By Admin
October 10, 2026
At first glance a conveyor belt might seem to be a production line component that looks the same as any other, however the material it is constructed from can have an impact on longevity, maintenance, hygiene and performance. The belt that is successful in a packaging unit may not be the best one for a dairy plant or an environment that is subject to oils and greases.
The selection of the appropriate material begins with the awareness of the product being transported and the operating environment of the belt. The materials used for belts are different, such as polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and oil-resistant belt material, with different properties and applications.
Polyurethane belts have been frequently suggested for food transportation operations since there are grades that offer smoothness, flexibility, and durability. The choice should be made according to the belt structure and specifications of the manufacturer.
A PU conveyor system for dairy industry applications must meet the hygiene and cleaning requirements of the facility. Moisture, regular washing, and close control of the material that touches the products may be involved in dairy facilities.
When choosing a belt, manufacturers must check its compatibility with the food application it will be used for, the type of cleaning agent, and temperature conditions. Not all PU belts can be used for all dairy processes.
PVC conveyor belts are widely utilized in packaging applications as well as other applications for moving products from one place to another. The advantages of PVC belts vary according to their construction.
But when it comes to choosing PVC conveyor belt manufacturers, businesses shouldn't just consider the cost. The suitability is affected by belt thickness, surface finish, load requirements, joint quality and operating conditions.
PVC can be used for packaged products as well as other compatible materials transported. However, the belt should fit the needs of the particular application in terms of temperature, cleaning and chemical resistance. For food applications, it should be confirmed that the chosen grade is food contact compliant. You can read more in our blog on why food-grade PVC conveyor belts are essential for hygienic production.
Oils, lubricants and grease can be present on a conveyor belt in some manufacturing environments. Some of these chemicals may be damaging to the belt's material and result in swelling, softening, cracking or decreased service life.
The oil-resistant conveyor belt is used in those applications that are oil sensitive. These belts can be beneficial in certain automotive, machinery, component handling and industrial processing applications.
But not all belt materials are oil proof. Its performance depends on the type of oil, extent of contact, temperature and material of the belt. It is advisable to consult the instructions issued by the manufacturer regarding compatibility issues.
Each material has a different function, so it will depend on the intended use.
These categories may overlap. For instance, although a belt has oil resistance, this does not necessarily mean it is suitable for food contact, and a belt that is classified as suitable for food may be subject to certain chemical restrictions.
Before purchasing the conveyor belt, consider the following factors:
These checks help avoid premature wear, and ensure that the belt is not the wrong fit for the production process.
Belt material selection is just one aspect of the conveyor planning process. Other factors affecting performance are belt width, conveyor structure, loading method, and cleaning access.
Omtech Food Engineering provides conveyor systems as well as modular belt based food processing, packaging and industrial material handling solutions. Before a design is finalized, businesses can check out the requirements for their application and talk about the appropriate equipment to use.
There are different belts for different operational requirements: PU, PVC and oil-resistant. Depending on the product type, hygiene requirements, environmental exposure and expected use, the appropriate choice will be determined. Proper selection can assist in achieving reliable service and minimize unnecessary maintenance.
Omtech Food Engineering is available to discuss with businesses the conveyor solutions they may require for their handling requirements. Contact us to learn more about conveyor and belt solutions for your industry.
This will depend on the application, cleaning conditions and the belt's proven food contact approval.
It is a type of belt that can handle certain types of oil and grease under specific operating conditions.
Think about the product, temperature, load, hygiene, chemicals, and manufacturer's guidelines.
Hadamtala Industrial Area,
Opp. HP Petrol Pump. NH 27, Dist: Rajkot Gujarat, India.
+91 9879670483
info@omtechfoodengg.com
