The efficiency and lifespan of an industrial conveyor system depend not only on the chain or belt used but also on a proper support structure — and that’s where wear guides and correct lubrication practices come in. These components ensure alignment, reduce friction, absorb impacts, and enhance overall performance, especially in continuous and demanding operations.

Function of Wear Guides
Wear guides are essential elements that act as an interface between the conveyor structure and the moving belt or chain. They are designed to provide:

Low friction, reducing the effort required to move the belt;
Protection against wear, both for the belt and the metal frame of the conveyor;
Directional stability, keeping the belt or chain aligned;
Impact absorption at loading and transfer points.
Choosing the correct type, geometry, and material of the guide depends on the application. Straight guides, with or without lateral containment, curved, double, or special profiles are available to suit different needs. Bellt Correntes offers a wide range of guides in UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), with or without lubricating additives and UV protection.

Natural Wear and Preventive Maintenance
Over time, surface wear on the guides is normal. This does not indicate system failure but confirms that the components are protecting more expensive parts of the conveyor. Scheduled replacement of guides should be part of the maintenance plan, respecting the recommended wear limits — usually 30 to 50% of the original thickness.

Additionally, irregular wear may indicate issues such as misalignment, excessive load, or lack of lubrication. Monitoring these signs allows preventive action and avoids unexpected downtime.

Lubrication: When Is It Necessary
Contrary to popular belief, not all conveyor systems require lubrication. In many cases — especially with plastic belts and UHMW guides — lubrication can be eliminated.

However, lubrication becomes recommended or necessary in situations like:

High speeds or loads;
Dry or abrasive environments, which increase friction;
Noise reduction in sensitive areas;
Complex transfers, requiring low resistance to sliding.
Lubrication can be done with water, water and detergent, or industry-approved food-grade solutions. Bellt always recommends using lubricants compatible with system materials and safety standards of the application.

Types of Lubrication
Continuous (automatic) lubrication: Ideal for bottling lines and continuous operations with minimal maintenance time.
Intermittent (manual) lubrication: May suffice for light-duty or intermittent-use applications.
Dry lubrication: Solid lubricants or self-lubricating additives built into the material (e.g., POM-AP).
Conclusion
Wear guides and lubrication are key factors in the performance and longevity of conveyors. Correct selection and maintenance of these elements are direct investments in operational efficiency.

The technical team at Bellt Correntes is ready to guide customers in selecting the most suitable guides and lubrication practices for each specific application.