Food processors of poultry, pork, seafood, vegetables and cheese products that are breaded or battered utilizing conveyors need wire belting that can withstand the rigors of the process. However, traditional round balance weave belting has changed little in 100 years and is notorious for requiring replacement in as little as a week, causing costly production downtime and excess wasted product.
Food-grade balance weave belts – made of steel or stainless steel, suitable to be run in a conveyor with a sprocket drive, friction drive, or chain driven belt – can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the dimensions and quality. So, even though wear and premature replacement is a serious issue, such wire belting should not be considered simply a low-cost consumable item.