A breakthrough in steel belt processing technology has enabled a steel producer to launch a range of strong, super thin stainless steel conveyor belts to replace weaker plastics ones.

A breakthrough in steel belt processing technology has enabled Sandvik Process Systems, a product area within Sandvik Materials Technology, to launch a range of super thin stainless steel conveyor belts. The new Sandvik 1700SA stainless steel belt grade provides a competitive and viable alternative for applications that could previously only be carried out using weaker or less hygienic materials, such as plastics. Its ease of cleaning, good wear and corrosion resistance and in-line repairability make the new belt particularly suited to use in hygiene critical industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals and electronics.

A combination of high impact resistance and high thermal conductivity mean improved resistance to mechanical damage and to corrosion and distortion by fluctuations in temperature.

This opens up opportunities for a wide range of freezing, cooling, drying and heating applications.

Available in thicknesses from 0.6mm down to 0.2mm and widths from 100mm up to 1000mm, depending on thickness, Sandvik 1700SA belts have a low deflection diameter enabling OEMs to design extremely compact systems with small conveyor drums.

Sandvik has developed special techniques and equipment to provide belts with surface finishes tailored to particular processes.

Cold rolled and ground finishes are supplied as standard but perforated, polished, PTFE and Teflon coated surfaces are also available.

Sandvik Process Systems can provide much more than the supply and repair of belts.

The company has a wealth of experience in the installation and operation of steel belts.

Always willing to share information with its customers, Sandvik's process expertise and steel belt technical know-how has recently been consolidated into a CD, which is available to conveyor manufacturers and end users.