The food preparation and handling industry presents particular challenges to conveyor manufacture. Hygiene and cleanliness are paramount, requiring both that the conveyor systems are easy to clean, and also that they resist the adhesion or build-up of material on the belt or chassis.

Food handling conveyors are often required to operate at very high temperatures, such as feeing into/through/out of an oven. Conveyors are also often required to allow air circulation around a carried product to allow it to cool, or allow liquids to drain away. Central Conveyors is very experienced at providing such systems, and are able to design/construct machines that meet your specific business needs.

Polyurethane (PU) and anti-bacterial belts.

PU Belts are very popular in general food handling. PU is an inert material, and hence cannot contaminate the products carried on it. The belts offer a very smooth, impervious surface, making it difficult for any potential contaminants to penetrate into – or adhere to – the belt surface, and hence making cleaning very easy. An additional anti-bacterial agent can be manufactured into the belt surface, further reducing the possibility of contamination.

Plastic modular belting.

This is an effective solution where heavier – or sharp/abrasive – loads need to be carried. The belt forms a ‘caterpillar’ track of plastic plates. These are stain-resistant, and very easy to clean, as well as being easy to maintain and repair.

Stainless Steel

This remarkable material is very popular in food handling, albeit somewhat more expensive than PU or Plastic. It is virtually immune from staining, impervious to attack by chemical or biological agents, resists adhesion or build-up of matter, and hence is very easy to clean. We can build conveyors made entirely out of stainless steel, or – alternatively – with just key components. A common application is to have a stainless-steel frame/chassis, with a PU conveyor belt. For heavier or sharper loads a conveyor can include stainless steel plate-link (slat) belts, or a stainless steel roller surface. (either powered, or “gravity rollers”) One obvious advantage of Stainless Steel is that it can be used in very hot, or very cold, environments. (A typical application might be taking food into/through an oven)

Steel/Stainless Steel wire mesh belt conveyors.

These are very popular where a product needs to have air circulated around it (e.g. for cooling bread after it comes out of an oven), or where liquid needs to drain away freely.