Quick answer: almost every manufacturer names modular belts the same way: a series number that identifies the pitch/skeleton family, plus a surface style (Flat Top, Flush Grid, Perforated, Raised Rib, Nub Top). If you can measure three things (pitch, rod diameter and module thickness), you can identify a replacement for nearly any belt, regardless of the brand molded on it.
The Anatomy of a Belt Name
Take "900 Flush Grid": 900 is the series; it fixes the pitch (27.2 mm), hinge geometry and sprocket family; Flush Grid is the surface, an open grid in this case. The same series usually exists in several surfaces that all run on the same sprockets, which is why you can switch a 900 Flat Top to a 900 Flush Grid without touching your drive.
Why the Industry Has No Single Standard
Modular belting grew from several competing patent families, so each maker numbered its own series. The industry now overlaps heavily on pitch families (12.7, 19.05, 25.4, 27.2, 38.1, 50.8, 57.15 and 63.5 mm), but numbering differs between brands, and regional names (plastic mesh belt, chain plate, flat top chain, modular net belt) add confusion. Our own catalog keeps the widely recognized series numbers wherever possible to make cross-checking easy.
How to Identify an Unknown Belt in 4 Measurements
- Pitch: distance between hinge rod centers (measure across 10 hinges, divide by 10 for accuracy).
- Rod diameter: knock out one hinge rod and measure it (typical: 4.8 / 5 / 6.3 / 8 mm).
- Module thickness: overall belt thickness excluding ribs or nubs.
- Surface + open area: closed flat, grid, perforated, ribbed, or nub, plus an estimated open percentage.
With these four numbers plus belt width, any competent manufacturer can match the belt. Send us a photo of the top and bottom side along with the measurements and we will confirm the matching series, sprockets and accessories promptly.
Series Quick Reference (Veybelt Catalog)
| Pitch | Veybelt Series | Typical Use |
| 12.7 mm | 926 | Tight transfer, small products |
| 15.2 mm | 1100 | Light duty, small nose bars |
| 19.05 mm | 5935 | General light conveying |
| 25.4 mm | 966 / 976 / 986 / 1000 / 7200 / 2400(radius) | General purpose |
| 27.2 mm | 900 | Food processing all-rounder |
| 38.1 mm | 936 | Medium duty |
| 50.8 mm | OPB / 956 / 400 | Washdown, heavier product |
| 57.15 mm | 4809 / 5997 | Heavy duty, raised rib transfer |
One Product, Many Names: Regional Terminology
Part of the confusion is that the same product family answers to many names depending on region and industry. "Plastic modular belt", "modular conveyor belt" and "modular plastic belting" are the mainstream international terms. In food plants you will also hear "plastic mesh belt" or "chain mesh belt" for open-grid types. Chain-style products go by "flat top chain", "table top chain", "slat band chain" or simply "chain plate". All of these describe hinged plates running on sprockets, straight or side-flexing. Purchasing systems sometimes list everything under "conveyor components" or "conveyor spare parts". When you search or write an inquiry, include the pitch and surface type alongside whichever name you use: "25.4 mm pitch flush grid plastic modular belt" is unambiguous in any vocabulary, while "mesh belt" alone could mean anything from woven steel wire to plastic modules. Our catalog cross-lists the common synonyms on each product page so that a maintenance buyer, a line engineer and a purchasing agent searching with different words all land on the same specification.
Surface Style Glossary
- Flat Top: fully closed smooth surface, 0% open area. General conveying; contains crumbs and drips.
- Flush Grid: open lattice flush with the surface, typically 10-24% open. The washdown workhorse.
- Perforated Flat Top: smooth surface with molded round holes; drains while still supporting small footprints.
- Raised Rib: longitudinal ribs raised above the hinge line; accepts finger transfer plates so product slides off without a dead plate.
- Nub Top: small nubs minimize contact area for sticky, wet or delicate product.
- Friction Top: rubber-insert surface for incline conveying of firm goods.
- Flighted / Cleated: vertical flights molded or welded on for lifting loose product up inclines.
Don't Forget Sprocket Compatibility
The series number also defines the sprocket family. When replacing a belt with a same-pitch belt from another maker, hinge geometry can still differ slightly, so the safest path is to replace belt and sprockets together as a matched set; sprockets are a small fraction of belt cost and eliminate meshing risk. Note your drive shaft size (square 40/50/60 mm or round with bore) when inquiring; bushing inserts adapt larger bores to smaller shafts.
What to Send Us for a Fast Match
- Top and bottom photos of the belt (the bottom shows hinge and drive geometry, the most identifying view).
- Pitch measured across 10 hinges, rod diameter, module thickness, belt width.
- Any molded markings on modules, even partial.
- Application notes: product, temperature, washdown chemistry, curve radii if side-flexing.
With this information we confirm series, quote belt + sprockets + accessories, and flag anything about your application that suggests a better-suited surface or material than the original belt had.
Need a belt identified? Attach photos and measurements to our inquiry form and our engineers will take it from there.
