How to Choose the Right Conveyor System in Malaysia

In industries where moving bulk materials efficiently is critical, the right conveyor system affects everything from productivity to maintenance in your operations, no matter if you’re in food processing, manufacturing, agriculture, or chemical handling.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between belt and screw conveyors in helping you choose the most efficient option for your facility in Malaysia.

Belt conveyors: Best for continuous, horizontal movement

In Malaysia, belt conveyors are one of the most common types of industrial conveyors, widely used for transporting bulk materials like grains, sand, aggregates, and packaged goods across long distances.

This system consists of a belt stretched over pulleys and rollers, allowing materials to travel in a continuous, horizontal (or slightly inclined) path.

Ideal for:

• Light to medium-weight materials
• Long-distance transport
• Facilities with flat layouts

Key advantages:

• Gentle handling of fragile materials
• High speed and volume capacity
• Energy-efficient over long runs

Screw conveyors (auger conveyors): For precise, enclosed material movement

An industrial screw conveyor, also called an auger conveyor, uses a rotating helical screw blade to move materials inside an enclosed tube or trough. It’s best suited for short-distance, controlled movement of fine or semi-solid materials, especially where dust control or vertical lifting is required.

Ideal for:

• Powders, granules, sludge, cement, and food waste
• Controlled feeding or batching processes
• Vertical or inclined layouts

Key advantages:

• Prevents dust and contamination
• Offers precise flow control
• Saves space with vertical configurations

No two conveyor systems serve the same purpose, so choose based on your specific needs.

What to consider when choosing a conveyor system

When choosing a conveyor system for material handling, there are several factors to consider if a belt or screw system is better:

1. Material characteristics

Consider if your materials are dry, sticky, abrasive, or free-flowing.

• Fine powders or sticky materials work best with screw conveyors
• Bulkier, dry materials work just fine with belt conveyors

2. Distance and layout

• Belt systems are ideal for long, flat runs
• Screw(or auger) conveyors are better for short, inclined, or vertical transfer

If you have space constraints, screw systems may be more practical in tight facilities.

3. Throughput and control

• Belt conveyors are ideal for high-speed, high-volume transport
• Screw conveyors offer more precise flow control for batching or dosing

4. Environment

• Harsh, dusty, or corrosive settings may require enclosed designs or specific materials (e.g. stainless steel)
• Food and pharma sectors may require sanitary-grade conveyors

5. Maintenance needs

Factor in how your system will need to be maintained:

• Cleaning access
• Wear part replacement
• Overall downtime

Choose a system that balances performance with ease of upkeep.

Closing thoughts

Whether you’re leveraging a belt or screw system, the right conveyor keeps your materials moving efficiently while integrating seamlessly into your workflow, environment, and space.

Equally important is working with a industrial screw conveyor in Malaysia that understands how to support your project from production to delivery, such as SJEC.

Here at SJEC, we offer quality belt and screw conveyor systems on top of flexible export-ready delivery terms on FOB (Free on Board), EXW (Ex Works), and CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) to ensure that you’re getting our products in the best way possible.

Looking for a reliable belt or screw conveyor system in Malaysia or abroad? Let’s get your project moving — reach out to us today to explore the right solution for your facility.