Treadmill belting is a topic that we often receive questions from our customers about the difference between a Residential treadmill belt and a Commercial treadmill belt. The answer is that there is no difference in construction materials, but there are different ways of formatting the thickness dimension and size to fit the belt to each category of fitness treadmill.
Over the years, the technology of belting has advanced, as have many other materials. In the 1980's the most common material used for belting for walkways was a multi-blend for the wear surface, called linen backing. Some factories used a cotton layer of linen weave. With advances in materials, carbon fibers are now included as a weaving production. Urethane is used as a backing material and monofilament has become much more common as a backing. There are variations on the surfaces of a carpeted hallway, but rarely does the top surface wear out. What wears out is mainly the base (linen).
Almost all treadmill belts are made with a PVC coating, and almost all residential units now use either a 1/linen weave or a polymer blend for the base. In the past, many factories used cotton as a base because the material is extremely quiet, with the disadvantage of elongation. Also, in cotton linen, lubricants are quickly absorbed and the friction level is quite high, so the solutions to this issue have been OEM linen. By choosing OEM NEO linen, elongation of the belt is prevented and the silent properties are quite good thus giving the belt a longer life.
The treadmill belts for high-quality professional corridors has the feature of greater thickness and a reinforced linen coating. Because they use a harder linen material as a result it makes them a little noisier but offers guaranteed safer operation with a longer life span. Just remember that it may be better to suffer a little noise if you are going to significantly extend the life of your belt.
* Noise is reduced if the belt comes into closer contact with the backing wood. The smoother the surface of the wood and more contact with the belt, the lower the noise level.
The top layer of a belt can be made in various designs. However, there is no difference in the driveability and quality of the belt whether you use a diamond pattern or a sandblast coating. Interestingly, we have noticed that finer belts last a little longer than professional belts, as they trap less heat and put less strain on the conveyor system.
*Remember one of the "killers" of exercise treadmills is heat.
At ZAMPOUKAS you can find Treadmill Belts made of PVC or PU for high-use applications in gyms and hotels or for installation in home gym treadmills. Our extensive range includes belts in every size, as well as types that do not need as much maintenance, and various other products, such as anti-slip sheets , pvc curtains and conveyor belts. For more information, please feel free to contact us.