Quick answer: the Veybelt 976 series is a 25.4 mm (1 in) pitch plastic modular belt platform molded in PP or PE and rated at 14,650 N/m (PP). Surfaces: flat top (closed), perforated flat top (7.7% open) and nub top (closed base, nub-textured top that keeps product contact to a minimum). Sprockets are common across the three: the same 12/16/20-tooth 976 sprockets drive them all, so you are not locked in; change the top later without touching the frame.
What is the 976 series?
The 976 is a 1-inch pitch, straight-running series for light to medium duty: packaging lines, bakery and confectionery, general product handling, light washdown. Unlike open-grid platforms, the 976 keeps its top closed or nearly closed (0% to 7.7% open) and differentiates by texture instead: fully smooth, smooth with drainage perforations, or nubbed for reduced contact. Like the rest of our range, the belt is bricked from molded PP or PE modules on hinge rods, so width is flexible and a repair means pushing out a rod, not scrapping the belt.
| Pitch | 25.4 mm (1 in) |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 10 mm (flat top, perforated) / 11.2 mm (nub top) |
| Belt strength | 14,650 N/m (PP) |
| Materials | PP / PE |
| Standard colors | White, Natural, Blue, Grey |
| Drive | Positive sprocket drive, 12 / 16 / 20 teeth |
Choose your surface: the three 976 variants
| Variant | Open area | Thickness | Best for | Avoid when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 976 Flat Top | 0% (closed) | 10 mm | Packaged goods and general transport on a smooth, easy-wipe surface; keeps spills contained; solid backing for labeling and inspection stations | Product has to drain, or it sticks to a full-contact surface |
| 976 Perforated Flat Top | 7.7% | 10 mm | Rinse and drip-off sections where product still needs near-full support and 7.7% open area drains enough | The line needs heavy wash-through or serious airflow; an open-grid series like the 900 does that job better |
| 976 Nub Top | 0% (closed base) | 11.2 mm | Sticky or delicate flat product. The nubs carry it on point contacts, so it releases cleanly, marks less and gets air under the base; bakery, fresh food, coated and wet-bottom items | Small parts sit unstably on the nubs, or accumulation and back-pressure call for a smooth surface |
Watch how the product behaves on a belt sample. Releases cleanly and needs containment: flat top. Drips: perforated flat top. Sticks, sweats or marks easily: nub top.
Matching sprockets
All three tops run the same POM (acetal) 976 series sprockets:
- Teeth options: 12 / 16 / 20 teeth. Shaft height and belt speed decide it; the higher counts engage more smoothly and give a larger pitch diameter.
- Bore types: square bore is the standard fit and self-centers on the shaft; round bore and bushing inserts are there for odd or worn shafts.
- How many per shaft: figure one sprocket per 100–150 mm of width. Pin the center sprocket only and leave the rest free on the shaft so the belt can expand with temperature.
Accessories for a complete 976 conveyor
- Flights: vertical cleats for incline/decline sections, available for the 976 series.
- Side guards: flexible sidewalls that hold product on inclines and narrow belts.
- Hinge rods: the consumable worth stocking; on-frame module swaps use them up.
- Return wheels and pressure rollers: carry the return strand and keep the belt seated on inclined sections.
How to spec your 976 order
We can price a full 976 build from five data points:
- Surface style (flat top / perforated / nub top) and material (PP or PE)
- Belt width and conveyor length (center-to-center)
- Product weight and speed, ambient/washdown temperature; mention if the product is sticky or marks easily so we can confirm nub top
- Shaft size, for matching square/round/bushing bores
- Accessories: flights (height and spacing), side guards, return components
Request a 976 series quote. You order direct from the manufacturing base; custom widths come in standard module steps.
