The selection should not be based on belt type alone. Engineers need to evaluate conveying distance, lift height, belt tension, capacity, pulley arrangement, take-up design, operating environment, material characteristics and lifecycle cost. Steel cord belts are typically preferred for long-distance, high-tension and heavy-duty systems, while fabric belts are often used for shorter or medium-duty conveyors. Aramid belts may be more suitable where weight reduction, corrosion resistance or energy saving is a higher priority.