Installed in the early 1950s into a new bake oven line, a 100m long, 800mm wide by 1.2mm thick, carbon steel belt is still 'going strong' and more have since been added.

A bakery in Tierp, north of Stockholm, producing gingerbread and many other types of biscuit has experienced many changes in its long history. However, for over 50 years it has benefited from one constant feature in its production process - a steel belt supplied by Sandvik Process Systems. Installed in the early 1950s into a new bake oven line, the 100m long, 800mm wide by 1.2mm thick, grade Sandvik 1300C carbon steel belt is still going strong.

Two additional grade 1300C belts have since been installed and all three lines are running at full capacity.

Fifty years ago an 800mm belt was regarded as wide.

Today bake oven belts up to 2400mm wide and 350m long are delivered to new bake oven lines.

The chemical analysis and mechanical properties of Sandvik 1300C belts, however, have not changed.

Specially designed and produced for bake oven applications of around 250 deg C, the key to the long performance life is a combination of belt properties and ongoing maintenance.

Since its installation, Sandvik Process System engineers have undertaken regular servicing to maintain the surface and ensure belt edges without burrs and deformations.

In addition, in-house engineers have carried out regular oiling of the belt and ensured close control of the steering equipment.

Thomas Wigren, responsible for service and maintenance at Switsbake Int, the present owner of the bakery, believes that excellent product quality, planned maintenance and 'fast response times' when needed, by skilled Sandvik Process Systems service personnel have all contributed to the long life and to achieving high production levels - which for ginger biscuits alone reaches one million boxes each year.

Sandvik bake oven belts can be supplied in an almost limitless combination of widths and lengths, either with a plain solid surface or with various perforation patterns - developed to meet the need for precise product sizing.

All belts are produced to ensure excellent tracking properties, solid edges and virtually vibration free running.

Available in Sandvik grades 1100C and 1300C, several belt widths and thicknesses are stock standard.