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EP Rubber Conveyor Belt

General Introduction:

EP rubber conveyor belt is widely used by the mining and processing industries for transporting bulk or lumpy materials such as quarrying, ore, coke, aggregates, crops, sand, clinker, chemicals, construction materials, etc.

The EP is short for Polyester fabric, which includes polyester toward longitudinal(warp) and polyamide for latitude(weft), EP fabric plies are sandwiched between rubber skim coats for adhesion and load support. Bottom and top cover compounds are added for maximum protection of the belt carcass. The EP conveyor belt consisting of  two to six EP fabric plies, EP rubber conveyor belt has the same merit as Nylon conveyor belt, in addition, EP fabric has the advantages of:

A.Lower longitudinal elongation.

B.Full resistance to mildew, moisture and rotting.

C.Good flexibility and trough ability.

D.Short take-up lengths.

E.Suitable for middle and long-distance transportation of higher load and speed.

EP conveyor belt carcass

 

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EP fabric also has excellent compatibility with other rubbers, so it can be combined with any type of cover grade to make it a perfect match for almost any application. This allows EP conveyor belt to convey basically any type of product in any environment, from fine powders to large lumps, from dry to greasy materials, from extremely cold to very hot conditions.

The common ep conveyor belt type could be:

2-ply belts: 315/2 400/2 500/2 630/2 800/2

3-ply belts: 500/3  630/3 800/3 1000/3 1250/3

4-ply belts:  630/4 800/4 1000/4 1250/4 1600/4

5-ply belts:  800/5 1000/5 1250/5 1600/5 2000/5

EP Fabric Technical Specification:

Test Item EP100 EP125 EP150 EP200 EP250 EP300 EP350 EP400 EP500
warp weft warp weft warp weft warp weft warp weft warp weft warp weft warp weft warp weft
Breaking strength (N/mm) ≥100 ≥55 ≥125 ≥65 ≥150 ≥75 ≥200 ≥78 ≥250 ≥80 ≥300 ≥80 ≥350 ≥75 ≥400 ≥90 ≥500 ≥105
Breaking elongation (%) ≥14.0 ≤45.0 ≥14.0 ≤45.0 ≥14.0 ≤45.0 ≥14.0 ≤45.0 ≥14.0 ≤45.0 ≥14.0 ≤45.0 ≥14.0 ≤45.0 ≥14.0 ≤45.0 ≥14.0 ≤45.0
Elongation at 10% load (%) ≤1.5 　 ≤1.5 　 ≤1.5 　 ≤1.5 　 ≤1.5 　 ≤1.5 　 ≤1.5 　 ≤2.0 　 ≤2.0 　
Heat shrinkage  (150℃, 30Min.) ≤5.0 ≤1.0 ≤5.0 ≤1.0 ≤5.0 ≤1.0 ≤5.0 ≤1.0 ≤6.0 ≤1.0 ≤6.0 ≤1.0 ≤6.0 ≤1.0 ≤6.0 ≤1.0 ≤6.0 ≤1.0
Adhesion (N/2.5cm) ≥196.0 ≥196.0 ≥196.0 ≥196.0 ≥196.0 ≥196.0 ≥196.0 ≥196.0 ≥196.0
Weight (G/m²) 370±30 430±30 520±30 610±40 780±40 860±40 980±40 1180±50 1320±50
Thickness (mm) 0.53±0.06 0.62±0.06 0.70 ± 0.06 0.85±0.09 1.00±0.10 1.15±0.10 1.20±0.10 1.50±0.12 1.70±0.14

SUNGDA EP rubber conveyor belt products have five types according to coating difference: Anti-split type, Anti-abrasion type, common type,acid-alkali resistant type, and heat-resistant conveyor belt type.

Cover Rubber Grade for EP Conveyor Belt:

DIN22102 Standard:

 
Standard DIN-W DIN-X DIN-Y DIN-Z
Tensile test Before Aging Tensile Strength (Mpa) >18 >25 >20 >15
Elongation(%) >400 >450 >400 >350
 After   Aging Change rate of TS(%) ±25 ±25 ±25 ±25
Change rate of EL(%) ±25 ±25 ±25 ±25
Abrasion test(mm³） <90 <120 <150 <250

AS-RMA Standard

 
Standard AS-N AS-M AS-A RMA-I RMA-II
Tensile test Before Aging Tensile Strength (Mpa) >17 >24 >17 >17 >14
Elongation(%) >400 >450 >400 >450 >400
After Aging Change rate of TS(%) ±20 ±20 ±20 ±25 ±25
Change rate of EL(%) ±20 ±20 ±20 ±25 ±25
Abrasion test(mm³） <200 <125 <70 <150 <200
The DIN and AS-RMA standards classify conveyor belt cover rubber grades based on tensile strength and abrasion resistance, dictating their optimal operational scenarios:
  • DIN-W, AS-A & AS-M (High Wear Resistance): Feature superior abrasion resistance (DIN-W <90 mm³, AS-A <70 mm³, AS-M <125 mm³) and high tensile strength. Ideal for severe impact and high-wear environments handling sharp, highly abrasive bulk materials (e.g., hard rock, iron ore, and heavy aggregates) across long-distance, high-capacity mining and quarrying conveyors.
  • DIN-X & RMA-I (General Heavy Duty): Offer balanced cut and gouge resistance with moderate abrasion loss (<120 mm³ and <150 mm³). Suited for primary and secondary crushing plants, steel mills, and coal handling facilities transporting large lump sizes and heavy tonnages over medium-to-long distances.
  • DIN-Y, DIN-Z, AS-N & RMA-II (General Service): Designed for standard conditions with higher abrasion values (<150 to <250 mm³). Best applied in light-to-moderate industrial transport systems, sand, and agricultural facilities moving fine-to-medium sized, non-abrasive materials with low impact stress over shorter distances.

Muti-ply EP Fabric Grade (Tensile Strength kg/cm, PIW):

 
Fabric/Ply 3P 4P 5P 6P
kg/cm PIW kg/cm PIW kg/cm PIW kg/cm PIW
EP-100 300 1680 400 2240 500 2800 600 3360
EP-125 375 2100 500 2800 625 3500 750 4200
EP-150 450 2520 600 3360 750 4200 900 5040
EP-200 600 3360 800 4480 1000 5600 1200 6720
EP-250 750 4200 1000 5600 1250 7000 1500 8400
EP-300 900 5040 1200 6720 1500 8400 1800 10080
EP-350 1050 5880 1400 7840 1750 9800 2100 11760

 * PIW=Pounds Per Inch Of Belt Width

If you are from the U.S or Europe, you may need to convert between PIW with N/mm, please click here to see how to convert it.

 

 

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Related Ep conveyor belt article:

  1. What are the advantages of EP conveyor belts compared to ordinary conveyors?

  2. How does the bending of EP fabric affect the working life of the conveyor belt?

  3. What is PIW in the EP conveyor belt and how to convert it into N/mm

  4. How to identify the quality of the EP conveyor belt in one minute?

10 Technical FAQs About Fabric (EP) Conveyor Belts for Heavy-Duty Conveying

1. How do I accurately calculate the required EP belt tension rating (EP Grade)?

Unlike steel cord belts, fabric belts are designated by their total carcass nominal breaking strength across all plies (e.g., an EP800/4 belt consists of 4 plies, each rated at 200 N/mm, yielding a total nominal breaking strength of 800 N/mm).

Selecting the correct EP grade requires evaluating the maximum belt tension (Tmax) under steady-state operating conditions and dynamic transients (starting and stopping):

Required Nominal Belt Strength (EP)≥Tmax /W x S0

(Where Tmax is the maximum belt tension in kN, W is belt width in meters, and S0 is the safety factor).

For multi-ply fabric belts, static and dynamic safety factors (S0) typically range from 10:1 to 12:1 under standard CEMA / DIN 22102 design rules to account for ply-to-ply load distribution variations and mechanical fastener or vulcanized splice efficiency.

Typical DIN/ISO-Type Fabric Belt Specifications:

EP DesignationNumber of PliesIndividual Ply RatingTotal Nominal StrengthMax Recommended Working Tension (Tperm​)*
EP400/33133 N/mm400 N/mm~40 N/mm
EP500/44125 N/mm500 N/mm~50 N/mm
EP630/44157 N/mm630 N/mm~63 N/mm
EP800/44200 N/mm800 N/mm~80 N/mm
EP1000/55200 N/mm1,000 N/mm~100 N/mm
EP1250/55250 N/mm1,250 N/mm~125 N/mm

*Based on a standard 10:1 working safety factor; actual allowable tension varies depending on joint type (vulcanized vs. mechanical).

2. What makes EP (Polyester/Polyamide) superior to NN (Nylon/Nylon) fabric belts?

Understanding fabric composition is essential for avoiding premature belt stretch and tracking failures:

Warp Fabric (Polyester / E): Runs longitudinally along the conveyor length. Polyester provides an exceptionally low dynamic elongation (typically <1.5% at nominal working load), which drastically reduces take-up stroke requirements compared to Nylon warp fabric.

Weft Fabric (Polyamide / P): Runs transversely across the belt width. Polyamide (Nylon) provides superior transverse flexibility, impact resistance, and mechanical fastener retention.

Compared to NN belts (Nylon warp and weft), EP belts exhibit lower operational stretch, higher resistance to moisture and mold, and superior thermal stability, making them the industry standard for medium-to-long distance bulk material handling.

3. Is more plies always better for heavy-duty applications?

No. Increasing the number of plies adds total tensile strength, but over-plying causes severe mechanical disadvantages: 

1.Reduced Troughability: Excessively thick, multi-ply belts become overly stiff across their width, preventing proper contact with the center idler when empty and leading to severe mistracking.

2.Increased Minimum Pulley Diameters: Additional plies increase the total carcass thickness (e), raising inter-ply shear stress during bending. An EP1000/5 belt requires significantly larger pulleys than an EP1000/3 belt to prevent ply separation.

3.Higher Bending Fatigue: Repeated flexure over small drive pulleys causes inter-ply delamination over time.

Engineering best practice dictates choosing fewer plies with higher individual ply ratings (e.g., EP800/3 instead of EP800/5) to maximize troughability and reduce bending stress.

 

4. What is the realistic service life expectation for an EP conveyor belt?

Engineering life assessments must decouple Carcass Fatigue Life from Cover Rubber Wear Life:

EP Fabric Carcass: Under normal continuous operation, an EP carcass is engineered for a 5 to 10-year fatigue design life. Unlike steel cords, synthetic fibers experience gradual flexural fatigue and moisture aging.

Top/Bottom Covers: Cover wear is governed by material lump size, sharp edges, drop height at transfer points, and loading frequency. In heavy mining or aggregate crushing, top covers may wear down in 2 ~ 4 years, requiring cold-bonding repair or re-covering while the EP core remains structurally sound.

5. What are the key troughability and pulley diameter limits for EP belts?

Belt troughability must be verified against idler angle (20℃, 35℃, or 45℃) to ensure the unladen belt molds into the idler trough. Minimum drive pulley diameters (DA) per DIN 22102 are governed by total carcass thickness and stress levels:

EP DesignationCarcass Thickness (Approx.)Min. Drive Pulley DA​ (100% Load)Min. Troughability Width (35∘ Idlers)
EP400/3~3.6 mm315 mm500 mm
EP630/4~4.8 mm400 mm650 mm
EP800/4~5.2 mm500 mm800 mm
EP1000/5~6.5 mm630 mm1,000 mm
EP1250/5~7.2 mm800 mm1,200 mm

Procurement Warning: Installing an EP1000/5 belt on a system designed with 400 mm pulleys will cause rapid inter-ply delamination within months of commissioning.

6. Hot Vulcanized, Cold Bonded, or Fastened: Which splice method should be specified?

The choice of joint method directly determines allowable working tension and system reliability:

Hot Vulcanized Splices (Efficiency: 85% – 90%): The gold standard for permanent installations. Uses step-matching ply techniques under heat and pressure. Required for high-tension EP belts (≥EP630).

Cold Bonded Splices (Efficiency: 70% – 80%): Uses specialized two-part cement at ambient temperatures. Ideal for underground or hazardous locations where hot vulcanizing presses cannot be operated.

Mechanical Fasteners (Efficiency: 50% – 65%): Plate or wire-hook fasteners offer rapid repair times but create stress concentrations and wear out scrapers. Recommended only for temporary applications, low-tension short runs, or emergency repairs.

7. How do I select the right cover rubber grade (DIN 22102 / ISO 10247)?

The rubber cover protects the load-bearing EP carcass from impact, abrasion, and environmental degradation. Standard cover grades are categorized by mechanical properties:

Grade W (ISO ‘D’): Premium abrasion resistance (≤90mm3loss). Recommended for highly abrasive materials like quartz, iron ore, and heavy sinter.

Grade X (ISO ‘H’): Balanced high abrasion and cut/gouge resistance (≤120mm3 loss). Ideal for large lump limestone, granite, and sharp metallic ores.

Grade Y (ISO ‘L’): Standard duty abrasion resistance (≤150mm3 loss). Suited for coal, sand, gravel, and general bulk materials.

Special Duty Compounds: Heat-resistant (HR / HRT up to 200°C), Oil-resistant (OR), and Flame-retardant (FR) formulations must be specified if chemical, thermal, or underground safety criteria apply.

8. What causes ply delamination, and how can it be prevented during procurement?

Ply delamination—the separation of adjacent fabric plies—is the leading cause of premature fabric belt failure. It is caused by:

Insufficient Inter-Ply Adhesion Strength: Low rubber-to-fabric bond strength during manufacturing.

Excessive Bending Stress: Running the belt over undersized pulleys or reverse bends.

Because synthetic fabrics exhibit higher elastic and permanent elongation than steel cords, gravity or hydraulic take-up units require significantly longer travel distance:

Chemical / Oil Ingress: Hydrocarbons or chemicals penetrating edge cuts and dissolving the skim rubber layer.

Procurement Rule: Always specify Inter-Ply Peel Strength ≥4.5N/mm (per ISO 252 testing) and ensure full rubber-sealed edges (Molded Edges rather than Cut Edges) for wet or chemically aggressive environments.

9. How does take-up travel calculation differ between EP belts and steel cord belts?

Take-Up Travel Allowance≈1.5%~ 2.5%) x Conveyor Center Distance

EP Belts: Require approximately 1.5~2.0% of total center distance in take-up stroke (e.g., a 200 m conveyor needs 3.0~4.0m of take-up travel).

Comparison with NN Belts: NN belts require up to 3.5% ~ 4.0% travel stroke, whereas Steel Cord belts require only 0.2% ~ 0.5%.

If take-up space is physically constrained on an existing structure, retrofitting from NN to EP—or specifying a high-modulus low-stretch EP weave—is mandatory to prevent take-up carriage bottoming out.

10. How should condition monitoring be conducted on fabric EP conveyor belts?

Unlike steel cord belts, which rely on electromagnetic scanners, multi-ply EP belts require a combination of visual, mechanical, and ultrasonic diagnostics:

Cover Thickness Ultrasonic Profiling: Non-destructive ultrasonic gauges measure remaining top and bottom cover rubber over time to schedule re-topping or replacement.

Visual & Thermographic Joint Monitoring: Infrared cameras detect anomalous heat buildup at splices caused by internal ply friction or dynamic joint slip prior to separation.

Automated Edge Inspection: Optical sensors monitor edge wear and ply fraying caused by structure rubbing, catching tracking issues before moisture penetrates the internal carcass.

Transitioning from time-based replacement to state-of-the-art condition-based monitoring ensures maximum tonnage throughput while eliminating catastrophic carcass snaps.

Specifications for Conveyor Belt Rubber Covers Across Countries and Regions

Cover GradeCountryApplicable StandardsMin.Tensile
Strength(Mpa)		Min.Elongation
at Break(%)		Max.Abrasion
Loss(mm3)
DIN-ZGermanyDIN2210215350250
DIN-YGermanyDIN2210220400150
DIN-XGermanyDIN2210225450120
DIN-WGermanyDIN221021840090
RMA-IU.S.ARMA17400150
RMA-IIU.S.ARMA14400200
ARPM RMA-IU.S.AARPM17400125
ARPM RMA-IIU.S.AARPM14400175
ISO-LInternationalISO -1024715350200
ISO-HInternationalISO -1024724450120
ISO-DInternationalISO -1024718400100
AS-NAustralianAS -133217400200
AS-MAustralianAS -133224450125
AS-AAustralianAS -13321740070
SANS-NSouth AfricaSANS-117317400150
SANS-MSouth AfricaSANS-117325450120
SANS-ASouth AfricaSANS-11731840070
BS-MUKBS-49024450120
BS-NUKBS-49017400200
IS-N-17IndiaIS 189117400200
IS-M-24IndiaIS 189124450150
JIS-GJapanJIS-K 633214400250
JIS-LJapanJIS-K 633215350200
JIS-DJapanJIS-K 633218400100
JIS-HJapanJIS-K 633224450120
GB-HChinaGB/T 798424450120
GB-DChinaGB/T 798418400100
GB-LChinaGB/T 798415350200

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