top and bottom covers protect the reinforcement. Cover resistance to abrasion, heat, oil, chemicals or fire depends on the selected compound and complete belt construction. NN reinforcement alone does not establish those properties.
Strength Ratings: Fabric Ply or Complete Belt?
Confirm whether a quoted strength describes an individual fabric ply or the complete belt. These are different values and must not be interchanged. Total belt strength, ply count, cover thickness and total thickness should all be identified in the specification.
Do not select strength from belt width or total thickness alone. Review working tension, starting and stopping loads, conveyor length, take-up arrangement, pulley diameters and the proposed joint. There is no universal rule to add a fixed number of plies for large lumps or high loading drops.
Comparing NN, EP and Steel Cord Belts
Compare the offered constructions against the same conveyor duty. Important inputs include rated strength, elastic and permanent elongation, take-up travel, impact loading, troughability, pulley requirements and splice design. A general comparison cannot replace the construction-specific technical data.
NN, EP and steel cord belts should not be assigned a universal strength, operating elongation or service-life range solely from their reinforcement type. Ask for the data applicable to the specific belt offered.
Match the Cover to the Material
- Rock, ore and aggregates: Consider particle size, sharp edges, abrasion, drop height, loading-chute design and impact support. Agree the required cover grade and thickness.
- Hot materials: Record normal and peak material temperatures separately from measured belt surface temperature. Confirm contact time, loading depth, cooling and the allowable conditions of the offered heat-resistant construction.
- Oil or chemicals: Identify the substance, concentration, temperature and contact duration. Resistance to one exposure does not establish resistance to every oil or chemical.
- Coal and flame-retardant duties: State the required fire and electrical tests, application and any relevant approval requirements. Confirm supporting documents before ordering.
Food-contact, pharmaceutical and other regulated applications require materials and evidence suitable for their intended use. Industrial rubber belt construction or belt color alone does not establish suitability or certification.
Pulley Diameters, Edges and Take-up
Confirm minimum pulley diameters for the complete construction and splice against the conveyor design. Do not reduce pulley size simply because the reinforcement is nylon. Check troughing requirements, transition distances and available take-up travel.
Specify molded or cut edges as appropriate to the construction and duty. Review the existing belt and conveyor drawings rather than assuming an edge type is suitable from the material name alone.
Splicing and Service Life
The joint method must suit the belt, conveyor and operating requirements. Mechanical fasteners, cold bonding and hot vulcanization have different design and installation requirements. Joint performance depends on the construction, splice design, materials, workmanship and test conditions; this guide does not promise 90–100% joint efficiency.
Service life depends on material abrasion, loading impact, operating hours, temperature, maintenance and the complete conveyor. A fixed service life of 5–10 years cannot be promised from the NN designation. Any performance commitments should be stated explicitly in the agreed order specification.
Information to Send for a Quotation
- Belt width, total length, required roll lengths and quantity.
- Existing belt marking or specification, reinforcement type, total belt strength and ply count.
- Top and bottom cover thicknesses, total thickness, edge type and cover grade.
- Material, lump size, drop height, throughput, temperature and other exposure.
- Conveyor length, incline, speed, pulley diameters, take-up and splice requirements.
- Required standard, inspection documents, destination port and purchasing schedule.
Installation and Maintenance
Follow the belt and conveyor suppliers’ handling, storage, installation and splice instructions. Have qualified personnel inspect tracking, loading support, rollers, pulleys, covers and joints. Stop and isolate equipment before inspection, cleaning or adjustment, following site procedures.
Replace fixed maintenance assumptions with a schedule based on operating conditions and inspection findings. Record damage patterns before choosing a replacement so that an installation or loading problem is not carried over to the new belt.
Nylon Conveyor Belt Purchasing FAQ
What information is needed for a nylon conveyor belt quotation?
Send the belt width, total length, number of plies, belt strength rating, top and bottom cover thicknesses, required rubber grade, conveyed material and destination port. A photo of the existing belt marking or a specification sheet is also helpful.
Can I select an NN belt using total thickness alone?
Total thickness alone is not enough to identify a suitable replacement. Compare the carcass type, belt strength, number of plies, cover thicknesses, pulley arrangement and operating conditions with the conveyor requirements.
What should I specify for hot materials or flame-retardant service?
State material temperature and belt surface temperature for hot-material service. For flame-retardant applications, state the required safety standard and test documentation. Confirm the proposed construction against the application before ordering.
How can I request a replacement conveyor belt?
Send your existing belt specification, required quantity and operating conditions to EVER JOY. Include clear belt-marking photos when the original specification is unavailable.
Related Conveyor Belts and Quotation
Review our nylon (NN) conveyor belts, steel cord conveyor belts, heat-resistant conveyor belts and PVC/PVG solid woven conveyor belts. Contact EVER JOY for a conveyor belt quotation or email info@everjoyconveyor.com.