This image was created with artificial intelligence – marked under Art. 50 of the AI Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689. It is a placeholder until the company's photos arrive.Using rubber sheets in conveyor technology
Flat gaskets made of rubber in NBR, EPDM, FKM & silicone. Find out all about applications, selection criteria and custom-made parts.
Rubber sheets perform a central function in conveyor technology, as they act directly at the most critical points of a system. Wherever material impacts, is transported or is diverted, loads arise which, without suitable protection, quickly lead to wear, damage and increased maintenance effort. It is precisely at these points that rubber sheets provide targeted decoupling between the conveyed material and the structure.
Thanks to their elastic properties, they absorb energy, reduce mechanical stress and protect sensitive components from direct contact with abrasive or sharp-edged materials. At the same time, they help to dampen noise and increase operational safety. In modern conveyor systems, they are therefore a fixed component for ensuring stable and economical operation.
Their benefits are particularly evident at transfer points, under conveyor belts or in chutes. In combination with precisely fitting rubber sheets and individually manufactured cut pieces, a solution is created that is exactly matched to the respective system. Here they prevent localised overloads, reduce material rebound and ensure a more uniform material flow, which noticeably reduces downtime and follow-up costs.
Importance of rubber sheets in conveyor technology
In conveyor systems, mechanical loads such as abrasion, impacts from bulk material and vibrations act continuously. These influences act directly on the structure and, without protective measures, lead to increased wear on metal surfaces and load-bearing components. Rubber sheets act here as a flexible intermediate layer that specifically absorbs and distributes these forces.
Thanks to their elastic structure, they reduce direct friction between the conveyed material and the system, dampen impact energy and at the same time reduce noise development during operation. In addition, they improve material guidance, as their surface has a stabilising effect on the transported goods. They therefore make a significant contribution to securing the functionality of the entire conveyor system in the long term and to significantly reducing the load on individual components.
Requirements for materials in conveyor systems
The selection of suitable rubber sheets depends heavily on the operating conditions. Conveyor technology places high demands on material properties.
Important criteria:
- High abrasion resistance under continuous material flow
- Elasticity to absorb impacts
- Resistance to oils, chemicals or weathering
- Temperature resistance depending on the operating environment
Depending on the application, a combination of these properties may be required. In addition, rubber mats or special elastomers are often used to specifically cover different requirements.
Comparison of suitable rubber types
Different elastomers each offer specific advantages.
| Material | Properties | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| NR (natural rubber) | Very abrasion-resistant, elastic | Bulk material, high mechanical load |
| SBR | Good wear resistance, economical | Standard applications |
| NBR | Oil-resistant | Conveyor technology with lubricants |
| EPDM | Weather- and UV-resistant | Outdoor systems |
The choice of material directly influences the service life of the rubber sheets.
Typical areas of application
Rubber sheets are used in conveyor technology in many places:
- Lining of conveyor chutes and slides
- Impact areas at transfer points
- Underlays for conveyor belts
- Vibration damping on machines
- Protection of housings and side walls
Particularly in areas with heavy material flow, the benefit is clearly evident through reduced wear.
Practical examples from industry
In practice, clear patterns of use emerge. In conveyor systems for sharp-edged bulk material such as gravel or ore, abrasion-resistant natural rubber sheets are often used to extend the service life of the system. At transfer points for sand or gravel, thicker rubber sheets are used to dampen material impact and reduce rebound. In the food industry, by contrast, EPDM sheets are preferably used, as they are resistant to moisture and at the same time meet hygiene requirements.
Selection criteria for rubber sheets
The right selection determines efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The following must be taken into account:
- Material type of the conveyed goods (e.g. sharp-edged, abrasive)
- Load intensity and throughput
- Environmental influences such as moisture or chemicals
- Required sheet thickness and hardness
In addition, the hardness level (Shore) plays a central role in the function during use. The material thickness is equally relevant, which depending on the application typically lies between 5 mm and 50 mm. Thinner sheets are suitable for light applications, while thicker variants are used specifically for impact damping and under heavy abrasion.
In addition, the hardness level (Shore) plays a central role in the function during use:
| Hardness (Shore A) | Property | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 40–50 | Very soft, strongly damping | High impact load, impact zones |
| 60–70 | Standard, balanced | General conveyor technology |
| 80+ | Hard, wear-resistant | High continuous load, abrasive material |
The wrong choice of material often leads to premature wear and unnecessary costs.
Wear, maintenance and service life
The service life of rubber sheets varies greatly depending on the area of application. In moderate applications, service lives of several years can be achieved, while with strongly abrasive materials a replacement may be advisable after just a few months.
Rubber sheets take on the task of reducing direct wear on the system, but are themselves subject to permanent load. Due to continuous material contact, abrasion and recurring impact loads, their surface changes over time, as a result of which their protective effect gradually diminishes.
Regular inspection makes it possible to recognise this process at an early stage and to respond in a targeted manner. Visual inspections reveal wear, cracks or material changes that indicate a necessary replacement. Particularly heavily stressed areas should be the focus here, as the load there is significantly higher than in other zones of the system.
Through a planned replacement of individual segments and the use of modular solutions, maintenance can be organised efficiently. As a result, systems remain operational for longer, unplanned failures are reduced and the service life of the entire conveyor technology is sustainably extended.
Individual cut pieces and adjustments
In practice, rubber sheets are rarely used in a standardised way. Dimensionally accurate cut pieces enable optimal integration into existing systems.
Typical adjustments:
- Drill holes and recesses
- Bonding or mechanical fastening
- Combination of different materials
Individual solutions increase efficiency and extend the service life of the entire conveyor technology.
Installation and fastening
The type of installation significantly influences maintenance effort and service life. Depending on the area of application, different fastening methods are used.
Bolted connections enable quick replacement of individual sheets and are particularly suitable for heavily stressed areas. Bonding offers a permanent connection and is often used for large-area linings. Loosely laid sheets are used where flexibility and quick access are the priority.
The choice of fastening should always be made in connection with maintenance intervals and load.
Cost-effectiveness and optimisation potential
The use of rubber sheets has a direct effect on the cost-effectiveness of conveyor systems. Through the targeted protection of heavily stressed areas, wear on load-bearing components decreases, as a result of which cost-intensive repairs and replacement measures are required significantly less often.
In addition, maintenance effort and downtime are reduced, as damage is intercepted at an early stage and the system runs more stably overall. A uniform material flow also contributes to better process reliability, which has a positive effect on the entire production chain.
Optimisation potential arises above all from the right choice of material, suitable sheet thicknesses and precise adaptation to the respective application. This makes it possible to increase the service life of the components used while at the same time making ongoing operation more efficient. Targeted material selection and precisely fitting implementation lead to measurable savings in ongoing operation.
Common mistakes in selection
In practice, typical mistakes repeatedly occur that lead to unnecessary wear and increased costs. A rubber sheet that is too hard, for example, can barely absorb impacts, while materials that are too soft wear more quickly under continuous load. Selecting an unsuitable material under chemical load also leads to rapid material fatigue.
Another common mistake lies in incorrect dimensioning. Sheets that are too thin quickly lose their protective effect, while oversized solutions make little economic sense. A coordinated selection based on the actual load ensures optimal results.
Rubber sheets compared with alternatives
Compared with steel, rubber sheets offer significantly better damping and reduce noise as well as material rebound. Compared with polyurethane, they impress above all through their elasticity and their behaviour under impact loads.
The choice between the materials depends heavily on the application. Rubber is particularly suitable for impact-intensive and dynamic processes, while other materials offer advantages under extreme wear or special requirements.
Enquiry and individual solution
For optimal results, every application should be considered individually. The selection of the right material, the suitable thickness and the appropriate fastening determines service life and cost-effectiveness.
Technical advice as well as dimensionally accurate cut pieces enable a solution that is exactly matched to your conveyor system and ensures permanently stable processes.
Request an individual recommendation now and receive a precisely fitting solution for your conveyor technology.
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Frequently asked questions
Which rubber sheets are suitable for strongly abrasive conveyed goods?
For strongly abrasive materials, rubber sheets made of natural rubber are particularly suitable, as they have high abrasion resistance and good elastic properties. This allows stressed system areas to be effectively protected.
How do I find the right thickness for rubber sheets in conveyor technology?
The suitable thickness depends on the conveyed goods, impact load and installation situation. In practice, material thicknesses between 5 mm and 50 mm are often used. Higher loads require thicker sheets in many cases.
What role does the hardness level play with rubber sheets?
The hardness level influences how strongly a rubber sheet dampens impacts and how resistant it is to abrasion. Softer grades are well suited to impact zones, harder variants rather to permanently loaded areas.
How are rubber sheets fastened in conveyor systems?
Depending on the application, fastening is carried out by bolting, bonding or loose insertion. Which variant is sensible depends on maintenance intervals, load and accessibility of the system.
When should rubber sheets be replaced?
Replacement is advisable as soon as clear wear, cracks or a loss of protective effect become visible. Regular visual inspections help to recognise the right time at an early stage.
Do individual cut pieces make sense for rubber sheets?
Individual cut pieces ensure a precisely fitting integration into existing conveyor systems. This improves the protective effect, facilitates installation and supports uniform and safe system operation.
Our rubber sheets
For industry and trade, we offer a wide variety of rubber sheets.
SBR rubber sheet
Our high-quality SBR rubber sheet (styrene-butadiene rubber) is the solution for numerous industrial and commercial applications. This rubber sheet is manufactured from first-class styrene-butadiene rubber and is characterised by its outstanding physical properties.
EPDM rubber sheet
Discover the versatility and reliability of our EPDM rubber sheet, which is manufactured from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). This high-quality elastomer solution has been specially developed to meet the most demanding industrial and commercial applications.
NBR rubber sheet
The NBR rubber sheet is a high-quality industrial product that has been specially developed for applications where excellent resistance to oils, greases and various chemicals is required.
Viton rubber sheet
The Viton rubber sheet is a high-quality technical product that is used for a wide range of industrial applications. Manufactured from fluoro rubber (FKM), it offers outstanding properties that make it the ideal choice for extreme conditions.
FKM rubber sheet
The FKM rubber sheet is a high-quality technical product that is ideally suited for use in demanding industrial applications. Made from fluoro rubber (FKM), it is characterised by a wide range of outstanding properties that make it the optimal choice for extreme operating conditions.
Silicone rubber sheet
The silicone rubber sheet is a first-class technical product that has been specially developed for applications that place high demands on temperature resistance and flexibility.
PUR rubber sheet
The PUR rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality polyurethane, is a technically advanced product that has been developed for applications that place the highest demands on abrasion resistance and mechanical load capacity.
Neoprene rubber sheet
The Neoprene rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality chloroprene rubber (CR), is a versatile technical product that is ideally suited for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
