Plastic & Stainless Steel Modular Wire Mesh Belt Conveyor

Mesh Belt Conveyor

A mesh belt conveyor is a continuous conveying system that utilizes an interconnected belt, constructed from either metal wire or engineering plastic modules, serving as both the load-bearing surface and the traction mechanism. Its defining characteristic is the permeable mesh structure of the belt, which enables key functionalities such as airflow, drainage, and heat transfer during transport. This design makes it ideal for integrated process stages like washing, drying, cooling, screening, and spraying. Known for its compact design and reliable operation, it is a fundamental component in modern automated production lines across diverse industries including food processing, beverage, packaging, electronics, metallurgy, construction materials, and wastewater treatment. Based on the core belt material, it is primarily categorized into two types: Plastic Mesh Belt Conveyors and Stainless Steel Mesh Belt Conveyors.

Plastic Mesh Belt Conveyor

A conveying system employing a flexible belt made from standardized modules of high-polymer engineering plastics (e.g., Polypropylene PP, Polyethylene PE, Polyoxymethylene POM) manufactured via injection molding. These modules are interlinked with high-strength hinge rods to form a continuous belt, driven by sprockets.

 Core Material Advantages:

• Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Highly resistant to most acids, alkalis, salts, and chemical solvents. Ideal for humid or corrosive industrial environments.

• Superior Hygienic Properties: Complies with FDA and EU food-contact regulations. Non-toxic, odorless, features a smooth, bacteria-resistant surface that is easy to clean and sanitize.

• Lightweight and Low Noise: Approximately 1/4 to 1/5 the weight of a comparable metal belt, reducing structural load and energy consumption. Operates quietly due to low friction.

• Economical Operation: Low friction coefficient reduces drive power. Modular design allows for localized part replacement, minimizing maintenance costs and downtime.

• Temperature Limitations: Standard operating range: -10°C to +80°C (short-term peaks to +90°C). Not suitable for high-temperature heat treatment or cryogenic applications.

Structure and Design:

• Highly Modular: Modules can be infinitely combined in width and length, facilitating straight runs, turns, inclines, spirals, side transfers, and complex layouts.

• Surface Variety: Available in flat-top, grid, and non-slip raised patterns to suit different product stability and friction needs.

• Flexible Connection: Configurable as seamless closed loops or easily opened/assembled belts using various hinge rods and sprockets.

Main Technical Specifications:

Typical Applications:

• Food Industry: Biscuit cooling, candy coating, fruit/vegetable washing, meat processing.

• Packaging Industry: Bottle/can handling, labeling, and packaging lines.

• Daily Chemicals & Cosmetics: Filling and packaging lines for bottles.

• Light Manufacturing: Electronic component assembly, small product inspection.

  
  

Stainless Steel Mesh Belt Conveyor

A conveying device that uses a belt constructed from stainless steel wires, rods, or stampings (grades such as 304, 316, 314) through weaving, welding, or assembly. It is characterized by exceptional robustness and stability.

Core Material and Performance:

• High Strength and Durability: Offers superior tensile strength and wear resistance for a long service life. Capable of withstanding heavy, impact, and continuous loads.

• Excellent Temperature Resistance: Operates in an extreme range from -50°C to +1150°C (grade-dependent). Essential for baking, sintering, quenching, and freezing processes.

• Good Hygienic Properties: Grades like 304/316 are corrosion-resistant, non-rusting, and easy to clean, meeting food and pharmaceutical hygiene standards.

• Excellent Structural Stability: Provides precise tracking and is ideal for long-distance, high-precision conveying.

Structure and Weaving Types:

• Rich Variety of Weaves: Includes balanced weave, chain-driven (piano hinge), double-rod spiral, flat wire rod, etc., for different load and function requirements.

• High Customization: Mesh shape, size, and edges (flanges, flights) can be tailored to specific process needs.

• Combination Structures: Often integrated with chains and tracks to form heavy-duty chain-mesh conveyors.

Main Technical Specifications:

Typical Applications:

• High-Temperature Processes: Glass annealing, ceramic sintering, metal heat treatment.

• Food Deep Processing: Blanching, frying, continuous drying, tunnel freezing.

• Heavy Industry: Casting cooling, powder metallurgy, automotive parts washing.

• Environmental & Engineering: Wastewater filter screens, dewatering machines.

Summary and Comparison

The selection between a plastic and a stainless steel mesh belt conveyor is fundamentally driven by the core requirements of the application process.

• Choose a Plastic Mesh Belt Conveyor when priorities include ultimate hygiene, chemical resistance, low noise/energy use, and operation at ambient or moderate temperatures. It is the more economical and efficient choice for these conditions.

• Opt for a Stainless Steel Mesh Belt Conveyor when facing challenges such as high temperatures, heavy loads, long distances, or extreme environments (e.g., intensive washing, freezing). Its strength, temperature tolerance, and durability are irreplaceable in these scenarios.

  
  

In practice, both types can be effectively combined within a single production line. For example, a food processing line might use a stainless steel belt for the initial washing stage (for durability) and switch to a plastic belt for cooler, downstream packaging sections (for hygiene and economy). Informed selection starts with a thorough process analysis, followed by careful evaluation against the criteria outlined above.