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What Are the Different Types of Food Conveyor Belts?

B. Turner
B. Turner

Conveyor belts are used to transport materials through factories and other manufacturing facilities. Businesses that manufacture or process food products rely on special types of conveyors belts to provide effective sanitation and easy cleanup. These food conveyor belts are also used in other facilities that place a high value on sanitation, including chemical and pharmaceutical companies. The different types of food conveyor belts are often distinguished by their material and construction, which can have a significant impact on cleanup and contamination risk. These food conveyor belts include belts made from plastic, rubber, and stainless steel.

Stainless steel has long been one of the most popular materials used to make food conveyor belts. While these belts tend to be more expensive than other types of conveyor systems, they also are one of the most sanitary of all belt materials. Stainless steel is nontoxic and odorless, so it is unlikely to contaminate food. It also features a very smooth, non-porous surface that is unlikely to trap bacteria and other microbes. Finally, this material is easy to clean, and will not rust or corrode when exposed to water or cleaning solutions.

Many food conveyor belts are made of rubber or plastic.
Many food conveyor belts are made of rubber or plastic.

Another major benefit of stainless steel food conveyor belts is that this material can accommodate a wide range of temperatures. Food processing plants often use extreme heat or cold when transporting or manufacturing food. While plastic conveyors aren't designed to withstand these temperatures, stainless steel won't melt, warp, or crack in extremely cold or hot climates.

Automatic packaging machines that fill and seal milk into paper cartons or plastic jugs often use conveyor belts.
Automatic packaging machines that fill and seal milk into paper cartons or plastic jugs often use conveyor belts.

Rubber conveyor belts are another common option for food manufacturers. These belts tend to cost less than other food conveyor belts, but may not provide the same level of sanitation. While rubber can withstand frequent washing and exposure to a variety of chemicals, it may be more absorbent than metal belts. This means that bacteria and microbes can became trapped in small areas below the surface of the belt, leading to a risk of contamination. Rubber conveyor belts are generally not used to process high-risk items, like meat, but can be used in other food processing applications.

The apron conveyor is a type of conveyor system.
The apron conveyor is a type of conveyor system.

Many modern manufacturers have turned to thermoplastic food conveyor belts. These belts are made using extremely hard and dense forms of plastic that are able to resist tears, rips, and holes. They are also very smooth and easy to clean, with a non-absorbent surface. One limitation to plastic conveyor belts is that they may not be capable of withstanding the extreme temperature ranges sometimes associated with food processing.

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    • Many food conveyor belts are made of rubber or plastic.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Many food conveyor belts are made of rubber or plastic.
    • Automatic packaging machines that fill and seal milk into paper cartons or plastic jugs often use conveyor belts.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Automatic packaging machines that fill and seal milk into paper cartons or plastic jugs often use conveyor belts.
    • The apron conveyor is a type of conveyor system.
      By: Dreef
      The apron conveyor is a type of conveyor system.