Mechanized production and assembly line operations are becoming increasingly common in the food industry. Choosing a suitable, economical, and durable conveyor belt is crucial.
I. Types of Food Conveyor Belts
1. Conveyor Belts and Processing Belts
In food processing, conveyor belts and processing belts are used in all production processes, from raw material collection, sorting, rough processing, and fine processing to later food processing, packaging, and logistics.
Conveyor belts include PVC conveyor belts, PU conveyor belts, PE conveyor belts, silicone conveyor belts, etc. Processing belts include guide strip conveyor belts, baffle conveyor belts, skirted conveyor belts, skirted baffle conveyor belts, perforated conveyor belts, etc.
2. Characteristics and Application Scenarios of Conveyor Belt Materials
PVC Conveyor Belts
Many people worry that PVC conveyor belts cannot be used in food processing, fearing excessive plasticizers that might affect food safety. However, PVC conveyor belts and processing belts can be used in areas where there is no direct contact with food, such as raw material collection, sorting, packaging, and logistics. PU (Polyurethane) Conveyor Belts: PU conveyor belts are designed for direct food contact and meet FDA food certification standards. They are widely used in food processing and transportation. The blue or white conveyor belts commonly seen in direct food contact are typically made of PU.
PE (Pepper Oxide) Conveyor Belts: PE conveyor belts are characterized by high tensile strength, good flexibility, lightness, oil resistance, non-toxicity, hygiene, and easy cleaning. PE conveyor belts meet US FDA food hygiene standards and possess excellent wear resistance and resistance to physical aging, making them a durable conveyor belt product.
Other materials such as silicone belts, Teflon conveyor belts, and rubber-plastic conveyor belts also have numerous applications in food production.
As seen above, when selecting conveyor belts for food machinery, it’s crucial to choose the appropriate product based on the specific application scenario. Classic applications in the food industry include: double-sided yarn conveyor belts for puff pastry machines, anti-stick silicone conveyor belts for sachima (a type of Chinese pasta) equipment, anti-mold and antibacterial conveyor belts for pasta processing equipment, and easy-clean belts for slaughtering equipment.
As a professional conveyor belt manufacturer, Canwell HealthPro® Easy-Clean Belts not only produce conveyor belts but also provide a complete set of pre-selection services. Leveraging decades of industry experience, we help you avoid common mistakes and pitfalls in using conveyor belts.
