Wrong belt choice ruins freezing performance fast. Plastic and stainless steel mesh conveyor belts differ in material, durability, and hygiene, and their application in IQF Freezers depends on the product type, temperature, and cleaning needs. Their application depends on the product type, temperature, and cleaning needs.
Which Products and Scenarios Are Best for Plastic or Stainless Steel Mesh Conveyor Belts in the Context of IQF Freezers?
Plastic mesh conveyor belts suit low-temperature, light-duty tasks. Stainless steel belts handle heavy, high-temperature loads and meet strict hygiene needs.Choosing between plastic and stainless steel mesh conveyor belts isn’t about price—it’s about process.
When to Use Plastic Mesh Conveyor Belts¹
Plastic mesh conveyor belts are lightweight and non-corrosive. They work well in IQF freezers where food is delicate and the freezing temperature is moderate.
| Feature | Plastic Mesh Conveyor Belt |
| Material | Polyacetal, PE, PP |
| Best for | Fruits, pastries, pre-cooked items |
| Temperature | Below -30°C |
| Benefits | Cost-effective, non-stick surface |
| Limitations | Lower strength, may warp under stress |
Plastic mesh conveyor belts are often used in fluidized bed freezers, especially for small IQF items like peas or diced mango. These belts are gentler, reducing damage to fragile products.
When to Use Stainless Steel Mesh Conveyor Belts²
Stainless steel mesh conveyor belts are much stronger. They perform best in spiral freezers, tunnel freezers, and plate freezer feeders, especially when handling seafood, poultry, or meat.
| Feature | Stainless Steel Mesh Conveyor Belt |
| Material | SS304, SS316 |
| Best for | Shrimp, chicken wings, fish fillets |
| Temperature | Down to -40°C or lower |
| Benefits | Strong, durable, hygienic |
| Limitations | Higher cost, heavier to maintain |
How Do I Know If I Need a Belt Dryer or Cleaning Machine for Optimal IQF Freezers Performance?
Wet belts slow down your line. Dirty belts risk contamination.
You need a dryer and washer if your product drips or your process requires high hygiene. These tools reduce downtime and maintain product quality.
A belt dryer blows off surface water. A belt cleaning machine sprays hot water and brushes debris away. Both are essential when working with juicy, sticky, or high-risk foods.
| Feature | Belt Dryer | Belt Washer |
| Function | Moisture removal from food products | Cleaning and sanitizing conveyor belts |
| Purpose | Extend shelf life, reduce spoilage | Maintain food safety, prevent cross-contamination |
| Process | Heated air flow to remove moisture | Water sprays, brushes, and detergents to clean |
| Application | Drying fruits, vegetables, grains | Cleaning conveyor belts in food processing lines |
When Drying Is Necessary
If your freezer line handles wet vegetables, seafood, or sauces, you likely need a drying step. Wet belts freeze moisture into ice, which can jam the system.
When Cleaning Is Critical
Food factories often run multi-shift operations. We’ve seen belts get slimy between batches. A belt washer helps prevent bacteria buildup and keeps your plant audit-ready.
At Yurnfreeze, we offer automatic belt washing systems integrated into our tunnel and spiral freezers. These systems save labor and ensure hygiene compliance, especially for clients who export to Europe.
Join Yurnfreeze and Start Your Journey to Efficient Freezing
Yurnfreeze Tech Co., Ltd is more than just an equipment manufacturer—we’re your trusted partner in food processing. Our dedicated technical team is here to support you every step of the way, from solution design to after-sales service, ensuring your production line runs seamlessly. Visit our website at www.elephantelf.com to learn more about our self-stacking spiral freezers, or reach out to us at info@elephantelf.com to get a customized freezing solution tailored to your needs!
Conclusion
Pick the right belt, and your freezer runs better, longer. Plastic and stainless steel belts both have their place in IQF systems. The key is matching the right material to your product, processing speed, and hygiene needs.
Footnotes
- Explanation: Plastic belts are made from different polymers like polyacetal, polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), each with specific strengths. A link to material comparisons helps youchoose based on chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, and mechanical performance.↩
- Explanation: SS304 and SS316 both offer good corrosion resistance, but SS316 provides better protection against chlorides and acidic substances, making it ideal for saltwater or acidic food applications. SS304 is more cost-effective for general use, while SS316 offers greater durability and longevity in harsh environments.Click here to Understand their differences.Click here to know more.↩
