Contractor Tips Blog

Oct
16

Best Conveyor Belt Options for Food Production Lines

Posted in Conveyor Belts

Conveyor belts are necessary for all types of mass production and are uses extensively in making and packaging food products. However, to meet health standards and other concerns, the conveyors used for food production lines must meet certain specifications. Many small food operations grow to the point where they need to add conveyor belts to meet their production goals. When deciding which conveyor belts are best for a food production line, consider these factors.

Is the Belt Food Grade and USDA Approved?

You must have a conveyor belt that is food grade and has been approved by the USDA for food production. These tend to be non-porous to prevent contamination and issues with bacteria.

Belts Should Have a Specialized Coating

If the food that will be transported has liquid or sticky substances, you will want the conveyor belt to be coated to prevent staining and allow for easy cleaning. Popular coatings include silicone and Teflon, which offer a non-stick surface.

Temperature Compatible Materials

If the food needing to be processed is frozen or hot, it is important to have food grade belts that will be compatible with the temperatures. Some belts may crack in cold temperatures, while others could melt with too much heat.

Cleated or Non-Cleated

Some food products may require cleating to hold the items in place if they are flat, slippery or may roll off the conveyor belt.

In many cases, conveyor belts for food production lines will need to be customized for the exact specifications needed. It is vital to have a conveyor belt company that offers specialized food-grade conveyor belts to find the best option to fit the needs of your business.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Oct
4

Benefits of Rubber Conveyor Belts

Posted in Conveyor Belts

There are many different types of conveyor belts available in various materials, shapes and patterns. One of the most common belts used across many industries is the rubber variety. Rubber belts are considered a general or multi-purpose conveyor belt that can be used in many industries. Here are some of the benefits and attributes of rubber conveyor belts.

  • Handles high and low friction. Rubber is a good material for conveyor belts that undergo high friction, such as inclining or declining applications. It can also handle low friction for accumulation or heavy loads.
  • Food grade. Special rubber conveyor belts are used for many food grade applications in manufacturing edible products. However, it is important to ensure that the belt is food grade and certified for use in the food industry.
  • Cut and oil resistant. Rubber is a durable material that can withstand sharp objects cutting the belt and does not react with oily substances.
  • High temperatures. Rubber conveyor belts are an excellent choice for handling high temperature conditions or products.
  • Versatile. Rubber conveyor belts can be customized for texture and cleating as needed to meet a variety of needs.

If you are trying to decide the right conveyor belt for your needs, rubber materials tend to meet most general purposes. However, you want the right material and design to get the best results. Contact a conveyor belt manufacturer and supplier that offers many different types of belts to get more information on what will best suit your business. In many cases, rubber conveyor belts are the best option, but heavy or wet objects, metal belts may be a better option. Talk to your conveyor belt experts to find out if rubber is right for your next conveyor belt purchase.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Oct
26

Adding Conveyor Belts to Your Retail Food Business

So you started a small business making candies or homemade-style cookies for sale. It was always your dream to share your specialty food items with the public. The good news is that your product is a hit! You have more orders than you can fill and now you need to expand your operation. One thing you may need as part of your manufacturing operation is a conveyor belt. However, there are considerations when buying a conveyor for a food manufacturing operation.

Food Grade Standards

If you food items will be riding on a conveyor belt to be packaged, you will need to take special precautions when purchasing your new belt. Conveyor belts for food must meet health regulations, plus there are some other considerations as well. When choosing your new conveyor belt, keep these factors in mind.

  • Heat and cold. If your food will be either hot or cold, your belt will need to be specialized for those conditions. Food grade belts can be customized to ensure they don’t crack or melt from extreme temperatures.
  • Staining. Food that is brightly colored or has residual liquid can stain your belts. You may need a specialized coating to protect your belt such as silicone.
  • Non-stick. For food items that have a sticky exterior, you will want food grade belts that are coated for a non-stick surface. Teflon is a popular coating for food grade conveyor belts.
  • USDA approval. Any belt you choose for a retail food operation must meet USDA standard for health.

To ensure you get the right conveyor belt for your expanding retail food business, consult with a conveyor belt company that specializes in food grade conveyor belts. They can provide you with the right belts to meet your business’ needs.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

Feb
2

Choosing the Right Conveyor Belt for Your Application

If you own a growing manufacturing business, you may be considering the addition of conveyor belts to your operation. There are few pieces of equipment which are as essential to large manufacturing operations as the conveyor belt, reducing labor costs and increasing production. However, it’s not as simple as just adding a conveyor belt. You first need to decide which is going to best meet the needs of your particular business.

Cleated Conveyor Belts

For moving flat items or product up a steep incline, cleated conveyor belts are an excellent option. You can have cleated belts custom-made for your product, or choose rubber cleats to help with items which are difficult to keep in place.

Food Grade Conveyor Belts

If you produce food products, there are unique concerns when purchasing conveyor belts. You will need food-grade conveyor belts made of materials which have been approved by the USDA, installed by a quality conveyor belt provider. You may also need to consider adding coating to your belt to protect it from staining and to provide easy removal of adhesive substances.

Rough Top Conveyor Belts

Do you need to move packaged materials? You may need to have a rough-top conveyor belt that will easily hold smooth surfaces, such as packed cardboard boxes. These are used by many shipping outfits to process packages quickly and efficiently.

Vacuum Conveyor Belts

Some products may need to be held flat to your belt, such as paper or cardboard products. If you need a secure grip on a flat product or to hold an item in a specific position, you may need a vacuum conveyor belt for your application.

As important as the type of conveyor belt you choose is the company that installs and services your new belt. Make sure to choose a conveyor belt company that offers a variety of commercial belts, and ongoing repair and service plans for all your conveyor belt needs.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113

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