PTFE Belts
Belts are typically manufactured by coating a fabric base- often fiberglass or Kevlar - with PTFE, combining the strength and flexibility of the fabric with the unique surface qualities of the polymer.
Main Types
Closed Weave PTFE Belts: These belts have a solid, non-porous surface ideal for applications requiring a smooth, continuous belt. They are widely used in food production (e.g., grilling meats, baking flatbreads) and in textile processing, where they can thermally bond layers of material together using heat and pressure.
Open Mesh PTFE Belts: Featuring a mesh structure, these belts allow airflow through the belt, making them suitable for drying, curing, and processes where ventilation is needed. Common uses include drying cereals, baking, and curing coatings inside beverage cans, where the mesh enables efficient heat and air circulation.
Key Properties
High Temperature Resistance: PTFE belts can withstand extreme temperatures, making them suitable for processes involving rapid heating and cooling cycles.
Chemical Inertness: They resist a wide range of chemicals, acids, and solvents, which is valuable in harsh industrial environments.
Non-Stick Surface: The low friction surface prevents product adhesion, ensuring smooth transfer and reducing cleaning requirements.
Food Safety: PTFE is generally recognised as safe for food contact, which is why these belts are common in food processing applications.
Flexibility and Customisation: PTFE belts are manufactured in various thicknesses, widths, and mesh sizes to accommodate different conveyor systems and applications.
Typical Applications
Food Industry: Used for grilling, baking, and drying due to their non-stick and heat-resistant properties. Examples include cooking meats and producing tortillas.
Textile Industry: Employed in laminating and bonding textiles, where heat and pressure are applied to fuse materials.
Industrial Drying and Curing: Open mesh belts are integral in processes like drying cereals and curing coatings on beverage cans, thanks to their airflow capabilities.
PTFE belts combine strength, durability, and specialised surface properties, making them essential in industries where high temperatures, chemical exposure, and non-stick performance are critical. Their versatility is reflected in the range of available constructions - from solid to open mesh - tailored to specific process requirements.
Brown International Ltd can supply PTFE coated belts sourced from trusted manufacturers, ensuring access to a wide range of specifications and customization options.