Belt Drive

A durable, versatile, and cost-effective system.
Round polyurethane belts on rollers with CNG grooves: the ideal solution for accumulation conveyors, sorting conveyors, and multi-zone systems.

The round belt drive (CNG system—Belt in Grooves) is one of the most widely used solutions in roller conveyors for modern unit handling. One or more polyurethane belts with a diameter of 4–8 mm (optimal Ø5 mm) are wound into special grooves machined directly into the roller shell, transferring motion between the motorized roller and the adjacent idler rollers.

Compared to a chain drive, the belt drive system offers quieter operation, requires no lubrication, is easier to clean, and has a smaller lateral footprint. Polyurethane belts are elastic, cut- and abrasion-resistant, and available in versions suitable for food contact or harsh environments, with an operating temperature range from −5°C to +80°C.

The CNG system can be configured in various ways: connection between the driven roller and the idler roller, drive via the drive shaft, zero-pressure (ZP) accumulation systems, and friction-based systems. It is particularly suitable for speeds up to 0.5–1 m/s and light to medium-light loads.

NUOVA OMEC offers rollers with CNG grooves, integrating them into its main series of idler rollers, available with one or two grooves machined directly into the shell:
Nuova Omec - LGE Belt Drive Rollers

LGE-RS - CNG

Light-duty/medium-light-duty applications. Shell Ø32–76 mm, shaft Ø10–12 mm. One or two grooves. R-type shaft design (recessed with spring). Ideal for light-duty belt conveyors with a through-shaft Ø12 mm.

Nuova Omec - LGS Belt Drive Rollers

LGS - CNG

Light-duty/medium-light-duty applications. Casing Ø40–80 mm, shaft Ø12 mm. G-type shaft (internal thread) as standard. Also available in motorized and shaft-coupled versions.

Nuova Omec - LGPE Belt Drive Rollers

LGPE - CNG

Medium-to-heavy-duty applications. Casing up to Ø102 mm, shaft Ø25 mm. A robust solution for higher loads featuring a round belt system.

Nuova Omec - POLY-CH Belt Drive Rollers

LGS - POLY-CH

Version with a wide V-belt for high-torque transmission. Suitable for high-power motors in systems with intensive energy storage.

Nuova Omec - POLY-V Belt Drive Pulleys

LGS - POLY-V

Poly-V belt designed for a large contact surface and maximum torque transfer. Ideal for motors in high-capacity sorting systems.

Designed to ensure precise and quiet power transmission, belt drive systems absorb vibrations and compensate for minor axial misalignments, reducing component wear over time.

Available with flat, V-belts, and toothed belts (HTD/T), in open or enclosed configurations. Center distances and gear ratios can be customized to meet customer specifications.

Belt Type
Flat / Trapezoidal / Toothed (HTD)
Available belt widths
20–150 mm
Gear Ratio
1:1 – 1:6
Maximum peripheral speed
Up to 30 m/s
Operating temperature
−20°C / +80°C
Maximum transmissible power
Up to 22 kW

The LGS series with a CNG pinion is available in four main configurations, which can be combined as either drive/idle or standard/reversible versions:

Acronym Type Description
HP Motorized Fixed drive head with crown gear
HPF Reversible motor Interchangeable drive head (left/right)
FRZ Clutch-operated Clutch-equipped head for zero-pressure accumulation
FRZF Reversible Clutch Interchangeable clutch head
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Quiet operation

The polyurethane belt ensures significantly quieter operation than a chain drive, reducing ambient noise in warehouses and production lines.

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No lubrication maintenance

Unlike chains, polyurethane belts do not require periodic lubrication. They are ideal for environments where cleanliness is essential, such as the food and pharmaceutical industries.

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Zero-pressure accumulation

With friction systems and sliding pulleys, the belt creates accumulation zones where the conveyor continues running while the package stops without exerting pressure on downstream products.

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Quick installation and replacement

Round belts can be installed and replaced without special tools. Their simple shape and round cross-section also make the pulley grooves easier to clean.

Accumulation pulleys and clamps

For the drive shaft transmission, spacers and flanges are available in various types and materials, in addition to:

  • Fixed pulleys:
  • for rigid transmission through the casing
  • Antistatic pulleys: for environments where there is a risk of electrostatic discharge
  • Friction pulleys: for zero-pressure accumulation on the shaft
  • Clamping collars: to center and hold the straps in place

Round polyurethane belts

  • Available diameters: Ø4, 5, 6, 8 mm (Ø5 mm recommended)
  • Materials: standard polyurethane, food-grade (FDA), antistatic
  • Temperature range: −5°C to +80°C
  • Resistant to cuts, abrasion, and oils

Key Design Specifications

  • Package size and weight: determines the required load capacity for the roller and the optimal center distance
  • Neck support surface: flat, slatted, or pallet with skids: affects the minimum number of rollers in contact (≥ 3—general rule)
  • Conveyor speed: The recommended maximum speed varies by series; at speeds above 0.5 m/s, belt drive or internal motorization is preferred
  • Operating environment: temperature, humidity, chemicals, and dust determine the material of the housing and the type of bearing protection
  • Length and wheelbase: calculated based on the conveyor’s width and the type of package
  • Theoretical bearing life: OMEC standard: 10,000 design hours
  1. Determine the type of package and its specifications —weight, dimensions, and base area. For loads of ≤ 50 kg per package, the CNG system is generally ideal.
  2. Select the roller series —LGE-RS CNG for light loads, LGS CNG for medium-light loads, LGPE CNG for medium-heavy loads.
  3. Define the drive configuration —roller motor with HP/HPF pinion or drive shaft with pulleys. Evaluate the need for accumulation zones (FRZ).
  4. Calculate the center-to-center distance between the rollers —the neck must rest on at least 3 rollers. Typical center-to-center distance for boxes: 75–125 mm; for lightweight trays, even less.
  5. Choose the belt path —upper belt (visible belt) or lower belt (hidden belt). The belt can run from one roller to the other in a crisscross pattern to reverse the rotation if necessary.

Our technical department is available to verify the optimal configuration and provide complete sizing specifications.

The CNG drive with a round polyurethane belt is recommended for speeds up to approximately 0.5–1 m/s. For higher speeds, a flat belt or Poly-V belt drive is preferable, as it offers a larger contact surface and greater stability at high speeds.

Yes. Polyurethane belts are resistant to moisture and many detergents. For food or pharmaceutical applications, we recommend the FDA-compliant version, which features belts and rollers made of certified materials. Avoid prolonged exposure to concentrated acids or harsh solvents.

In many cases, yes—by replacing the idler rollers with CNG rollers of the same series and size and adding a motorized roller. Our technical department can assess compatibility with the existing frame and provide a conversion kit.

In the motorized system (HP), the roller is integral with the drive: it always moves together with the belt. In the clutch-driven system (FRZ), the roller is connected to the drive via a clutch: it can stop when a backlog builds up downstream, while the belt continues to run. This allows for zero-pressure accumulation without stopping the motor.