Conveyor belt vulcanizing happens in three stages and each has its own importance that can impact the service life of the finished product. These stages include:

1.Induction

2.Crosslinking

3.Optimum state of cure

Vuclanisation can be defined as the exchange of rubber molecules in its raw form and linked into a network by molecule to molecule crosslink into the elastic state. The molecules can move freely in elevated temperatures and are not linked with one another. The uncured rubber is in the thermoplastic state. The temperature is in the range of 180 degree F to 230 degree F with no crosslinking. Here the flow is restricted and hence called flow time.

In the flow time stage, the rubber compound maintains an extended flow time to fill voids and traps air to give the final product. One way to achieve a smooth finish is to turn off the power going to the vulcaniser as it moves into the flow time range while heating up under complete pressure. For a smooth factory like finish, all that is needed is a power downtime of just five minutes.

Subsequent to the flow period, crosslinking moves at a rate that is solely dependent on the cure temperature along with the uncured rubber compounding. The technological properties are now taking shape and it is vital to cure the rubber till it reaches the optimal state of cure and not overtake the maximum stress level.

The rate of cure depends on the crosslinking and the stiffness or modulus of the compound as it is heated way past the flow time point. It is at this point the properties change from soft plastic to elastic state. This crosslinking is dependent on the cure temperature along with the compounding of the uncured rubber.

In this curing step, polymer chains a connected to the rubber. With more polymer chains it becomes stiff and the modulus increases.