Steel belt

Ground stainless steel belts are normally produced with surface roughness ranging from 0.4 μm down to 0.1 μm, with well-rounded edges, and developed for level and straight contour. Such belts are supplied in open lengths, with the ends prepared for welding on site, or in endless condition with a welded joint.

Perforated steel belts enable the drying media, for example hot air, to be transferred 'through' the belt, so that the air is in contact with all parts of the product on the belt. Normally, manufacturers offer perforated belts with five standard perforation patterns which cover most requirements. Other patterns, with a minimum hole diameter of 0.8 mm (0.03 in.) and different spacing, can be provided to suit specific applications.

Mirror polished stainless-steel belts to produce several types of thin film and ceramic sheets. The belts are available in thickness from 0.60 to 2.00 mm (0.02362 to 0.0787 in.) with thickness variation less than or equal to 80 μm. Polished steel belts are produced endlessly or as open-length belts.

Seamless steel belts are suitable to produce of high-quality plastic foils and films such as optical film and packaging film. Thickness normally ranges from 0.03 to 0.60 mm (0.012 to 0.23 in.). Seamless steel belts are suitable for machines with narrow drum diameters using wide belts.

Solid stainless-steel belts are, as standard, delivered in cold-rolled condition with a mill finish of Ra < 0.4 μm and have rounded edges. Carbon steel belts are, as standard, delivered in a hardened and tempered condition with a mill finish of Ra < 0.4 μm and have rounded edges. Solid steel belts are leveled and straightened to obtain flatness and straightness and are supplied in open lengths, with the ends prepared for welding on site, or in endless condition with a welded joint.

Steel belts used in the food business are made to be sanitary, simple to clean, dependable, and flexible in their use. They are employed in the cooking process as well as the drying and steaming of perishables, the freeze-drying of instant coffee, the casting of caramel and other candies, and the formation of chocolate droplets.

Stainless-steel belts are part of continuous production processes. Unlike conveyor belts used purely for transportation purposes, steel belts used in this industry serve as media for transferring heat and/or pressure. Applications for steel belts in the chemical industry include casting, polymerizing of resins, waxes, paraffins and many other substances.

Steel belts may be used to move the finished product or raw material or in parcel sorting systems, transporting of bottles, bulk loads, bricks, machinery parts and the like. Straight tracking, high abrasion resistance, and dynamic fatigue strength are crucial when transporting bulky material or unit load. Extremely high operating speeds cause a high number of load cycles and create severe operating conditions. Steel belts can be made to suit these extreme requirements.

Steel belts play an essential role in modern, continuous production processes for wood-based panels (WBP) such as particle boards, OSB- and MDF boards, where they serve as heat and pressure transfer media at the same time. As the steel belt surface has a direct influence on the final panel surface quality, this application imposes high demands on steel belts regarding thickness uniformity and surface finish.

Compared to a plastic belt, the steel belt is generally more expensive upfront.[6] However, when considering the production price per linear foot, the steel belt proves to be more cost-effective. Additionally, the steel belt has a lower overall cost of process compared to plastic belts since it is not derived from petroleum products. This can lead to long-term savings and sustainability benefits.

Steel belts offer exceptional durability, making them suitable for applications involving extreme temperatures, vacuum conditions, and mechanical stresses. They are engineered to withstand bending, heating, cooling, and other demanding conditions. Different alloys can be used to enhance the belt's resistance to chemicals, humidity, and corrosion. Engineers typically choose a belt material based on its physical properties, availability, and cost, ensuring durability in various environments.

Maintenance of a steel belt is primarily focused on the steel belt conveyor system. This involves addressing belt tracking problems and replacing spare parts and consumables as needed. Proper maintenance ensures the smooth operation and longevity of the conveyor system, minimizing downtime and optimizing production efficiency.

Over time, a steel belt may develop deformations or curvature due to wear and tear. However, these deformations can be rectified through various methods. Shot peening, for example, is a commonly used technique to flatten out the cross curvature of deformed steel belts. This process can be performed quickly and cost-effectively on-site without interrupting production, allowing for efficient repairs and continuous operation.