Urethane vs. PVC Cleats: What’s the Difference?

Cleats are essential conveyor components used to control product movement, particularly on inclined or vertical conveying systems. They help prevent rollback, improve material handling efficiency, and maintain consistent product flow. One of the most common questions when specifying cleats is whether to use urethane or PVC—and the answer largely depends on the conveyor belt material and application requirements.

PVC Cleats

PVC cleats are designed for PVC conveyor belts and are widely used in industrial applications. They are available in a broad range of profiles and sizes, including T-cleats, heavy-duty cleats, and super heavy-duty configurations.

Key characteristics of PVC cleats include:

• Compatibility with PVC belts.
• Ability to be hot-air welded or high-frequency (HF) welded.
• Wide selection of standard profiles.
• Proven durability in general conveying environments.

PVC cleats are commonly selected for applications requiring robust material handling, flexibility in cleat size, and cost-effective installation options.

Urethane Cleats

Urethane cleats are used exclusively on urethane conveyor belts and must be attached using HF welding. Unlike hot-air welding, HF welding fuses materials using electromagnetic energy, resulting in a precise, sanitary bond.

Urethane cleats are often chosen for:

• Food and sanitary applications.
• Systems requiring thinner or more precise cleat profiles.
• Washdown environments.
• Applications where cleanability is critical.

Because urethane cleats cannot be hot-air welded, installation requires specialized HF equipment and is typically performed in a manufacturing setting.

Key Differences at a Glance

While both cleat types perform the same fundamental function, there are important distinctions:

• Material compatibility: PVC cleats pair with PVC belts; urethane cleats pair with urethane belts.
• Installation method: PVC cleats may be hot-air or HF welded; urethane cleats require HF welding.
• Profile and thickness: Urethane cleats are often thinner and can be used on smaller pulley diameters, while PVC cleats offer heavier-duty profile options and are widely used in industrial settings.

Motion Conveyance Solutions Cleat Capabilities

We offer cleat solutions for both PVC and urethane belt systems, supporting multiple welding methods and a wide variety of cleat profiles to meet application needs. From standard straight cleats to more specialized configurations, we provide the expertise and capability to support complex conveying requirements without compromising performance or reliability.

Selecting the right cleat material ensures compatibility, efficiency and long-term success, making material choice an important part of conveyor system design.

Reach out to a belting specialist today to learn more.