Catch Cloths vs. Standard Conveyor Covers: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to maintaining cleanliness and safety in your processing environment, selecting the right conveyor protection matters. Two common options, sewn catch cloths and standard conveyor covers, are often used interchangeably. However, they serve different purposes and offer unique advantages depending on your plant’s needs.
If your goal is to reduce downtime, improve floor safety, and prevent contamination, it’s important to understand how these solutions compare.
What Are Conveyor Covers?
Standard conveyor covers are typically rigid or semi-rigid enclosures mounted over or around conveyor belts to protect materials being transported. They help shield product from external contamination (such as dust or moisture) and can be used outdoors or in areas where environmental exposure is a concern.
Common features of standard conveyor covers:
- Usually made from metal or plastic
- Designed to protect product on the belt
- Often fixed in place and not easy to remove
- More effective for outdoor applications or environmental control
What Are Custom Catch Cloths?
Catch cloths, on the other hand, are flexible tarps installed beneath or around conveyor systems to capture falling debris, crumbs, or product overflow. Their primary function is to maintain a clean, safe workspace by preventing materials from reaching the floor or surrounding equipment.
Key features of Siftex’s sewn catch cloths include:
- Heavy-duty, vinyl-coated polyester construction
- Resistant to oil, mold, and mildew
- Hot-air welded hems to eliminate thread contamination
- CAD-cut for precise fit and easy maintenance
- Custom shapes like 45°, 90°, 180°, S-curves, funnels, or boxes
- Optional zippers, drain plugs, clear windows, and color choices
Which Product Management Solution Is Right for You?
Choosing between a catch cloth and a standard conveyor cover depends on your specific operational challenges.
Choose catch cloths if you need:
- A cleaner, safer plant floor
- Reduced slip hazards and contamination
- A food-safe, thread-free solution
- Custom fit for complex conveyor layouts
- Easier cleaning and maintenance
Choose conveyor covers if you need:
- Product protection from weather or dust
- A shield for exposed conveyor sections
- A more permanent enclosure for outdoor applications
In many facilities, the best solution may include both systems working in tandem: conveyor covers to protect the product, and catch cloths to protect the plant environment.
Why Siftex Catch Cloths Stand Out
Siftex has redefined conveyor cleanliness with our precision-engineered catch cloths. We go beyond standard tarp solutions to offer custom-built cloths that:
- Fit your conveyor geometry with CAD precision
- Eliminate thread contamination risk with hot-air welded hems
- Offer modular features like zippers and drain plugs for convenience
- Ship in your choice of colors, including blue, yellow, white, and more
Our catch cloths are integral components of clean, safe, and efficient material handling systems.
Need Help Choosing the Right Setup?
If you're unsure which solution fits your plant best, we’re here to help. Whether you’re replacing worn tarps, redesigning your conveyor layout, or addressing new safety regulations, Siftex can design and deliver the custom catch cloths you need. Contact us today to speak with one of our experts or request a plant visit.
